How to rent a property in Dubai
Renting in Dubai is quick and open to residents and newcomers alike. You choose an area and budget, view a shortlist, agree the rent and number of cheques, then sign a tenancy contract and register it with Ejari. For a standard yearly lease you will usually need a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Budget for around 5 to 10 percent of the annual rent in upfront fees and deposits.
Set budget and area
Decide your annual budget and where you want to live. Tell us how you want to pay: fewer cheques usually means a better price.
View a shortlist
We line up homes that fit, including quiet listings you will not find on the portals, and arrange viewings around you.
Make an offer
We put your offer to the landlord, agree the rent, cheques and move-in date, and check the contract terms on your behalf.
Sign and pay
You sign the tenancy contract, pay the agency fee, deposit and rent cheques, and receive the keys.
Ejari and utilities
We register the contract with Ejari and help you connect DEWA (water and electricity) so you can move straight in.
Upfront costs when you rent
On top of the rent itself, budget for these one-off costs at move-in. Deposits are refundable at the end of the tenancy if there is no damage.
| Cost | What it is | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Agency fee | One-off, paid to the brokerage | 5% of annual rent |
| Security deposit | Refundable, held by the landlord | 5% unfurnished / 10% furnished |
| Ejari registration | Official registration of the contract | ~AED 220 |
| DEWA deposit | Water and electricity connection | AED 2,000 flat / 4,000 villa |
| Rent | Usually post-dated cheques | 1 to 4 cheques a year |
Popular areas to rent in Dubai
Each community suits a different life, whether you want the beach, the buzz of the city or a quiet family neighbourhood. We will match you to the right one for your budget.
Dubai Marina
Waterfront apartments, walkable and lively. A favourite for professionals and couples.
Jumeirah Village Circle
Some of the best value in the city. Spacious apartments at friendly rents.
Downtown Dubai
City living at its most central, steps from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Business Bay
Modern apartments in the heart of the city, well connected for work.
Dubai Hills Estate
Family villas and townhouses around parks and a golf course. Calm and green.
Palm Jumeirah
Beach apartments and villas for those who want resort living year round.
Ready to look? Browse our available rentals or talk to our team.
Yearly lease or holiday home?
A standard yearly lease is the cheapest way to live in Dubai and needs a residence visa and Emirates ID. Prefer flexibility, or new to the city? A licensed holiday home rents by the month or week, fully furnished, with no residency needed. We handle both.
Tell us what you needRenting in Dubai: FAQs
Can foreigners rent property 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.
What are the upfront costs to rent?
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.
How is rent paid in Dubai?
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.
What is Ejari?
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.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
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.
How much is the agency fee?
The agency fee for a rental is typically 5 percent of the annual rent, paid once at the start of the tenancy.
Can I rent short-term?
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.
Tell us what you are looking for
Share your budget, area and move-in date. A consultant will come back within 24 hours with rentals that fit, including homes that never reach the portals. No pressure, no spam.
Prefer to talk now? Message us on WhatsApp.