Tenancy renewal management

Why renewals need planning

A renewal looks simple: the tenant stays and the contract rolls over. But if you want to change the rent or any other term, the law requires at least 90 days' notice before expiry. Miss that window and you will usually have to renew on the same terms. If you want the property back for sale, your own use or demolition, the notice period is 12 months and must be served by notary public or registered mail. These deadlines are why we track every expiry date from the day a contract is signed.

How the permitted increase is worked out

Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the maximum increase depends on how far the current rent sits below the average rent for similar properties in the RERA rental index. If the rent is no more than 10% below the average, no increase is allowed. Beyond that, the cap rises in steps to 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% as the gap widens. Since January 2025, the Smart Rental Index also takes into account building classification and star ratings.

We run the official calculator for your unit, record the result and explain it to you. You can check it yourself with our rent increase calculator or the rental index guide. Always confirm the final figure on the DLD rental index service.

Our renewal process

1. Early review. Well ahead of the notice deadline, we check the contract, the index result and current comparable rents. 2. Your decision. We set out three options: renew as is, renew with adjusted terms within the legal cap, or end the tenancy where you have a lawful ground. 3. Notice. If terms are changing, we prepare a written notice and confirm it is delivered at least 90 days before expiry. 4. Tenant response. We handle the conversation and any counter-proposal. 5. Paperwork. We prepare the renewal contract or addendum and coordinate the Ejari renewal. 6. Record. You get copies of the notice, proof of delivery and the renewed documents.

When the tenant is leaving

If the tenant gives notice or declines new terms, we move straight to vacancy marketing and book a move-out inspection. The aim is to keep the gap between tenants short without rushing into a poor choice.

What you provide and what you receive

You provide: your goals for the property over the next year — keep the tenant, raise rent within the cap, sell or move in — and approval of the notice wording.

You receive: the index calculation, a short recommendation, a copy of any notice with proof of delivery, and the renewed contract and Ejari details.