UAE Tenancy Contracts: A 2025 Guide for Landlords and Tenants

For the majority of residents in the UAE, renting a property is a fundamental part of life. The relationship between a landlord and a tenant is governed by a legally binding **tenancy contract**. This document is of paramount importance as it outlines the rights and obligations of both parties and serves as the primary reference point in case of any disagreement. The rental market in the UAE is well-regulated, with specific laws in each emirate to protect both landlords and tenants. [1] In Dubai, the rental market is primarily governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 (and its amendments), and all tenancy contracts must be registered on the **Ejari** system, which is the official online portal for tenancy contract registration, managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This guide provides a clear overview of tenancy contracts in the UAE for 2025, with a focus on the regulations in Dubai. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, whether you are a landlord or a tenant, is key to a smooth and dispute-free tenancy. T4me can provide assistance with the registration of your tenancy contract and connect you with legal experts for any rental disputes. The Tenancy Contract: Key Clauses A standard tenancy contract should clearly state the following: Ejari: The Official Registration System Ejari, which means ‚my rent‚ in Arabic, is the mandatory system for registering all tenancy contracts in Dubai. Registering your contract with Ejari is crucial because: How to Register with Ejari: Key Rights and Obligations For Tenants: For Landlords: How T4me (t4me.com) Can Assist You T4me (t4me.com) can simplify the process of formalizing your tenancy. Our services include: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Who is responsible for registering the Ejari? It is legally the responsibility of the landlord, but it is common practice for the tenant or their real estate agent to complete the registration. 2. How much is the security deposit? It is typically 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished property and 10% for a furnished property. 3. My landlord wants to increase the rent by 20%. Is this legal? You should check the RERA Rental Increase Calculator. If the calculator indicates that no increase is permitted, then the landlord`s demand is not legal. 4. My landlord wants to sell the property and has asked me to leave in one month. What are my rights? If the landlord wants to sell the property, they must give you a 12-month written notice, sent via registered mail or a notary public. 5. Who is responsible for maintenance? Generally, the landlord is responsible for major maintenance (e.g., issues with the AC, plumbing, or structure), while the tenant is responsible for minor, day-to-day maintenance. Conclusion: A Clear Framework for a Harmonious Tenancy The UAE`s rental laws provide a clear and fair framework that governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. By having a comprehensive tenancy contract and ensuring it is registered with Ejari, both parties can protect their rights and enjoy a secure and harmonious tenancy. Understanding the key provisions of the rental law is essential for navigating the rental market with confidence. For any procedural or legal challenges, seeking professional assistance is always the best way to ensure your interests are protected. Contact T4me (t4me.com) today for assistance with your Ejari registration or for a referral to a legal expert for your rental matters. Let us help you secure your home in the UAE. References [1] Dubai Land Department. “Rental Laws.” dubailand.gov.ae, 2023, https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/about-dld/laws-and-regulations/.

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UAE Commercial Contracts: A 2025 Guide to Drafting and Enforcement

