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Renting Property

How to Rent Property in Dubai

Everything you need to know before renting a property.

Updated: September 2026 6 min read

To rent an apartment in Dubai, set a budget that covers the upfront costs, view homes, confirm the landlord owns the unit, sign the unified tenancy contract, pay the deposit and rent cheques, then register the lease on Ejari. Ejari registration also triggers your DEWA electricity and water account.

1. Set your budget, including upfront costs

Rent is only part of the bill. Before you start viewing, budget for the security deposit, agency fee, Ejari registration, the DEWA deposit and the first rent cheque. Our Costs Involved in Renting article lists each one with current figures.

  • Security deposit: customarily 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished. The law sets no cap.
  • Agency fee: agreed with the agency, customarily around 5% of annual rent plus VAT.
  • Ejari: AED 177.75 online, about AED 220 at a trustee centre.
  • DEWA deposit: AED 2,000 for a flat, AED 4,000 for a villa, plus activation fees.

2. Search, view and check the rent

  • Shortlist areas by commute, schools and budget. Our community guides cover pros and cons.
  • View in person where you can, and check air conditioning, water pressure and appliances.
  • Compare the asking rent with the DLD rental index. It will also decide how much the rent can rise at renewal.
  • Read reviews of the agency and agent on RealtyReview.ae before paying anything.

3. Confirm who owns the property

Only the owner or their legal representative can register a tenancy on Ejari. Ask to see the title deed and the owner's ID, or a power of attorney if someone signs on their behalf. Don't pay a deposit to anyone who can't show this.

4. Agree terms and sign the unified tenancy contract

Dubai leases use the DLD's unified tenancy contract. Anything extra, such as who pays for maintenance or how early exit works, goes in the Additional Terms section or in an addendum signed by both sides. See Understanding Your Tenancy Contract for what to check.

5. Pay, register on Ejari and connect utilities

  • Hand over the deposit and rent cheques. Rent is commonly paid in 1 to 4 cheques; the number is negotiable.
  • The landlord undertakes in the contract to register it on Ejari, though agents often do it. Make sure you get the certificate.
  • Once Ejari is issued, DEWA creates your account and sends a link to pay the security deposit. Supply is connected within 15 working hours of payment.
  • Internet, TV and, in some buildings, gas or district cooling are set up separately.

Checklist before you move in

  • Title deed and owner ID (or power of attorney) seen and matching the contract.
  • Unified tenancy contract signed, with every extra term written into the addendum.
  • Receipts for the deposit, agency fee and each cheque handed over.
  • Ejari certificate in hand and DEWA account active.
  • Dated photos of every room, so the deposit can be settled fairly when you leave.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check that a landlord in Dubai owns the property?

Ask to see the title deed and the owner's ID, or a power of attorney if someone signs on their behalf. Only the owner or their legal representative can register a tenancy on Ejari, so don't pay a deposit to anyone who can't show this.

How many cheques do you pay rent with in Dubai?

Rent is commonly paid in 1 to 4 cheques, and the number is negotiable. Keep a receipt for the deposit, the agency fee and each cheque you hand over.

How long does DEWA take to connect after Ejari?

Once Ejari is issued, DEWA creates your account and sends a link to pay the security deposit. Supply is connected within 15 working hours of payment. Internet, TV and, in some buildings, gas or district cooling are set up separately.

What should I do before moving into a rented flat in Dubai?

Check the title deed and owner ID match the contract, sign the unified tenancy contract with every extra term in the addendum, and keep receipts for all payments. Get the Ejari certificate and an active DEWA account, and take dated photos of every room so the deposit can be settled fairly.

Sources

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