GUIDE
Renting in Dubai: how to find and secure a home
Guides in this topic
- How do I find a legitimate rental listing?
- Which family-friendly communities in Dubai are near good schools?
- Which Dubai neighbourhood is right for my budget and lifestyle?
- What documents do I need to rent a home?
- What should be included in my tenancy contract?
- How do I compare the total cost of living in different areas?
- Should I choose a home near my workplace or my child's school?
- How can I verify a real estate agent?
- Which promises should I ask the landlord to put in writing?
- How do I check which utilities a building uses?
- How can I protect myself from rental scams?
- How do I confirm that someone is authorised to rent out a property?
- What should I know about living near a Metro station?
- What should I check before paying a booking or security deposit?
- What should I know before choosing a villa instead of an apartment?
- Can I rent a property without viewing it in person?
- How can I check the commute before renting?
- What should I check about noise, construction and nearby facilities?
- What should I check during a viewing?
- How do I check whether parking is included?
- Should I rent a furnished or unfurnished property?
How renting in Dubai works
- Choose your area by budget, commute, schools and lifestyle: best areas to live in Dubai.
- Search genuine listings. Listings should show a valid advertising permit and the agent's details: find a genuine listing.
- View properly. Use the property viewing checklist, and check noise, parking and which utilities the building uses.
- Check the agent and landlord. Verify the agent and confirm the person renting it out is authorised to.
- Agree terms, pay and sign. Get every promise in writing, then register Ejari.
What you'll pay upfront
| Cost | Typical amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| First rent cheque | 1 to 4 cheques a year is common, so a quarter to all of the annual rent | Landlord |
| Security deposit | Commonly around 5% of annual rent unfurnished, more if furnished | Landlord |
| Agency fee | Commonly around 5% of annual rent | Agency |
| Ejari | From AED 177.75 in the app | Ejari / DLD |
| DEWA deposit | AED 2,000 apartment, AED 4,000 villa, plus AED 155 fees | DEWA |
| Cooling, gas, internet, move-in permit | Varies by building | Providers |
These are typical figures, not fixed rules. Always confirm them in writing. More in move-in costs.
Documents to rent
Usually your passport, residence visa or entry permit, and Emirates ID, plus the cheques or payment method the landlord accepts. Some landlords ask for a salary certificate. See documents you need to rent in Dubai.
Furnished or unfurnished? Villa or apartment?
Furnished homes cost more but suit short first stays. Villas mean more space and usually more accounts to set up and maintain. Compare: furnished vs unfurnished and villa vs apartment.
Avoid rental scams
Never pay a deposit before you've viewed the home (in person or by live video), checked the agent's registration and confirmed the landlord's ownership or authority. Be wary of prices far below the area average or pressure to pay today. Read rental scams in Dubai.
What your tenancy contract should include
Names matching your IDs, the property and premises details, rent, payment schedule, deposit, term, and any addendum for maintenance, parking, pets or furniture. See what a tenancy contract should include.
Signed your lease?
Your free move-in checklist puts Ejari, DEWA, cooling, gas, internet and your move-in permit in the right order for your building. Start with what to do after signing.
Common questions
How much deposit do you pay to rent in Dubai?
A security deposit of around 5% of the annual rent is common for unfurnished homes, and often more for furnished. It's usually refundable at the end of the tenancy, minus agreed deductions.
Can I rent in Dubai with one cheque or monthly?
Many landlords accept 1 to 4 cheques, and some offer more. Monthly options exist through some landlords and private services. See paying your rent.
How do I know an agent is real?
Ask for their broker registration details and check them, and make sure the listing shows a valid advertising permit. See verify a real estate agent.
What happens after I sign?
Register Ejari, then DEWA, cooling, gas, internet and your move-in permit. The free setl checklist puts these in order for your building.