Since 3 June 2026, landlords in Abu Dhabi cannot raise rent on renewal. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) announced that the permitted annual increase for residential, commercial and industrial property changed from 5% to 0%. The measure is temporary and runs "until further notice". Renewals and new agreements must use the rent in the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract. Law No. 20 of 2006, Article 16, lets the Executive Council Chairman change or cancel the 5% rate.
What changed: 3 June 2026: ADREC announced the 0% cap, with immediate effect under the Arabic text. As of 28 September 2026, ADREC had not announced an end date.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for tenants and landlords of property in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra, who are renewing a lease, signing a new one, or disputing a rent increase.
It is general information based on ADREC's announcement and the published text of Law No. 20 of 2006 as amended. Dubai uses a different system based on the rental index. For comparison, see our guide to rent increase notices in Dubai.
What did ADREC actually say?
ADREC's press release of 3 June 2026 sets out the key points. Where the English and Arabic versions differ, the Arabic prevails.
| Question | What the announcement says |
|---|---|
| New cap | 0% a year, down from 5% |
| Property types | Residential, commercial and industrial, across the emirate |
| Renewals | All tenancy renewals are processed at a 0% increase while the measure lasts |
| New agreements | Renewals and new agreements use the rent from the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract |
| Start | The Arabic version says it applies with immediate effect |
| End | A temporary short period, "until further notice" |
| Oversight | ADREC oversees implementation and compliance |
| Contact | ADREC's website, customer service line and official email. The English version invites reports where the directive is not observed; the Arabic version refers to information and enquiries |
On the announcement's wording, the last registered Tawtheeq rent is also the basis for a new agreement, so a new tenant in a previously registered unit would not expect to pay more. Check how ADREC applies this to your unit before you sign.
Where does the rule come from?
Article 16 of Law No. 20 of 2006, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2009, says:
- the agreed rent binds both parties for the whole contract term;
- the landlord may increase rent only once a year, by no more than 5%;
- the Chairman of the Executive Council may increase, reduce or cancel that percentage;
- the rule applies to current tenants on renewal and to new tenants when a lease is signed;
- the yearly period runs from the date of the last lease or the last increase, whichever is more recent.
Article 16 also lets the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee reduce an increase to the legal limit. It can fine a landlord up to one year's rent for exceeding the limit or for not following its decision, even if nobody asks for a fine. ADREC's announcement does not give the number of the decision behind the freeze.
What the freeze does not change
The announcement is about rent increases. It does not mention eviction, notice periods or the grounds for ending a lease, and it does not say it changes Articles 20 or 23 of the law. On our reading, these points still apply:
- Notice to change terms or not renew. Either party must give written notice two months before expiry for residential property, or three months for commercial, industrial, craft or professional use (Article 20).
- Eviction grounds. Non-payment, unauthorised subletting, misuse, demolition and the owner's own residence remain grounds, with conditions (Article 23). See our guide on eviction and tenant rights in Abu Dhabi.
- Paying rent. Rent is still due on time. For residential leases the law allows up to 21 days after the agreed due date unless the contract says otherwise (Article 11).
Points the announcement leaves open
- Contracts already renewed. Whether a renewal registered with an increase before 3 June 2026 is affected is not stated.
- Units never registered. How the rent is set for a first lease with no earlier Tawtheeq record is not stated.
- ADGM areas. The announcement does not mention Al Reem Island or Al Maryah Island, which fall within Abu Dhabi Global Market. Check with ADREC if your unit is there.
Some media reports describe further clarifications on these points, but we could not find them in an official ADREC text. If one of these applies to you, ask ADREC in writing and keep the reply.
Step by step
- Find your last Tawtheeq contract. Note the registered annual rent, the start and end dates and the contract number.
- Check your renewal offer. Compare the proposed rent with the last registered rent.
- Check the notice dates. Changes to terms need written notice two months before expiry for residential property, three months for commercial.
- Reply in writing. If the offer is higher than the registered rent, point to the ADREC announcement and ask for a corrected offer.
- Keep paying rent. Do not withhold rent while you raise the issue.
- Report non-compliance to ADREC. Use the channels listed in the announcement.
- Prepare your file. The rent increase preparation tool can help you set out dates and figures.
- Consider the committee. If the landlord will not correct the increase, a claim can go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee. See our guide to the Abu Dhabi rental dispute committee.
Documents checklist
- Your current and previous Tawtheeq-registered tenancy contracts
- The landlord's renewal offer or new contract draft
- Written notices exchanged before expiry, with delivery proof
- Rent cheques, bank transfers and receipts
- Emirates ID, or trade licence for a company tenant
- A copy of the ADREC announcement dated 3 June 2026
- Any reply from ADREC to your query or report
- A short timeline of dates
Common mistakes
- Signing a higher rent "to keep the flat". Raise the issue in writing before signing and keep a record.
- Using the old 5% rule. The rate is 0% while the measure lasts.
- Assuming the freeze stops eviction. The announcement does not change the grounds or notice rules for ending a lease.
- Relying on an unregistered contract. The reference rent comes from the last registered Tawtheeq contract.
- Stopping rent payments. Late payment can itself become an eviction ground.
- Relying on old articles. Pages written before June 2026 describe a 5% cap.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Consider licensed advice if your landlord insists on an increase, if you received a non-renewal notice soon after refusing one, if your unit is in an ADGM area, or if you rent commercial or industrial premises with a large rent at stake.
The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can my Abu Dhabi landlord raise the rent now?
Not on renewal while the measure lasts; ADREC said on 3 June 2026 that renewals are processed at a 0% increase until further notice.
Does the freeze apply to new tenants?
ADREC said renewals and new agreements reference the rent in the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract, so on its wording a new tenant in a previously registered unit would not expect to pay more than that rent; confirm with ADREC.
Which rent is the starting point?
The rent in the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract, according to ADREC.
How long will the freeze last?
ADREC described it as temporary and "until further notice"; as of 28 September 2026 no end date had been announced.
Does the freeze stop my landlord ending my lease?
The announcement does not mention eviction, so the grounds and notice periods in Law No. 20 of 2006 still apply as far as the published texts show.
Does it cover shops, offices and warehouses?
Yes; the announcement covers residential, commercial and industrial properties across the emirate.
Where do I complain if my landlord ignores it?
ADREC asks tenants to contact it through adrec.gov.ae, its customer service line or its official email, and rent disputes can go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Official sources
- Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre — Temporary update to Annual Rental Cap Increase in Abu Dhabi (3 June 2026)
- Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre — Arabic version of the announcement
- Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre — Tenancy rules and regulations, including Law No. 20 of 2006 as amended
- Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre — Tenancy legislation in Arabic, with amendment notes
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Rental Dispute Settlement Committees
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.