Lease Agreement Translation in Dubai
MOJ Certified for RERA & Court Submissions
Lease agreement translations are directly accepted by RERA, Ejari, and the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) when MOJ-certified. Failure to accurately translate rent escalation clauses or termination conditions is among the top reasons for eviction case complications at RDC.
| Standard Translation | OnlineTranslation.ae Legal Standards |
|---|---|
| Generic tenancy translation | Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007) terminology |
| Approximate rent terms | Exact payment schedule and cheque allocation |
| No escalation clause analysis | RERA rent index terminology compliance |
| Variable formatting | RDC and Ejari submission format |
| Basic stamp | MOJ-certified legal stamp with QR verification |
Why Lease Translations Are Disputed at RDC
The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) requires Arabic documentation for all proceedings. Disputes arise when translations incorrectly render notice periods (changing "90 days" to "three months" alters timing), when termination conditions differ between languages, or when rent escalation mechanisms do not match the RERA calculator methodology. Our translators understand Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended) and apply correct legal terminology throughout.
Lease Types We Handle
Critical Lease Elements
Every lease contains provisions that become evidence at RDC if disputes arise. Rent amount and payment schedule—including number of cheques and due dates—must translate exactly. Security deposit terms and return conditions must be legally equivalent. Lease duration and renewal provisions, including automatic renewal language, must preserve the original intent. Maintenance responsibilities and service charge allocations must be clear. Termination clauses—including early exit penalties—must match precisely.
For Palm Jumeirah, Marina, and Downtown properties, we regularly translate both standard RERA forms and bespoke lease agreements. Each translation is formatted for Ejari registration or RDC submission requirements.
If RERA, Ejari, or RDC rejects our lease translation due to our error, we correct and redeliver at no charge—including courier costs to meet your registration deadline.
Rental Disputes and Eviction Proceedings
Whether you're a landlord seeking eviction under Article 25 grounds or a tenant disputing rent increases beyond the RERA calculator allowance, translated lease agreements are essential evidence. The RDC reviews the Arabic version—if your translation introduces ambiguity about notice periods, eviction grounds, or rent terms, your case is weakened regardless of what the English says. Our legal translators understand RDC evidentiary requirements and structure translations accordingly.
Lease Types We Translate
Residential Leases
Apartment, villa, and townhouse tenancy agreements for Ejari registration
Commercial Leases
Office, retail, and warehouse tenancy contracts
Industrial Leases
Factory, workshop, and industrial facility agreements
Short-Term Rentals
Holiday home and furnished apartment agreements
What You Need to Know About Lease Translation
The Real Question: Do I Need This for Ejari?
For residential leases in Dubai, Ejari registration is mandatory. Ejari accepts contracts in Arabic or English. But when you have a dispute—or when you need the contract for visa purposes—that is when the Arabic translation becomes essential.
The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC), which handles all landlord-tenant disputes in Dubai, operates in Arabic. If your lease is in English only, you will need a certified translation before they accept your case. This applies to eviction notices, rent increase disputes, security deposit claims, and maintenance disagreements.
Residential vs Commercial: Different Rules Apply
Residential Leases
- Governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 (amended 2023)
- RERA rent calculator limits increases
- 90-day eviction notice required
- 12-month notice for personal use eviction
- Security deposit max 5% of annual rent
- Ejari registration required
Commercial Leases
- More flexible terms allowed
- No RERA rent increase cap
- Negotiated notice periods
- Higher security deposits permitted
- Fit-out and reinstatement clauses
- Business activity restrictions
When You Need Arabic Translation
Most residential tenants do not need their lease translated for daily life. But these situations require certified Arabic translation:
- Rental disputes: RDSC requires Arabic documents
- Court proceedings: Eviction cases, damage claims
- Visa applications: Some PROs require Arabic lease
- Bank accounts: Some banks want Arabic address proof
- Utility registration: Occasionally requested by DEWA
- School enrollment: Some schools ask for Arabic lease
What RDSC Looks At
When a dispute reaches the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, judges examine:
Contract Terms
What did both parties agree to? The Arabic version is what gets interpreted.
Notice Compliance
Were proper notices given for rent increases, renewals, or termination?
Payment History
Who owes what? This often involves translated bank statements alongside the lease.
Property Condition
Move-in and move-out inventories may need translation if they were in English.
Common Lease Translation Issues
Visa and Residence Connection
Your tenancy contract is one proof of address for residence visa purposes. While Emirates ID and utility bills are often preferred, some PRO officers request an Arabic lease. If you are sponsoring family members, having a translated lease ready can speed up the process.
The lease also proves you have adequate housing for dependent visas. The minimum space requirements vary by emirate and visa type. The translation should clearly show the property size and bedroom count.
Free Zone and DIFC Leases
Free zone accommodations and DIFC-located offices have their own lease formats:
- DIFC: Common law jurisdiction, English-language contracts standard
- JAFZA/DAFZA: Free zone standard templates
- Staff accommodation: Special regulations apply
For disputes involving free zone properties, you may still need Arabic translation if the case goes to mainland courts rather than free zone tribunals.
Realistic Timeline
Standard residential leases (4-8 pages) translate in 4-6 hours. Commercial leases with multiple annexes take 24 hours. If you have an RDSC hearing date, tell us when you upload. We prioritize based on court deadlines.
Keep a Copy Ready
If you anticipate any potential dispute with your landlord, get your lease translated now while things are calm. When a dispute escalates, you do not want translation turnaround to delay your RDSC filing.
Common Translation Requirements
Rental Disputes
Translation for Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) cases
Ejari Registration
Arabic translation for Dubai Land Department Ejari system
Court Submissions
MOJ-certified translation for Dubai Courts proceedings
Lease Renewals
Translation of renewal terms and rent adjustment notices
Need a Lease Translated?
Send your tenancy contract via WhatsApp. We'll provide a quick quote and deliver your certified translation.