How Can Landlords Improve Tenant Retention in Dubai?

If you've ever rented out a property in Dubai, you already know that finding tenants isn't the real challenge. The city is full of people arriving for new jobs, families moving for better homes, and investors testing out Dubai's lifestyle. The bigger challenge is keeping tenants in the long run.

Every time someone moves out, landlords face not just an empty unit but also fresh advertising, broker fees, maintenance checks, repainting, and sometimes even rental discounts to attract the next tenant. If this cycle keeps repeating, it eats into profits. So, how can landlords in Dubai actually keep good tenants happy and settled? 

Here's how you can turn your Dubai rental into a place people don't want to leave.

Why Tenant Retention Matters in Dubai's Rental Market

Dubai's rental market is competitive. According to the Property Monitor, there are over 368,000 rental contracts registered in 2025 so far, with many being renewals and others brand-new leases. That's a huge volume of people moving in and out.

Now, imagine you're a tenant and your rent keeps climbing, or maintenance requests take forever. It would be easy and practical for you to start browsing listings. With the variety of new projects being launched, such as Tilal Al Ghaf or the waterfront apartments at Dubai Creek Harbour, it's easy to find alternatives.

So, as a landlord, you must focus less on chasing the next tenant and more on holding onto the one you already have.

Be Smart With Rent Increases

Let's be honest, rent is the first thing tenants care about. Dubai's rental laws are clear, stating that landlords cannot arbitrarily raise rent. The RERA rental calculator sets the guidelines for increases. For example, a 5% increase is possible if the rent is 11-20% below the market rate, while a 20% increase is the maximum if the rent is 40% or more below the market rate. If your property's rent is already close to the average market rate, you might not be allowed to raise it at all.

Even if you can raise rent, should you?

Think of it this way: a small increase that follows the law may bring in a little extra income. But if that increase pushes the tenant out, you'll likely lose more money during the vacancy period and the costs of finding a new tenant. Sometimes it's smarter to keep rent stable, especially for reliable tenants who pay on time and take care of the property.

Respond Quickly to Maintenance Issues

Suppose your tenant calls you about a leaky tap. You say you'll get back to them. A day goes by, then two, then three. The tiny leak becomes a big puddle, and now they're frustrated. In Dubai, a landlord who ignores maintenance requests is on a fast track to a vacant property.

Ask any tenant what frustrates them most, and you'll probably hear, "The landlord never fixes things on time." It’s actually the number one reason people move out.

Don't be that landlord. Set up a simple system for them to report issues, whether it's a WhatsApp group or just a text. It's best to schedule regular maintenance checks at least once or twice a year. This prevents a lot of big problems down the road and shows your tenants that you're on top of things. 

The truth is, tenants don't expect luxury treatment. They want problems fixed without endless follow-ups. If you become the landlord who acts fast, your tenants will think twice before moving.

Offer Flexibility in Payments

Not every tenant wants to pay rent in just one or two cheques. While paying annually or biannually was once the norm, today many landlords accept 4 or even 12 cheques. It is a kind of flexibility that makes a tenant's life easier, especially for families managing school fees or professionals who get paid monthly.

Of course, more cheques will create more paperwork for landlords. But think of it as a small effort to ease financial stress for your tenant. Sometimes, that flexibility is the deciding factor that encourages them to stay another year.

Build a Good Relationship

Tenant-landlord relationships in Dubai can feel very transactional. But it doesn't have to be that way. A simple text asking if everything is okay with the property can make a world of difference. It shows you see them as a person, not just a source of income.

People stay where they feel respected and in a city where most people are far from home, kindness matters more than we realise. If you treat tenants like long-term partners rather than short-term customers, you'll notice the difference when renewal time comes.

Be Transparent About Rules and Fees

Dubai tenancy contracts appear straightforward on paper, but in reality, minor misunderstandings can arise. Perhaps a tenant assumes air conditioning servicing is included, or they're unclear about the rules for breaking a lease early. Those small gaps can quickly turn into big frustrations.

The simplest way to avoid this is to be upfront from the start. Clearly mention in the contract what's covered, what's not, and how things like rent increases work. Tenants really dislike surprises, especially the kind that affect their wallet. By being clear and transparent, you build trust and prevent those tense conversations down the line.

Work With a Property Management Company

Some landlords live abroad or don't have time to manage tenants directly. In these cases, hiring a property management company can be a lifesaver. They handle rent collection, maintenance, and tenant communication.

Yes, it comes with a fee, but for many investors, the peace of mind is worth it. Plus, tenants prefer dealing with professionals who have systems in place rather than waiting on a landlord who's juggling multiple properties.

Conclusion

Landlords in Dubai have plenty of opportunities. The city keeps attracting new residents, and rental demand isn't slowing anytime soon. But the smartest landlords are the ones who realise that the "next tenant" is not always better than the one already living in the property. A happy tenant is your best insurance policy against empty months, legal disputes, and extra costs. So, if you're a landlord in Dubai, the question isn't just how do I find tenants? The better question is, how do I keep the good ones I already have?

Keeping tenants happy shouldn't feel like a full-time job. At Betterhomes, we handle the hard parts for you so your property stays filled and your returns stay strong. Contact us today, and let's make your rental worry-free.