How to Rent Property in Dubai — Tenant Guide
Review Dubai tenancy terms, landlord authority, itemised move-in costs, Ejari, utilities and renewal checks before paying or moving in.
Shortlist and inspect: Inspect the unit and building, test accessible equipment safely, and record existing damage. Verify the landlord’s identity and ownership and the agent’s authority. A permit or platform badge is a useful check, not proof that all tenancy terms are suitable.
Agree payments in writing: Confirm annual rent, cheque or transfer schedule, deposit amount, deductions and refund process, commission and any applicable VAT. Payment schedules and deposits are contractual terms; neither a fixed deposit percentage nor a single-cheque discount is guaranteed.
Contract and Ejari: Review the tenancy contract and addenda before signing. Confirm who registers Ejari, the documents needed and the current fee for the selected channel. DLD’s Ejari service and DEWA’s move-in service explain the registration and activation process; do not reuse an old fee as a universal current quote.
Budget the full move-in cash: Add the first rent payment, agreed deposit and commission, Ejari charges, utility/cooling deposits and activation, moving and any building access charges. Distinguish refundable deposits from expenses. Ask each provider for current terms; a percentage of annual rent can seriously understate the first-cheque cash requirement.
Maintenance, renewal and disputes: Document responsibility for AC, plumbing, appliances and emergency work. Do not assume a universal AED 500 minor-maintenance rule. For renewal, consult DLD’s current rental increase calculator and applicable tenancy law, including notice provisions and any valid agreement. Eviction, non-renewal and rent changes are different matters; obtain advice from the Rental Disputes Center for a dispute.
Pay only after verifying authority: Use the contract’s agreed and verified payee and keep receipts. Obtain a signed condition report and follow the official Ejari and utility activation sequence. Do not assume possession of a DEWA bill proves ownership.
Is a 5% deposit required by law? Do not treat a common quoted percentage as a universal rule. Agree the deposit and refund/deduction terms in the written contract.
Can my landlord raise rent by any amount? Consult the current DLD calculator, the applicable tenancy law and your contract. Do not rely on an old area-average or a blanket notice statement.
Last reviewed 2026-10-19 by PropertyConnect Editorial
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