Abu Dhabi has recently introduced a welcome measure for tenants by announcing a temporary freeze on rent increases for properties registered under the Tawtheeq system. Tawtheeq acts as the official, legally binding framework for all residential, commercial, and industrial lease agreements in the emirate. Beyond providing security for both landlords and tenants, the platform is essential for accessing vital utility services like water and electricity. By centralizing tenancy contracts, the system ensures that every rental agreement is recognized by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, providing a clear legal safety net for all parties involved.

The responsibility for registering these contracts lies solely with the landlord or their authorized property management firm. The process is streamlined and handled entirely online through the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s website and the SmartHub portal. Once the property owner creates an account and submits the necessary details—which typically include documents like employment contracts or power of attorney—the review process is remarkably fast, often taking mere minutes. While the landlord is responsible for paying the registration fees, which include a standard property fee of Dh900 and a recurring annual contract fee of Dh50, the lack of charges for cancellations or contract modifications makes the system both fair and efficient for the local property market.