On 3 June 2026, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) announced a temporary freeze on rent increases across the Emirate.
1. What changed?
The annual rental increase cap in Abu Dhabi has been reduced from 5% to 0%. Rent may not be increased above the amount stated in the property's most recent Tawtheeq registration while the measure remains in force.
2. What does it cover?
The freeze applies to both new lease agreements and renewals.
Accordingly, landlords, in principle, may not circumvent the freeze by terminating a lease and re-letting at a higher rent.
Properties with no prior Tawtheeq registration are exempt.
3. What properties are affected?
The freeze applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the Emirate.
4. Does it apply in ADGM?
In principle, the freeze applies only onshore and does not apply in ADGM. ADREC has not yet expressly confirmed this.
5. How long will it last?
The freeze is a temporary measure, applying until further notice. No end date has at present been announced.
6. Enforcement
ADREC will oversee compliance. Tenants and businesses may report violations through ADREC's official channels.
If you have questions about how the freeze affects your lease, renewal, or property portfolio, please contact us.
On 3 June 2026, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) announced a temporary freeze on rent increases across the Emirate.
1. What changed?
The annual rental increase cap in Abu Dhabi has been reduced from 5% to 0%. Rent may not be increased above the amount stated in the property's most recent Tawtheeq registration while the measure remains in force.
2. What does it cover?
The freeze applies to both new lease agreements and renewals.
Accordingly, landlords, in principle, may not circumvent the freeze by terminating a lease and re-letting at a higher rent.
Properties with no prior Tawtheeq registration are exempt.
3. What properties are affected?
The freeze applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the Emirate.
4. Does it apply in ADGM?
In principle, the freeze applies only onshore and does not apply in ADGM. ADREC has not yet expressly confirmed this.
5. How long will it last?
The freeze is a temporary measure, applying until further notice. No end date has at present been announced.
6. Enforcement
ADREC will oversee compliance. Tenants and businesses may report violations through ADREC's official channels.
If you have questions about how the freeze affects your lease, renewal, or property portfolio, please contact us.
