A lease renewal in Abu Dhabi runs on a clear calendar. The dates that matter are set by the tenancy law, and the renewal itself happens in DARI. Here is the order, from six months out to the last day.
Key points
- Not renewing or changing terms on a home needs written notice 2 months before the lease ends (3 months for commercial).
- If the tenant stays on without objection, the lease renews for a similar term on the same conditions.
- Since 3 June 2026 renewals are at 0% until further notice; ADGM keeps 5% on Al Reem and Al Maryah.
- Only the landlord starts a renewal in DARI, within the last month; the tenant cannot be swapped.
- Needing the home for yourself requires notice 6 months before the end, with conditions.
The notice periods
Under Law No. 20 of 2006, a lease runs until the end of its term and can be renewed by mutual agreement. If either side does not want to renew, or wants to change the terms, it must tell the other in writing:
- 2 months before the lease ends, for a home.
- 3 months before it ends, for commercial, industrial or professional property.
If the lease ends and the tenant stays on with the landlord's knowledge and without objection, the law treats the lease as renewed for a similar term on the same conditions. Silence is a decision.
Wanting the home back to live in yourself has its own rule: a notice served six months before the lease ends, plus conditions that include not owning another habitable home in the same municipality and living in it for one uninterrupted year after the tenant leaves.
The rent at renewal
Since 3 June 2026, the Government of Abu Dhabi has set the annual rent increase at 0%, down from 5%, for a temporary period and until further notice. ADREC says renewals reference the rent in the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract. Some DARI help pages still mention the earlier 5% limit; the June 2026 announcement is the newer rule.
On Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, ADGM confirmed that its 5% annual cap continues, and its AccessRP rules allow a renewal increase of up to 5% on a residential lease.
Renewing in DARI: the steps
- Log in to DARI and open Services, then Lease, then Renew Tenancy Contract. Only the landlord can start a renewal; the tenant cannot.
- Start within the month before the lease ends, the window DARI gives for renewal.
- Choose the contract. The property and tenant details carry over and cannot be edited; you can update the rent details and add occupants.
- Review and submit. The tenant is notified and accepts, or rejects with reasons.
- If the tenant rejects, review the reasons, then edit and resend the renewal, or terminate it.
You cannot swap the tenant during a renewal: a new tenant needs a new contract. On Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, renewals run through ADGM's AccessRP, which allows a renewal up to 90 days before the lease ends.
If you are not renewing
Send your written notice at least two months before the end date, and keep proof that it was delivered. A notice does not by itself end a tenancy against the tenant's wishes: if the tenant stays, only the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee can order eviction, on the grounds listed in Article 23 of the law, such as unpaid rent, subletting without permission or the owner needing the home to live in. When the lease has expired, close the tenancy contract in DARI; the tenant receives the request to approve it. If you cannot agree, the Rental Dispute Settlement Committees of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department hear landlord and tenant disputes.
Your renewal calendar
- 6 months before: decide whether you need the home back for yourself.
- 3 months before (suggested): decide to renew, change the terms or end.
- 2 months before, at the latest: send any notice in writing.
- Last month: start the renewal in DARI.
- After expiry, if not renewing: close the contract in DARI.
Official sources
Read on 29 October 2026. Rules and fees can change: check the official page before you act.
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