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Renting in Dubai comes with a few extra steps beyond agreeing a price and signing a contract, Ejari, DEWA, move-in permits and cheques all play a part. This guide walks you through what to expect, so you know exactly what’s ahead before you start viewing.
How renting in Dubai works: step by step
- Define your budget and must-haves. Decide on your community, property type and rent range before you start viewing, including whether you want furnished or unfurnished.
- View properties and shortlist. Your consultant arranges viewings and can advise on rent levels, building quality and what’s typical for the area.
- Agree terms with the landlord. Once you’ve found the right property, rent, payment schedule and any special conditions are agreed before the contract is drawn up.
- Sign the tenancy contract. Go through the terms with your consultant, then sign alongside the landlord, with cheques and the security deposit handed over at this stage.
- Register your Ejari. This registers your tenancy contract with Dubai’s rental authority and is required to activate utilities and apply for a move-in permit.
- Set up DEWA and move in. Activate your electricity and water account, apply for a move-in permit if your building requires one, and you’re ready to move.
Short-term or long-term: which should you choose?
Long-term leasing suits UAE residents looking for a yearly contract. You can rent furnished or unfurnished, the cost is locked in for the year, and rent is usually paid via one or more post-dated cheques depending on what you agree with the landlord.
Short-term leasing suits non-residents or anyone wanting flexibility, whether that’s a few days, weeks or months in Dubai. Short-term rentals typically come fully equipped, so there’s nothing to buy, and you can leave when the lease is up with no long-term commitment.
What renting in Dubai costs
| Cost | What it’s for | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Held by the landlord for the lease term | 5% of annual rent (unfurnished), 10% (furnished) |
| Ejari registration | Registering your tenancy contract | AED 215 + 5% VAT |
| DEWA security deposit | Refundable deposit to activate utilities | AED 2,000 (apartments), AED 4,000 (villas) |
| DEWA activation fee | To set up your electricity and water account | AED 130 + 5% VAT |
| Agency commission | Paid to the real estate agency, if applicable | Typically 5% of annual rent |
| Move-in permit | Required by most buildings and communities | Varies by building |
Ask your consultant for the exact figures upfront, since deposit and fee levels can vary by building and landlord.
Documents you’ll need
- Tenancy contract. Go through it with your consultant before signing, then both you and the landlord keep a signed copy.
- Cheques. Many landlords, especially in popular communities, expect one upfront cheque for the full year’s rent, though some accept quarterly or monthly cheques. Bring the agreed number along with your security deposit.
- Passport and Emirates ID (if resident), or passport and visa copy (if relocating).
What is Ejari?
Ejari, Arabic for “my rent,” is the mandatory process for registering your tenancy contract with Dubai’s rental authority. After signing your contract, you’ll take it, along with any other documents your consultant advises, to an Ejari centre and pay a minimum fee of AED 215 + 5% VAT. Registration is required before you can activate utilities or apply for a move-in permit.
Setting up DEWA
Once your Ejari is complete, DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) sends you a welcome SMS and email with your account details and a link to pay your security deposit. Once that’s paid, electricity and water are typically activated within 24 hours. The deposit is AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, plus an AED 130 + 5% VAT activation fee.
Do you need a move-in permit?
Most communities and apartment buildings require a move-in permit so movers can access common areas and building entrances on your move-in day. Buildings without shared common areas may not require one. Your consultant can confirm whether your building needs a permit and share the application details.
FAQs: renting property in Dubai
How long does the leasing process take? It depends on your documentation, timeline and how quickly you and the landlord agree terms, some tenants secure a rental within days. Once your contract is signed, budget at least five days before move-in to allow time for Ejari registration, DEWA activation and your move-in permit.
Do I need a UAE visa to rent a property in Dubai? No, you don’t need residency to rent, though you’ll need a valid passport and, if you’re not a resident, may face different documentation requirements than a UAE resident would.
Can I negotiate the rent or payment terms? Yes, rent, the number of cheques, and any special conditions are all negotiated between tenant and landlord before the contract is signed. Your consultant can advise on what’s realistic for the property and market.
What happens to my security deposit when I move out? It’s refunded after your final inspection, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid bills. It’s worth documenting the property’s condition when you move in to avoid disputes later.
Can my landlord increase my rent when my contract renews? Rent increases in Dubai are governed by the RERA rental index, which caps how much a landlord can raise rent based on how far current rent sits below the market average for similar properties. Your consultant can check whether a proposed increase is within the legal limit.
What if I need to break my lease early? This depends on the terms in your tenancy contract, some include an early termination clause with a set penalty, others don’t. Review this with your consultant before signing if flexibility matters to you.
Ready to find your next rental?
Our team can walk you through the market, help you shortlist the right communities, and manage the paperwork from viewing to move-in. Get in touch or browse current rentals.
