How to renew your tenancy contract in Dubai without an agent?

This guide walks you through the renewal process step by step, so you can renew your tenancy contract without involving an agent.

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Important note on agents: We are not against agents. Many provide real value — especially with negotiation, market references, price guidance, full support, and dispute prevention. If you prefer professional help for those aspects, use an agent.This guide is for cases where both parties are willing to agree on terms directly and simply need clear, compliant documents and registration — without paying full renewal fees for basic contract updates. Many people end up using agents because the process feels unclear; this article helps them do it independently when they want to.

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This guide is for cases where both parties are willing to agree on terms directly and simply need clear, compliant documents and registration — without paying full renewal fees for basic contract updates. Many people end up using agents because the process feels unclear; this article helps them do it independently when they want to.

Can You Renew a Tenancy Contract in Dubai Without an Agent?

Yes, you can legally renew a tenancy contract in Dubai without an agent — as long as both landlord and tenant agree to handle it directly.

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There is no legal obligation to involve an agent for renewal, even if the original lease mentioned an agent renewal fee. Sometimes such clauses are included without the landlord's explicit consent, but that does not prevent direct renewal following the steps in this article.

Do You Legally Need an Agent to Renew a Tenancy in Dubai?

No. An agent is not legally required for tenancy renewal in Dubai.

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Under Dubai tenancy regulations:  

• Renewal is a private agreement between landlord and tenant.  
• Agents can assist but are not a mandatory party.  
• Ejari registration does not require an agent’s involvement.

Agents often manage renewals because they handled the original lease or because tenants and landlords are unaware they can renew directly. This has created a common misconception that renewal must go through an agent — which is not the case.

What a Tenancy Renewal Actually Means (Many Landlords and Tenants Get This Wrong)

In Dubai, renewing a tenancy means agreeing on new terms and creating a normal tenancy contract for the upcoming period.

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A valid renewal contract consists of two parts:

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1. Standard tenancy contract  

The official part that follows the recognised structure required for Ejari registration. It includes:  

•   names of the landlord and tenant  
•   property details  
•   start and end dates  
•   rent amount and payment method  

Without this correctly completed document, Ejari registration will be rejected.

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2. Addendum (appendix)  

  Covers additional agreed conditions, such as:  

•   early termination terms  
•   responsible party for utilities payment  
•   maintenance and repair responsibilities  
•   pets rules  
•   landlord access (access for tenant is granted by law)  
•   key handling and access  
•   liability for damages  

It must not contradict the law. The addendum protects both parties and ensures all practical arrangements are clearly documented.

For guidance on tenancy addendums and recommended clauses, see our dedicated article.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Tenancy Without an Agent

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Step 1: Negotiate and Agree on Renewal Terms Directly

Start by confirming whether both parties want to renew the tenancy. It’s best to do this 2–3 months before the current contract ends, especially if you expect any changes. There is no formal deadline for simply agreeing to continue on the same terms.

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Under Dubai tenancy regulations (RERA/DLD), a 90-day written notice is required only if one party wants to introduce material changes, such as a rent increase, a different payment schedule, or new contractual clauses. If no notice is given, the tenancy automatically renews on the existing terms, including the same rent.

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At the same time, mutual agreement overrides default rules: if both landlord and tenant agree, they can change any terms at any time, even if the changes fall outside the Smart Rental Index.

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Once renewal is confirmed, discuss and agree on the key points:

• Rent amount (the official Smart Rental Index can be used as a reference; it applies only if there is no mutual agreement)
• Lease duration (most commonly 12 months)
• Payment method and schedule (cheques, bank transfer, or other agreed option)
• Any additional changes, such as maintenance responsibilities, pets, or special conditions

After reaching agreement, summarise the terms in writing (email or WhatsApp is sufficient). This written confirmation becomes the basis for preparing the new tenancy contract in Step 2.

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Step 2: Create the New Tenancy Contract  

Document the agreed terms in a fresh, standalone tenancy contract — this is the essential step that legally records your renewal details and ensures Ejari acceptance. Do not skip or shortcut it with just verbal agreements or an addendum alone.

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Options:  

• Download and Manually fill the official DLD Unified Tenancy Contract template

Update your previous version to match the required format, then draft a separate addendum for extra terms. Be meticulous — errors in wording or structure often cause Ejari rejections.  

• Use a digital platform like Habi

Input the negotiated terms online (rent, duration, payment method, any changes), then customize additional details. Habi generates a complete DLD/RERA-compliant package, including the standard contract, professionally worded addendum with your selected or custom clauses (e.g., early termination, maintenance, utilities, furniture inventory if applicable). The platform handles precise legal phrasing, bilingual formatting (Arabic/English), and exports files optimized for Ejari upload.

