Renting in Dubai for
the first time?
Scroll through the journey — the key makes its way down as you go, and unlocks at the end.
Understand Requirements
Identify what you're looking for: furnished, unfurnished, or semi-furnished, and whether you want bills included or not. Confirm your budget, and make sure you have a valid Emirates ID and a chequebook — landlords only accept cash or post-dated cheques, no wire transfers for the remaining payments.
Viewings
I'll shortlist units matching your criteria and arrange viewings — in person or via video call if you're relocating from abroad.
Submit an Offer
Once you've found the right home, we submit your offer to the landlord along with your documents: passport copy and Emirates ID (or visa page if newly arrived).
Payment & Contract Signing
The landlord must receive the full amount — cash or post-dated cheques — along with the security deposit (5% unfurnished, 10% furnished). You also pay the agency fee at this stage. Your phone number and email are registered in the tenancy contract as the formal point of contact. The contract also sets out responsibility for bills and in-unit maintenance — both parties must agree before signing. Once everything is confirmed, the landlord signs the contract.
Register on Ejari
Every Dubai tenancy must be registered with Ejari, Dubai's official rental registration system — required for DEWA connection, visa applications, and legal protection.
Connect DEWA, Gas & Chiller
Set up your DEWA account, gas connection, and chiller connection (where applicable) using your Ejari certificate.
Handover
Once DEWA, gas, and chiller (if required) are all connected, the landlord hands over the keys. You're officially home.
Paying rent in a single cheque instead of multiple installments can often get you a discount from the landlord.
5% of the annual rent for unfurnished units, 10% for furnished units — refundable at move-out, subject to the unit's condition.
5% of the annual rent, or AED 5,000, whichever is higher — plus 5% VAT — paid by the tenant to the real estate agent upon signing.
Post-dated cheques are the standard, but bank transfer or cash may be accepted depending on the landlord. A single upfront payment often gets you a discount on the total rent.
A bounced cheque can carry legal and financial penalties in the UAE, so it's important to ensure funds are available before each cheque date.
Yes — Ejari registration is required before DEWA can be connected, and it's your legal proof of tenancy in Dubai.
Rent increases must follow the RERA Rental Index — landlords can only raise rent within the government-set percentage based on how far below market rate your current rent is.
Early termination terms depend on your contract — some landlords allow it with notice and a penalty, others don't. Always check the termination clause before signing.
A landlord cannot evict a tenant simply for declining a rent increase. To end a tenancy at expiry, the landlord must serve 12 months' written notice (via notary public or registered mail), on specific legal grounds — such as needing the property for personal/family use, intending to sell, or demolition/major renovation. A separate 90-day notice applies only when either party wants to change the rent or other lease terms for renewal — that's a renegotiation, not an eviction.
Thinking of renting in Dubai? I'll walk you through every step — no surprises.
Connect With Hady Yassein