Renting in Dubai: Ejari, cheques and choosing an area
How rents are paid, what Ejari registration is, the costs on top of rent and where newcomers usually live.
In short
In Dubai you pay rent in 1 to 4 cheques per year, plus a 5% deposit and agency fee. Every lease must be registered on Ejari, which you need for DEWA, internet and family visas. Rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index.
- Lease length
- 12 months, standard
- Payment
- 1–4 post-dated cheques
- Deposit
- 5% unfurnished, 10% furnished
- Registration
- Ejari (Dubai Land Department)
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Plan for rent plus about 15% extra in the first month for deposit, agency, Ejari and DEWA.
Week 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Check the RERA rental index before negotiating renewal
- Photograph the property at move-in
- Keep all cheque receipts
- Give 90 days’ notice if you do not want to renew
Don’t
- Don’t pay cash without a receipt
- Don’t sublet without written permission
- Don’t bounce a cheque – it can lead to a civil case
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- A landlord must give 12 months’ notice by notary to evict for personal use, and 90 days’ notice for a rent increase.
Common questions
Can I pay monthly?
Some landlords and new platforms accept 12 cheques or card payments, often at a slightly higher rent.
What if the landlord raises rent too much?
Check the RERA calculator. If the increase is above the allowed amount, you can file at the Rental Disputes Centre.
Official links
Background and more detail
How renting works
Most Dubai leases run for 12 months and rent is traditionally paid in 1 to 4 post-dated cheques. More landlords now accept monthly payments, but usually at a higher price. You need a UAE bank account to write cheques.
Ejari
Every tenancy must be registered with Ejari, the Dubai Land Department system. Without it you cannot connect DEWA (electricity and water), sponsor family or renew some visas. Your agent or landlord usually registers it; the fee is about AED 220.
Costs on top of rent
- Security deposit: 5% of annual rent (unfurnished) or 10% (furnished)
- Agency fee: usually 5% of annual rent
- DEWA connection deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas
- Housing fee: 5% of annual rent, billed monthly through DEWA
Rent increases
Increases on renewal are capped by the RERA rental index. Check the allowed increase on the Dubai REST app before you agree to anything, and note the landlord must give 90 days' notice.
Areas newcomers choose
- Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR: high-rise living near the beach and metro
- Downtown, Business Bay: central and expensive
- Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle: more space for the money
- Deira, Al Nahda, International City: the most affordable
Before you sign
Check the title deed and the agent's RERA card, read the maintenance clause, and photograph the flat before moving in.
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