How much notice do I need to give my Dubai landlord if I don't want to renew my tenancy?

Most Dubai tenancy contracts require 60–90 days' written notice if you don't intend to renew

Dubai's rental law does not set one fixed notice period for tenants who simply want to leave at the end of their contract, so the period that applies is usually the one written in your tenancy agreement. The standard Dubai Land Department tenancy contract commonly includes a 90-day notice clause, although some landlords agree to 60 days or another period. Landlords, by contrast, must give at least 90 days' notice before expiry if they want to change the terms, such as the rent. This is general information, not legal advice, and your signed contract is the first thing to check.

What happens if you miss the notice deadline

If neither side gives notice and you stay on after the end date, the tenancy can be treated as renewed for the same period on the same terms, which is where many tenants run into trouble. Some contracts also include a penalty for late notice, often expressed as one or two months' rent, and landlords may try to deduct this from the security deposit. If you are already past the deadline, contact your landlord in writing as soon as possible, since many will agree to a reasonable handover date, particularly if you help with viewings for the next tenant. Check whether your contract has an early-termination clause too, as that is a separate issue from simply not renewing and usually carries its own penalty.

How to give notice properly

Send your notice in writing and keep proof it was received. Email with a read receipt, a registered letter, or a message through the landlord's agent all work, and some tenants use a notary for extra certainty. State clearly that you do not wish to renew and give the date you will vacate. Book a move-out inspection, ask for DEWA and Ejari closure steps in advance, and photograph the property on handover to protect your deposit. If the landlord disputes your notice or withholds money unfairly, the Rental Dispute Centre at the Dubai Land Department handles these cases, and legal advice is worth getting before filing. Keep a copy of your Ejari certificate and the signed contract to hand, since you may need them for the handover and for closing utility accounts.

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