Contracts prepared this way are ready for signing and Ejari registration.

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Step 3: Sign the Contract  

Both parties sign the contract.

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Options:  

• In person, by signing physical copies of the contract.
• Digitally, using an electronic signature method accepted for tenancy agreements in Dubai, such as UAE Pass or widely used e-signature tools.
• Some digital tenancy platforms, including Habi, provide built-in e-signature functionality as part of the renewal process.
• Many people insert a scanned/PNG image of their handwritten signature into the PDF and email the file — this is widely practiced for tenancy renewals and generally accepted, as long as both parties agree.  

Both parties should retain signed copies.

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Step 4: Handle Rent Payment and Security Deposit  

Follow the payment terms agreed in Step 1 and documented in the contract.

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Rent:  

• If using post-dated cheques: Tenant provides the new set of cheques as agreed. Both parties should take clear photos/scans of all cheques (front and back) before handover — this creates a reliable record.  
• If using bank transfers: Tenant makes payments on the due dates. Set calendar reminders to track payments.

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Security deposit:

Usually carries over / rolls over to the new tenancy period — no need to return and re-collect it unless the contract specifies otherwise.

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Step 5: Register the Renewed Contract with Ejari  

Ejari registration is mandatory right after signing and payments — it makes the renewal legally valid (required for DEWA, visas, etc.).

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How to register:  

• Via Dubai REST app (landlord usually starts).  
• In person at Real Estate Trustee offices (also known as Typing Centres).  
• Through property management services.  
• Digital platforms like Habi — fully online, tenant-friendly option. Add required docs, and Habi handles submission and processing.

For a simple, step-by-step guide on Ejari registration (including required documents and fees), see our detailed article.

Once you have the new Ejari certificate — renewal complete!

Why Direct Renewal Works Better for Both Tenants and Landlords

For Tenants:  

• Significant savings on agent renewal fees (typically AED 1,000–5,000 or up to 5% of annual rent; in 2026, most common is around AED 2,000).  
• Clearer understanding of what you are signing.  
• Direct communication reduces delays and misunderstandings.

For Landlords:  

• Stronger, more transparent relationship with the tenant.  
• Greater control over contract accuracy and compliance.  
• Fewer intermediaries and less back-and-forth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Without an Agent

• Skipping a new contract and using only an addendum or verbal deal.  
• Ignoring the 90-day notice rule for changes.  
• Forgetting written records of negotiations.  
• Delaying Ejari registration after signing.

Renewal Without an Agent Is Simpler Than It Seems

Renewing a tenancy contract in Dubai without an agent follows a clear process: negotiate terms, create a new contract, sign, handle payments, and register with Ejari. With clear guidelines and digital tools like Habi, the entire process can be completed in days or even hours.

A Practical Way to Renew a Tenancy Contract Without an Agent

The biggest challenge is ensuring the contract is prepared correctly and accepted for Ejari registration. While manual methods using DLD templates are possible, they risk errors in wording or omissions.

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Habi platform allows you to enter your agreed terms online and generates a full DLD/RERA-compliant package: the standard tenancy contract, a tailored addendum with precise clauses, furniture inventory if applicable, and any custom terms. It is bilingual, ready for e-signing via integrated DocuSign, and formatted for Ejari upload.

FAQ

Can a tenant renew a tenancy contract without an agent in Dubai?  

Yes, as long as the landlord agrees, a new contract is created to record the terms, and it is registered with Ejari.

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Is an addendum enough for tenancy renewal?  

Not recommended. An addendum alone may not be sufficient for Ejari registration (especially via trustees) and can leave terms unclear or ambiguous. A fresh full tenancy contract is the safer option.

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Is Ejari mandatory for tenancy renewal?  

Yes, every renewed tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari, even if terms are unchanged.

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Who can register Ejari — landlord or tenant?

Either party can register, but methods like Dubai REST are landlord-oriented; tenants often use Trustee offices or digital services.

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What if we want to change terms like rent?  

Landlord must give 90 days' written notice for material changes; otherwise it auto-renews on existing terms. Mutual agreement can override anytime.

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Can I renew my tenancy contract and Ejari online? How does it work?

Yes, this is possible. If the renewal terms are agreed between the landlord and tenant, both the tenancy contract and Ejari registration can be completed online.

The Habi platform allows you to handle this process in one flow. You can prepare a new, compliant tenancy contract for the renewal period, include an addendum for any additional terms, sign the documents digitally, and submit them for Ejari registration online - all in one place.

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