Abu Dhabi freezes rent increases for residential, commercial tenants
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Abu Dhabi has introduced a temporary freeze on rent increases across the emirate, with the measure taking effect immediately.
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre announced that all residential, commercial and industrial tenancy contract renewals will be processed with a zero per cent rent increase until further notice.
Under the decision, any new tenancy agreement for a unit that was previously rented must be offered at the same rental value as the preceding contract, preventing rent increases on those properties.
The move comes as a relief for tenants amid ongoing regional tensions.
Current regulations in Abu Dhabi allow landlords and property management companies to increase rents by up to five per cent annually, provided tenants are notified at least two months before contract renewal.
Tenants in the emirate are also required to pay a housing fee equal to 3% of the annual rent under Abu Dhabi Council Resolution No. 13 of 2016.
The emirate records tenancy agreements through the Tawtheeq system, which maintains legally binding records for residential and commercial leases and is mandatory for contract registration and attestation.
In 2024, Abu Dhabi launched its first official rental index to improve market transparency, provide indicative rental values and support stability in the real estate sector.
Similar measures have previously been introduced in the UAE. In 2021, Abu Dhabi Ports froze rents for businesses operating within its industrial cities and free zones, a move that benefited more than 1,400 companies.