Tenant’s guide
Guide to Renting a Property in the UAE
Everything you need to know to rent an apartment or villa in the UAE — the documents, the costs, how rent is paid, your rights as a tenant and how Distress Deals UAE lets you rent directly from owners, without third-party agents.
5–10%
Typical security deposit
1–4
Cheques a year, most often
90 days
Notice before any change at renewal
0
Third-party agents between you and the owner
Why rent with Distress Deals UAE
Every rental on Distress Deals UAE comes directly from the property owner. There are no competing agents re-posting the same flat at different prices — one verified listing, one in-house team, and a clear path from viewing to moving in.
No third-party agents or brokers
Every listing comes straight from its owner or developer. There is no chain of outside agents between you and the property — just our own in-house team.
Verified before it goes live
Our quality control team checks the developer, location, price and details of each listing before it is published.
One dedicated team, start to finish
The same Distress Deals UAE specialist handles your enquiry from the first message to the keys — viewings, offers, paperwork and transfer.
Documents you will need
To rent in the UAE you will usually need a copy of your passport, your UAE residence visa and your Emirates ID. Companies renting for staff provide a trade licence instead. Some owners also ask for a salary certificate or recent bank statements.
How renting works, step by step
Step 1
Search and shortlist
Filter by area, budget, bedrooms, furnishing and availability, and save the homes you like.
Step 2
View the property
Our team arranges the viewing and answers questions about the building, parking, and what is included.
Step 3
Agree terms
Agree the annual rent, number of cheques and start date. You pay the security deposit to reserve the home.
Step 4
Sign and register
Sign the tenancy contract and register it with Ejari in Dubai (or the equivalent in other emirates). Registration is required for utilities and visas.
Step 5
Connect utilities and move in
Open your electricity and water account (DEWA in Dubai), set up internet and collect the keys.
Costs when you rent
Beyond the rent itself, plan for a refundable security deposit — typically around 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished homes and 10% for furnished ones — the Ejari registration fee, and a refundable utility connection deposit (in Dubai, usually AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas).
Rent is usually paid by post-dated cheques: one to four a year is most common, and some owners accept monthly payments. Fewer cheques often get you a better price.
Your rights as a tenant
In Dubai, rent increases at renewal are governed by the RERA rental index, so a landlord can only raise the rent if it is below the market average for the area. Any change to the terms must be notified at least 90 days before the contract ends. A landlord can only ask a tenant to leave for specific reasons — such as selling the property or using it themselves — with 12 months’ notarised notice.
Frequently asked questions about renting in the UAE
What is Ejari?
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Ejari is Dubai’s official tenancy registration system. Every tenancy contract must be registered with it; you need the Ejari certificate to connect utilities and for many visa processes.
How much is the security deposit?
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Typically about 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished home and 10% for a furnished one. It is refunded at the end of the tenancy, minus any damage beyond normal wear.
Can I pay rent monthly in Dubai?
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Most leases are paid in one to four cheques a year, but a growing number of owners accept monthly payments — use the filters to find them.
Are there agent fees when renting on Distress Deals UAE?
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Rentals are listed directly by owners, with no third-party agents or brokers involved; our in-house team manages the process for you.