**Commercial contracts** are the bedrock of all business relationships. They are legally binding agreements that define the rights, obligations, and expectations of the parties involved in a commercial transaction. In the fast-paced business environment of the UAE, having a clear, comprehensive, and legally sound contract is not just good practice; it is essential for protecting your business, minimizing risk, and ensuring a smooth commercial relationship. [1] The UAE`s legal system for contracts is based on the **Civil Code** (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), which sets out the general principles of contract law. It is crucial that any commercial contract intended for use in the UAE is drafted in compliance with this code. This guide provides a high-level overview of the key principles of commercial contracts in the UAE for 2025, including essential clauses and enforcement. For the drafting or review of a specific contract, it is imperative to seek professional legal advice. T4me can connect you with experienced commercial lawyers who can ensure your contracts are robust and enforceable. Key Principles of UAE Contract Law Essential Clauses in a Commercial Contract While the specific clauses will vary depending on the nature of the transaction, every robust commercial contract should include: Contract Enforcement and Dispute Resolution If one party breaches the contract, the other party has the right to seek legal recourse. As discussed, the two main avenues for this are: The choice of dispute resolution forum should be carefully considered at the time of drafting the contract. How T4me (t4me.com) Can Assist with Your Commercial Contracts Drafting a solid commercial contract requires legal expertise and a deep understanding of UAE law. T4me can provide the crucial link to this expertise. Our role is to: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Is a verbal agreement legally binding in the UAE? While verbal agreements can be legally binding, they are extremely difficult to prove in court. It is always essential to have a written contract. 2. What is the difference between a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a contract? An MOU is often a preliminary agreement that outlines the basic terms of a potential future contract. It may or may not be legally binding, depending on its wording. A contract is a definitive and legally binding agreement. 3. Can I use a standard contract template from the internet? This is highly inadvisable. A generic template will not be tailored to your specific transaction and may not be compliant with UAE law, potentially leaving your business exposed. 4. What does ‚Governing Law‚ mean? This is the law that will be used to interpret the contract and resolve any disputes. For contracts performed in the UAE, it is common to choose UAE law as the governing law. 5. Why is the dispute resolution clause so important? It determines where and how you will have to fight a legal battle if something goes wrong. A poorly drafted clause can lead to a costly and time-consuming dispute in an inconvenient forum. Conclusion: The Foundation of Your Business Deals A well-drafted commercial contract is your first line of defense in any business transaction. It provides clarity, sets expectations, and offers a clear path to resolution if things do not go as planned. Investing in professional legal advice to get your contracts right is one of the smartest investments a business can make. By taking the time to put in place robust and enforceable contracts, you are laying a solid foundation for successful and secure business relationships in the UAE. Contact T4me today (t4me.com) for a consultation on your commercial contract needs. Let us connect you with the legal experts who can help you build a solid legal foundation for your business. References [1] U.AE. “Contracts.” u.ae, 2023, https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/contracts.

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UAE Company Documents Attestation: A 2025 Guide

**Document attestation** is the process of certifying the authenticity of a document so that it is legally recognized in another country. For companies operating in the UAE, the attestation of corporate documents is a frequent and crucial requirement. Whether you are a foreign company setting up a branch in the UAE or a UAE-based company needing to use your documents abroad, you will need to go through the attestation process. [1] The process involves getting a series of stamps and seals from various government departments in both the country where the document was issued and the country where it will be used. It is a formal and often complex procedure that verifies the document`s legitimacy at multiple levels. This guide provides a clear overview of the company documents attestation process for the UAE in 2025. We cover both the attestation of foreign documents for use in the UAE and the attestation of UAE documents for use abroad. T4me (t4me.com) offers a professional and reliable document attestation service to navigate this entire process for you. Why is Company Document Attestation Required? Attestation is required to prove that your company`s legal documents are genuine and have been issued by the relevant authorities. Common scenarios where attestation is needed include: The Attestation Process: A Chain of Verification The attestation process follows a specific chain of verification. The exact steps depend on the country of origin and the type of document. Attesting Foreign Company Documents for Use in the UAE: Attesting UAE Company Documents for Use Abroad: How T4me (t4me.com) Can Handle Your Document Attestation The attestation process can be a lengthy and bureaucratic ordeal, involving couriering documents between countries and dealing with multiple government departments. T4me`s(t4me.com) end-to-end attestation service takes this entire burden off your hands. Our services include: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. How long does the attestation process take? The timeline can vary significantly depending on the country, but it typically takes anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. 2. What corporate documents typically require attestation? Common documents include the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Board Resolutions, and Powers of Attorney. 3. Does the document need to be translated? If the document is not in English or Arabic, it may need to be legally translated before the attestation process can begin. 4. Can I attest a copy of a document? Generally, the original document is required for attestation. However, in some cases, a certified true copy may be accepted. 5. What is the difference between notarization and attestation? Notarization is the first step, where a Notary Public verifies the identity of the person signing the document. Attestation is the subsequent process where a series of government bodies verify the authenticity of the Notary`s seal and the document itself. Conclusion: The Official Stamp of Global Recognition Document attestation is the official process that gives your company`s legal documents global recognition. It is a vital and unavoidable step for any company engaging in international business, whether you are expanding into the UAE or from the UAE into other markets. Given the complexity and time-consuming nature of the process, entrusting it to a professional attestation service provider is the most efficient and reliable solution. T4me`s (t4me.com) expertise and global reach ensure that your documents are attested correctly and returned to you with the minimum of fuss, allowing you to proceed with your international business plans with confidence. Contact T4me (t4me.com) today for a quote on your company document attestation needs. Let our experts handle the red tape for you. References [1] U.AE. “Attesting documents.” u.ae, 2023, https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/attesting-documents.

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