Most people in Dubai start by renting an apartment, and the choice is huge. We narrow it down to buildings that match your budget, your commute and the way you live, then book the viewings for you.
Popular Areas For Renting
- Dubai Marina for the beach, the tram and the metro
- Downtown Dubai for the centre of the city
- Business Bay for a short commute to offices
- Jumeirah Village Circle for larger units at lower rents
Before You Sign
Check how many cheques the landlord accepts, who pays for maintenance and whether chiller or cooling charges are included. Once you agree, we register the contract with Ejari.
What To Check On A Viewing
- Water pressure and hot water in every bathroom
- The air conditioning in each room
- Natural light and noise from the road at different times of day
- Storage, parking and the gym and pool opening hours
Move In Costs
On top of the yearly rent, plan for a security deposit of 5% for an unfurnished apartment or 10% for a furnished one, the agency fee of around 5% of the yearly rent, Ejari registration and a refundable DEWA deposit of AED 2,000 for an apartment. Our renting guide explains each one.
Renewing Your Lease
Any rent increase at renewal must follow the rental index, and your landlord must give you 90 days’ notice before the contract ends. You can check your own building on the official rental index calculator.
Choosing The Right Area
Start with where you will spend most of your week. A short commute makes a bigger difference to daily life than an extra bedroom. Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai suit people who want to walk to cafes and the metro. Jumeirah Village Circle suits people who drive and want more space for their budget. We suggest two or three areas based on your work address before we book any viewings.
We also check how far each building is from the nearest metro or tram stop, because a short walk saves real time in the summer months.
Paying By Cheque
Rent in Dubai is still usually paid by post dated cheques, so open a UAE bank account with a cheque book as early as you can. If you do not have one yet, tell us, as some landlords accept bank transfers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to rent furnished or unfurnished?
Furnished apartments suit short stays and people new to Dubai, but they usually cost more and need a 10% deposit instead of 5%. Unfurnished apartments are cheaper over a full year if you already have furniture or plan to stay longer.
Are utilities included in the rent?
Usually not. You pay DEWA for water and electricity, plus the 5% housing fee added to your DEWA bill. Some buildings also charge separately for district cooling, so always ask before you sign.
How quickly can I move in?
Once the contract is signed and the cheques are handed over, you can often move in within a few days. Your building may need a move in permit, which we arrange with the management.
Can I pay rent monthly in Dubai?
Monthly payment is becoming more common, especially in newer buildings and through some rental platforms, but most landlords still prefer one to four cheques a year. If monthly payment matters to you, tell us at the start and we will only show you homes where it is accepted.
Looking For An Apartment To Rent?
Send us your budget and preferred area on WhatsApp. We reply the same day with options that fit.