Navigating Dubai Rentals: Parking Included?

Dubai Apartment Rentals: Is a Parking Spot Included? The Rising Importance of Contract Clarity

As Dubai introduced the variable parking fee system in April 2025, renters in the emirate faced a new challenge: free or discounted parking is no longer a given, and the escalating daily fees can easily strain a family budget. The solution, however, is not found at parking meters – it lies in the fine print of rental agreements.

Variable Rates, Increasing Costs

The goal of the variable rate implementation is clear: to alleviate congestion, regulate demand, and thereby establish a fairer system among different city areas. For example, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Jumeirah became known as "premium zones," where parking during peak hours is more expensive, while nighttime and less busy hours still offer free parking.

In reality, however, flexibility is limited. Following the introduction of the new tariff, by the third quarter of 2025, the average hourly rate increased by 51%, reaching 3.03 dirhams. This increase led renters to pay far more attention to the issue of parking spaces when renewing contracts or renting new apartments – as just a few hours of parking daily can translate into significant additional costs monthly.

Rental Agreements: A Parking Spot Is Not Automatic

The most common misunderstanding arises from many renters assuming automatically: if a building has parking, it is included with the rental. In practice, this is not so simple. Without a clear mention in the contract of a designated parking spot, the renter does not have the right to use it automatically – even if the title deed links the parking space to the specific unit.

Legally, the key lies in the wording of the agreement. If the contract specifically states the apartment comes with a parking space, the renter is entitled to use it – but if this detail is absent, the landlord can legally deny access.

What Is a "Shared Parking Space"?

It's essential to distinguish between a dedicated parking spot and a general, shared-use parking space. A general parking area located at a building's lower level does not have the same legal status as a specified, numbered parking spot. In the former case, the renter can at best claim access rights but not exclusive rights.

However, if there are no alternatives in the building and the title deed associates a parking space with the apartment, it can be interpreted that the usage right is inseparable from the apartment – though enforcing this may depend on legal action or official dispute resolution.

What Happens After Contract Signing?

For existing rental agreements, adding a parking space afterward can only occur through mutual consent. This must be documented in writing in the form of an addendum, signed by both parties. This amendment becomes an integral part of the contract, potentially securing the tenant's legal position.

If either party feels a modification is necessary, they must request it in writing at least 90 days before the contract expires – unless the contract stipulates otherwise. This is mandated by Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008, Article 14.

Ejari System and "Additional Terms"

The standardized Ejari rental contract issued by the Dubai Land Department includes a particularly useful section: the "Additional Terms." Here, any party can document extra terms for free, such as the number, duration, and usage rights of a parking space.

If these details are in the document, they can serve as clear reference points during legal disputes. This avoids the common mistake where renters rely on verbal agreements about parking with the landlord, only to have conflicts arise later – such as when a new building manager does not recognize this agreement.

Legal Action and Disputes

If a landlord denies a contractually agreed-upon parking use, the renter is entitled to send an official notice and file a complaint with the Rental Disputes Centre. The renter may then request compensation or initiate a rent reduction.

This also applies if the property manager attempts to collect additional fees for a service – parking, in this case – already included in the rental package according to the contract.

The Future: Precise Contracts or Expensive Living

Dubai's cityscape is constantly changing, mobility is evolving, and parking is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Those who do not pay attention to rental agreement details could face hundreds of dirhams in extra expenses monthly, especially in central zones.

Therefore, legal experts advise: always clearly and specifically document if a parking spot is to be included. This is no longer a convenience extra – it is a crucial element of living costs in the dynamically developing city of Dubai.

(Source of the article: Changes in Dubai parking fee structure.)