Can landlords in Dubai charge tenants more for amenities?

Can the tenant file a complaint against the landlord with the Dubai Rental Disputes Centre?

Ask: I reside in an apartment in Dubai. My landlord increased the rent by 20 percent, while Rera’s rent calculator only allows 10 percent. A judge at the Rental Dispute Center ruled in my favor. However, now I received a notification from the owner that they would charge me more for amenities like pool, gym, etc. Previously I was not paying for any of these services. Is this legal?

Answer: According to your queries, as you reside in a rented apartment in the Emirate of Dubai, the provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating relations between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai apply.

In the emirate of Dubai, amenities in a rented apartment building are part of the rent, and the tenant is not required to pay additional rent/charges for the use of such amenities, unless the tenant agrees otherwise with the landlord . This is in accordance with Article 11 of the Dubai Rental LawWhat states,

“Unless otherwise agreed, the Rental will cover the use of the facilities of the Real Estate, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, gyms, gyms, parking lots and other facilities.”

As per the aforementioned legal provision, your landlord cannot include additional charges for the use of services in the rented apartment building, since you are an existing tenant and were not charged the same previously. You can inform your landlord that the Dubai Rental Law does not allow the landlord to charge additionally for the use of services in the rented apartment building. If the landlord does not agree to the same, you can file a complaint against the landlord with the Dubai Rental Disputes Center.

News Source: Khaleej Times