Your guide to how to rent a property in Dubai

From beachfront residences to high rise towers and gated villa communities, Dubai offers plenty of rental options for every need. But before you start browsing for your new home, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here’s a quick look into the journey.

What you'll need to rent a property in Dubai

Before starting, make sure you have your personal documents and budget in order.

Personal documents – To rent a property in Dubai on a long term basis (typically an annual contract) you'll need your passport, residency visa, and Emirates ID. If you are not a UAE resident and/or you want a more flexible lease you can choose a short term rental or holiday home – you won't require residency in this case.

Budget – How much can you spend on the property? Keep in mind you'll need to provide a security deposit – it's usually 5% of your annual rent for unfurnished properties or 10% if the home is furnished, but it may vary depending on the agency. The deposit will be refunded to you at the end of your tenancy. If you choose to work with an agency, there will also be an agency fee which is typically 5% of the rental value.

When, where and what to rent

We recommend starting your property search one to two months before moving in. Listings tend to go really fast, so try not to search too far in advance.

Already in this timeframe? Then it's time to think about the area and property type you're looking for. Dubai has over 200 residential communities – our area guides can give you a nice overview. Once you've chosen the potential locations, you can identify the Property Consultants specialising in those areas – they will be able to guide you through the available options and whether the area really suits your needs.

As for the property type, it'll come down to your budget and requirements. You can choose between apartments, villas, townhouses and penthouses with different amenities – and your Property Consultant will guide you through the best options based on what you're looking for. When you've found the perfect home, it's time to make an offer. Usually, this will involve negotiating key terms with the landlord, such as: rental price, number of cheques, contract start date, and deposit amount. If applicable, you should also discuss other conditions such as decoration preferences, pet policies, or furnishing arrangements.

Regulations and additional costs

Once both parties agree on the terms, you can sign the tenancy contract. This document formalises the agreement, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord. Dubai's property rental market is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). As a tenant, you can expect to be protected by multiple laws – like Law No. 26 which states that tenants must be given 12 months’ notice if the landlord wants to evict them from the property.

In Dubai, the tenant typically pays for the agency fee (can be 5% of the annual rent or a fixed rate in some agencies), so keep that in mind when planning your budget. You also need to provide a security deposit which will be refunded at the end of your tenancy, it's generally 5% of the annual rent or 10% if the home is furnished – but some agencies have a fixed rate.