The Tenant’s Guide to Renting in Dubai in 2026
What to know before you rent: costs, contracts, your rights and what happens at renewal.
Renting in Dubai is straightforward when you know what to expect. Rents rose sharply in recent years, but reports suggest growth is now slowing as new homes are completed, which gives tenants more room to compare, ask questions and negotiate.
01. Budget for the full cost
- Annual rent: paid upfront or in several cheques, as agreed.
- Security deposit: commonly 5% of annual rent for unfurnished and 10% for furnished homes. The law lets a landlord take a deposit, which must be refunded at the end, but it sets no percentage, so check the contract.
- Agency fee: commonly paid by the tenant, so confirm it beforehand.
- Ejari registration: a small government fee, from about AED 120 when registered online.
- Dubai housing fee: 5% of annual rent, added to your electricity and water bills.
- Utilities and cooling: a DEWA connection and deposit, plus district cooling where applicable.
02. The contract and Ejari
Every residential tenancy should be registered on Ejari. It protects your rights, so do not skip it. Read the contract carefully for the term, rent, payment schedule, maintenance responsibilities and the notice needed to leave.
03. Paying your rent
Rent is commonly paid by one, two or four cheques. Make sure you can cover every cheque, because a bounced cheque is treated seriously in the UAE.
04. Rent increases
Your landlord cannot raise the rent freely. Increases at renewal follow the Smart Rental Index, using set bands. If your rent is within 10% of the index average, no increase is allowed. If it is further below, the maximum rises in steps: up to 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%. Written notice is required at least 90 days before the lease ends.
05. Ending or renewing
Give written notice as the contract requires. A landlord who wants to sell or move in must give 12 months’ notice through a notary or registered mail, and email or chat messages do not count. If there is a dispute, the Rental Disputes Centre handles it.
06. Before you sign
- Check the Trakheesi permit on the listing, and the landlord’s ownership.
- Inspect the property and photograph any existing damage.
- Keep copies of the contract, Ejari certificate and all receipts.
Official sources: Dubai Land Department: tenancy guide and laws · Dubai Land Department: Ejari · UAE Government portal: leasing a property
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