Properties for rent in Dubai

Yes, anyone can rent in Dubai. For a standard yearly lease you will usually need a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, since these are required to register the Ejari contract and set up utilities. Short-term and holiday-home rentals do not need residency.

Budget for roughly 5 to 10 percent of the annual rent on top of the rent itself: a 5 percent agency fee, a refundable security deposit of 5 percent (10 percent if furnished), Ejari registration of about AED 220, and a DEWA utilities deposit of AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa.

Rent is usually paid by post-dated cheques covering the year, most often in 1 to 4 cheques. Paying in fewer cheques gives you a stronger negotiating position and often a better rent.

Ejari is the official registration of your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department. It makes the contract legal and is needed for utilities, visa applications and any dispute. We handle the registration for you.

Yes. A refundable security deposit is standard, usually 5 percent of the annual rent for an unfurnished home or 10 percent if it is furnished. It is returned at the end of the tenancy if there is no damage.

The agency fee for a rental is typically 5 percent of the annual rent, paid once at the start of the tenancy.

Yes. Licensed holiday homes rent by the month or week, come fully furnished, and do not require a residence visa. They cost more than a yearly lease but suit newcomers and anyone who wants flexibility.