PSI Team
Real Estate Expert
Signing a rental contract is more than agreeing to the rent. Your Abu Dhabi lease sets out the main terms of your tenancy and the responsibilities of both you and your landlord.
Before signing, take some time to read the agreement and check the details that can affect your tenancy.
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Start with the basics. Make sure the lease has the correct:
If something you were promised is missing from the agreement, ask about it before signing.
Check the total annual rent, number of payments, amount of each payment, and payment dates.
Also check the security deposit and the conditions that may affect its return, such as unpaid amounts or damage caused during the tenancy.
Keep your payment receipts and records throughout the tenancy.
Do not wait until your lease is about to expire to check the renewal section.
Look for:
For residential leases in Abu Dhabi, either party that does not want to renew the lease or wants to change its terms generally must give the other party written notice two months before the lease expires.
As of June 2026, Abu Dhabi temporarily changed the annual rental increase for tenancy contract renewals from 5% to 0%, until further notice. The measure applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the emirate.
Rental rules can change, so check the latest ADREC guidance when your lease is due for renewal.
Maintenance is one of the clauses tenants often overlook.
Read the agreement to see who is responsible for:
Abu Dhabi tenancy law distinguishes between necessary repairs, which are generally the landlord's responsibility, and minor rental repairs, which are generally handled by the tenant. The law also places responsibility on tenants for damage they cause, unless otherwise agreed.
If the contract uses unclear wording, ask for clarification before signing.
Find out which bills you will pay during the tenancy.
These may include:
Your lease should make these responsibilities clear.
Your lease may include restrictions on how you can use the property.
Check the rules covering:
If you want to make alterations or renovations, check the lease first. Under Abu Dhabi tenancy law, a tenant generally cannot make changes to the property without the landlord's written permission unless the change does not cause damage.
Plans can change, so check what happens if you need to leave before the lease ends.
Look for:
Leaving the property early does not automatically end the lease, so understand the contract's termination terms before signing.
Tawtheeq forms part of Abu Dhabi's tenancy registration system. Keep a copy of your signed lease and tenancy contract details after registration.
ADREC also provides an online service that allows users to verify a tenancy contract using the contract number.
Keep copies of your lease, payment records, and move-in documentation in one place.
Before signing, ask yourself:
You do not need to be a legal professional to read an Abu Dhabi lease carefully. Take it one section at a time and focus on the things that affect your everyday tenancy: rent, deposit, dates, repairs, bills, renewal and moving out.
If a clause is unclear, ask the landlord or property manager before signing. For questions involving a legal dispute or interpretation of your rights, independent legal advice may be appropriate.
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