What we negotiate
- Heads of terms — rent, term, fit-out and rent-free, security deposit, break options
- Fit-out — landlord works vs tenant works; permits; reinstatement at exit
- Exclusivity — particularly for F&B (cuisine exclusivity) and retail (brand or category exclusivity)
- Assignment and sub-letting — tenant flexibility vs landlord control
- Break options — tenant break, landlord break, mutual break; conditions and notice periods
- Dilapidations and reinstatement — exit obligations and security-deposit retention
- Rent reviews — fixed escalation, market-rent review, RERA Rental Index alignment
- Service charge — pass-through mechanics in mixed-use buildings
Commercial-lease disputes
Disputes typically arise on: rent default; termination for breach; dilapidations and reinstatement; assignment-consent disputes; service-charge passthrough; landlord refusal to consent to alterations or change of use. RDC has jurisdiction over commercial leases in Dubai. Acting for both sides.
Frequently asked questions
How are commercial leases different from residential?
Same RDC jurisdiction in Dubai (Decree 26/2013) but commercial leases more heavily negotiated — fit-out, rent-free, exclusivity, assignment/sub-let, break options, dilapidations. RDC enforces commercial terms as drafted (less protective overlay than residential).
Can commercial tenants negotiate exclusivity?
Yes — particularly for F&B (cuisine exclusivity) and retail (brand or category exclusivity). Increasingly common in mall and high-street leases. Enforceability depends on drafting precision; vague exclusivity clauses are routinely litigated.
What are typical commercial lease terms?
5-25 years depending on use. Office: 3-10 years with renewal options. Retail in malls: 5-10 years. Industrial: 5-15 years. F&B: 5-10 years often with rent-free fit-out periods. Negotiable in every case.
Last updated: 1 May 2026. Contact us for matter-specific advice.