Renting in Dubai: Ejari, Deposits, Cheques and Tenant Rights
Dubai’s rental market is well regulated, but it works differently from most countries — rent is usually paid in advance by post-dated cheques, and every tenancy must be registered.
What you pay up front
- Security deposit: customarily 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished home and 10% for furnished, refundable at the end.
- Agency fee: typically 5% of the annual rent.
- Ejari registration fee.
- DEWA deposit for electricity and water, and a deposit for district cooling or gas where they apply.
- Housing fee: 5% of the annual rent, charged in monthly instalments on the DEWA bill.
Paying the rent
Rent is quoted per year and paid by post-dated cheques — anything from one to twelve. Fewer cheques usually means a lower rent. Some landlords now accept monthly direct debit.
Ejari
Ejari is the mandatory registration of your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department. You need it to connect utilities, sponsor family visas and bring a case to the rental disputes centre. Make sure it is done as soon as you sign.
Rent increases
A landlord can raise the rent at renewal only if it is well below the market rate according to the official rental index, and only within set bands — no increase if your rent is within 10% of the index, rising in steps to a maximum of 20% when it is more than 40% below. Either side must give 90 days’ notice before the renewal date of any change to the contract.
Eviction
A landlord who wants the property back to sell it or to live in it must give 12 months’ written notice through a notary public or registered mail. Non-payment and misuse are dealt with separately and more quickly.
Before you sign
- Check the landlord’s title deed and that the name matches the contract.
- Write every cheque to the owner named on the title deed.
- Record the property’s condition with photographs.
- Confirm who pays for maintenance — by custom, the landlord covers major repairs.
Browse properties for rent, or compare the cost with buying using our mortgage calculator.
Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), your bank or your advisor before you commit — this guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.