Can Dubai real estate agents legally charge tenants annual administration fees?

According to Ashish Mehta, under Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendment Law No. (33) of 2008, a landlord-tenant relationship in Dubai is governed strictly by the tenancy contract. This document must clearly outline all rental terms, including any additional payments. Real estate agencies can only charge an annual administration fee—such as Dh1,500 for contract renewals—if this charge is explicitly stated and agreed upon in the tenancy contract. If the fee is not mentioned, tenants have the right to question or dispute it. In unresolved cases, tenants may escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre or the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. As per Article 22 of the tenancy law, tenants are generally responsible for government-related fees and taxes linked to property use, unless otherwise specified in the contract.

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