Rent

Most residential leases in Dubai are for 12 months. Short-term rental options are available in serviced apartments or holiday homes but often come at a premium.

• Valid passport and visa copy
• Emirates ID
• Signed tenancy contract
• DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) registration

All tenancy agreements must be registered with Ejari, the official rental registration system by the Dubai Land Department.

Typically, landlords require a 5% deposit of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished properties. This is refundable upon vacating the property, subject to the condition of the unit.

Yes. In addition to the rent and deposit, tenants may incur:

• Ejari registration fees
• DEWA activation fees
• Chiller or cooling charges (if applicable)
• Agency commission (usually 5% of annual rent)

No, rent cannot be increased during the contract period. However, upon renewal, landlords may propose an increase based on RERA’s Rental Index, subject to regulatory limits.

Tenants and landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice for non-renewal or any changes in contract terms. Evictions are only permitted under specific conditions as outlined by the Dubai Rental Law.

Yes. Rent and the number of cheque payments are often negotiable. Some landlords accept up to 12 post-dated cheques, while others prefer 1–4 cheques.

• Verify the landlord owns the property.
• Read the contract carefully for terms, maintenance responsibilities, and exit clauses.
• Ensure the property is in good condition.
• Confirm if the building has amenities such as parking, security, or maintenance services.

Early termination is subject to the contract terms. Many leases include a penalty, typically one to two months’ rent. Some contracts allow termination under exceptional circumstances like job loss.