Tenant Rights in Abu Dhabi: Complete Guide [2026]

Abu Dhabi has its own tenancy laws, separate from Dubai. If you rent in Abu Dhabi, here is what you need to know about your rights under Law No. 20 of 2006 and its amendments.

The 5% Rent Increase Cap

Under Resolution No. 14 of 2016, landlords in Abu Dhabi cannot increase rent by more than 5% per year. This is simpler than Dubai's tiered system. Key rules:

• Maximum increase: 5% of the current annual rent
• Landlord must give 2 months written notice before renewal
• Only one increase per year (at renewal)
• No mid-contract increases

Tawtheeq Registration (Not Ejari)

Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq (not Ejari) for tenancy contract registration. Key differences:

• Registration is through the TAMM platform
• It is mandatory for all residential and commercial leases
• Required for utility connections (ADDC), visa sponsorship, and government services
• Both landlord and tenant must cooperate to complete registration

Eviction Protections

Under Law 4 of 2010 (amending Law 20/2006):

• 12 months notarized notice for eviction for personal use
• 60 days notice for non-renewal (no reason needed, but only at contract expiry)
• No eviction during an active contract unless the tenant breaches terms

Maintenance and Repairs

Similar to Dubai, the landlord is responsible for structural maintenance. The tenant handles day-to-day minor repairs. If the landlord refuses to maintain the property, file a dispute with the ADJD.

Filing a Dispute in Abu Dhabi

Rental disputes are handled by the Rental Disputes Settlement Committee (RDSC) under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department:

• File online through the ADJD portal or in person
• Bring your Tawtheeq certificate, contract, and evidence
• Send a formal notice first — use our notice generator

Key Differences from Dubai

Related Resources

• Abu Dhabi 5% Rent Cap Explained
• Tawtheeq Registration Guide
• Tenant Rights in Dubai (for comparison)
• Ask Our AI Rights Assistant about Abu Dhabi tenancy law