Abu Dhabi Introduces Temporary Rent Freeze Across All Property Types

The same rule also applies when a previously rented unit is leased to a new tenant. In these cases, the new contract must be registered at the same rent as the previous one.

The policy replaces the earlier framework that allowed landlords to increase rents by up to 5% on renewal under certain conditions, provided tenants were given at least two months' notice. That system had been in place since 2016.

Enforcement is carried out through Tawtheeq, Abu Dhabi's official tenancy registration system, where all rental contracts are registered. Any submission with a higher rent is automatically rejected, even if it was agreed privately before the rule was introduced.

Overview

What Has Changed?

Situation	Before 2 June 2026	From 2 June 2026
Renewing an existing lease	Rent could increase (usually up to 5%)	Rent stays the same
Renting a unit that was rented before	Landlord could set a new market price	Rent must stay the same as the last tenant's contract
Which properties are affected	Mainly residential	Residential, commercial, and industrial
Approval of rental contracts	Increases could be accepted if compliant	Any increase is automatically rejected
Duration of the rule	Long-term framework	Temporary, until further notice

For Landlords and Tenants

What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

• The rent freeze applies to all renewals and new leases for previously rented units from 2 June 2026 onwards.
• Any rent increase agreed before the announcement cannot be registered if it conflicts with the new rules. All contracts must be processed through Tawtheeq at the same rent as the previous contract.
• The measure does not apply retrospectively. Contracts renewed and registered before 2 June 2026 are not affected.
• ADREC has not announced an end date. The measure remains in effect until further notice.