Your guide to how to rent a property in Dubai
From beachfront residences to high rise towers and gated villa communities, Dubai offers plenty of rental options for every need. But before you start browsing for your new home, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here’s a quick look into the journey.
What you'll need to rent a property in Dubai
Before starting, make sure you have your personal documents and budget in order.
Personal documents – To rent a property in Dubai on a long term basis (typically an annual contract) you'll need your passport, residency visa, and Emirates ID. If you are not a UAE resident and/or you want a more flexible lease you can choose a short term rental or holiday home – you won't require residency in this case.
Budget – How much can you spend on the property? Keep in mind you'll need to provide a security deposit – it's usually 5% of your annual rent for unfurnished properties or 10% if the home is furnished, but it may vary depending on the agency. The deposit will be refunded to you at the end of your tenancy. If you choose to work with an agency, there will also be an agency fee which is typically 5% of the rental value.
When, where and what to rent
We recommend starting your property search one to two months before moving in. Listings tend to go really fast, so try not to search too far in advance.
Already in this timeframe? Then it's time to think about the area and property type you're looking for. Dubai has over 200 residential communities – our area guides can give you a nice overview. Once you've chosen the potential locations, you can identify the Property Consultants specialising in those areas – they will be able to guide you through the available options and whether the area really suits your needs.
As for the property type, it'll come down to your budget and requirements. You can choose between apartments, villas, townhouses and penthouses with different amenities – and your Property Consultant will guide you through the best options based on what you're looking for. When you've found the perfect home, it's time to make an offer. Usually, this will involve negotiating key terms with the landlord, such as: rental price, number of cheques, contract start date, and deposit amount. If applicable, you should also discuss other conditions such as decoration preferences, pet policies, or furnishing arrangements.
Regulations and additional costs
Once both parties agree on the terms, you can sign the tenancy contract. This document formalises the agreement, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord. Dubai's property rental market is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). As a tenant, you can expect to be protected by multiple laws – like Law No. 26 which states that tenants must be given 12 months’ notice if the landlord wants to evict them from the property.
In Dubai, the tenant typically pays for the agency fee (can be 5% of the annual rent or a fixed rate in some agencies), so keep that in mind when planning your budget. You also need to provide a security deposit which will be refunded at the end of your tenancy, it's generally 5% of the annual rent or 10% if the home is furnished – but some agencies have a fixed rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer depends on a few factors like your timeline, documentation, and whether you're being backed by a reputable real estate agency. We've helped some clients find their rental in as little as two days – but we can't promise you that this will be the case.After you've secured your rental, keep in mind that the quickest possible move-in date will be at least five days from the signing of the contract – which will give you enough time to register your Ejari, activate electricity and water services, and get your move-in permit. Bottom line: there's no straight answer here, but your Property Consultant will be able to give you a more accurate timeline based on your situation.
Both are great options, so it depends on what you need.
If you're a UAE resident looking for a yearly contract, long term leasing is the way to go. You can find furnished options or furnish it yourself, and the cost would be locked in for the entire year with one or more post-dated cheques depending on your agreement with the landlord.
If you're not a resident or just want to stay in Dubai for a few days, weeks or months, a fully equipped short term rental is a more flexible choice. You won't have to buy anything (not even kitchen utensils), you can choose how long to stay, and just pack your suitcase and leave when the lease is up.
Ejari (Arabic for 'my rent') is a quick and easy process that all tenants need to complete to register their tenancy contract. After signing the agreement, you'll have to take it to an Ejari centre (along with other documents that your Property Consultant will inform you of) and pay a minimum fee of AED 215 + 5% VAT.
After your Ejari is completed, you'll receive a welcome SMS and email from DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) with your account and premises number, as well as a link to pay the security deposit. Once you've paid the deposit, electricity and water services will be activated within 24 hours.
DEWA charges a security deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, and an activation fee of AED 130 + 5% VAT to set up your account.
Need help? Once your new tenancy contract is signed, our team can help with registering your DEWA and Ejari for just AED 1,400 (VAT Included).
Once you find your new rental property, you'll move on to the documentation to make it official.
Tenancy contract – Always go through it with your Property Consultant before signing. After you've understood the terms and got your questions answered, the contract will be signed by you and the landlord, and you'll both keep a copy.
Cheque(s) – In some cases you'll be able to pay for your rent via electronic platforms, but if you're asked to provide cheques, be prepared for many properties (especially in popular locations) to expect an upfront cheque for the whole year. However, some landlords may accept quarterly or even monthly cheques.
Make sure you have the agreed number of cheques with you along with the security deposit (can be a cheque or cash). Once you have them, your Property Consultant will hand them over to your landlord and give you receipts.
It depends, but most likely. Most communities and apartment complexes will require you to apply for a permit to ensure that the movers can access the road and common areas to reach your home. In some locations without common areas this may not be required.
If we have the move-in permit details, our Customer Service team will send you an email with helpful links and instructions on how to apply.
