Client’s Question:
“I have been living in Dubai for the past three years, and since I moved in, I’ve encountered various payments from the management company. First, they charged me a standard fee for the lease agreement, but now with each renewal, they are asking for a ‘service fee’ of 1000 AED and a 200 AED RERA fee. Recently, I received a notice for renewal, and I see these charges again. Is this legal? Can I do anything about it?”
Response:
In Dubai, the relationship between landlords and tenants is regulated by the lease agreement, which clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both parties. An important aspect is that any additional fees, including government taxes and charges, must be specified in the agreement and agreed upon by both parties.
According to Article 22 of Law No. (26) of 2007, tenants are obligated to pay all government fees unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement. This includes mandatory RERA registration fees, which are intended to regulate the real estate market and protect the interests of both parties.
As for the service fee, it must also be specified in the terms of your lease agreement. If such terms are absent or you disagree with the additional charges, you have the right to dispute them.
What to Do in Case of Dispute:
If negotiations with the landlord do not lead to an amicable resolution, you can approach the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. This body helps resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants based on the applicable laws, ensuring the protection of your rights.
