Renting in Dubai moves fast. Good homes are often taken within days, so it helps to have someone who knows the market and can book viewings the same week. That is what we do, for homes and for offices.
What Are You Looking To Rent?
- Apartments for rent in Dubai
- Villas for rent in Dubai
- Townhouses for rent in Dubai
- Offices and shops for rent in Dubai
How Renting Works With Us
- Share your needs. Area, budget, number of rooms and your move in date.
- View the shortlist. In person or on a video call if you are still abroad.
- Agree the terms. Rent, number of cheques and maintenance, all written into the contract.
- Register with Ejari. We register the tenancy contract so you can connect DEWA and get your residence paperwork moving.
What Renting Really Costs
The yearly rent is the biggest number, but it is not the only one. Plan for these costs when you move in:
- Security deposit: usually 5% of the yearly rent for an unfurnished home and 10% for a furnished one. You get it back when you leave, minus any agreed repairs.
- Agency fee: normally 5% of the yearly rent.
- Ejari registration: a small fee of around AED 125 in official charges.
- DEWA deposit: AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa, refundable when you leave.
- Housing fee: 5% of the yearly rent, added to your monthly DEWA bill.
What To Keep Ready
Landlords usually ask for a copy of your passport and visa or Emirates ID, the security deposit and post dated cheques for the rent. If you are new to the UAE and your visa is still being processed, tell us early and we will look for landlords who accept that.
Your Rights As A Tenant
Dubai has clear rules for tenants. Rent increases at renewal are capped by the rental index, and you can check your own home on the official rental index calculator. A landlord who wants the property back to sell it or live in it must give you 12 months’ notice through a notary public or registered mail. Knowing this before you sign saves a lot of stress later.
Renting From Abroad
If you are moving to Dubai for a new job, you can start the search before you land. We send video viewings of the shortlist, hold the best option with the landlord where possible and prepare the contract so you can sign soon after you arrive. Many clients move from the airport straight into their new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cheques do landlords accept?
It depends on the landlord and the area. One or two cheques are common for popular buildings, while four or more cheques are often possible if you agree a slightly higher rent. Fewer cheques usually gives you more room to negotiate the price.
Can my landlord increase the rent every year?
Only within the limits of Decree No. 43 of 2013, which links any increase to how far your rent is below the average for similar homes. If your rent is within 10% of the average, there is no increase. The landlord must also give you 90 days’ notice before the contract ends.
Can I rent without a UAE visa?
Most landlords ask for a residence visa or Emirates ID for the Ejari registration. If your visa is still being processed, tell us early and we will look for landlords who accept a passport and entry stamp for now.
Who pays for maintenance?
In most contracts the landlord covers major repairs and the tenant covers small day to day ones. Always check the exact split in the contract before you sign, and we make sure it is written clearly.
Looking For A Place To Rent?
Send us your area, budget and move in date on WhatsApp and we will start booking viewings.