Renting step by step
- Set your budget. Add the deposit, commission and DEWA deposit to the first year's rent.
- Work with a RERA-licensed agent. Check the listing and the agent's licence.
- View the home and ask for the title deed. Make sure the landlord really owns the property.
- Sign the contract and pay. The deposit and rent cheques are handed over at this point.
- Register with Ejari. The contract is registered in Ejari, Dubai's official tenancy system, via the Dubai REST app, an Ejari centre or your agent.
- Connect DEWA. Use your Ejari number to open a DEWA account and pay the refundable deposit.
Move-in costs
| Item | Amount | Refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | 5% of annual rent (unfurnished), 10% (furnished) | Yes |
| Agent commission | Usually 5% of annual rent + VAT | No |
| DEWA deposit | ≈ AED 2,000 – 4,000 | Yes |
| Ejari registration | A small registration fee | No |
Example: for an unfurnished flat at AED 80,000 a year, on top of the rent you'll pay about AED 4,000 deposit, AED 4,200 commission and AED 2,000 DEWA deposit.
How much is rent? Annual rents by area
| Budget (JVC, International City) | Mid-range (JLT, Business Bay, Al Barsha) | Premium (Marina, Downtown, Palm) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 30,000 – 45,000 | 45,000 – 65,000 | 60,000 – 90,000 |
| 1-bed | 40,000 – 60,000 | 60,000 – 85,000 | 85,000 – 130,000 |
| 2-bed | 55,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 120,000 | 120,000 – 200,000 |
Figures are annual rents in AED and reflect 2026 market ranges.
Rent increases and tenant rights
Landlords can't raise rent at will. Increases follow the Dubai Land Department's smart rental index: the further your rent is below the area average, the more it can rise. If your rent is close to the market average, no increase is allowed; the maximum is 20%.
A landlord must give notice of a rent increase or any change in terms at least 90 days before the contract ends; otherwise you don't have to accept it. Eviction for the landlord's own use or for sale requires 12 months' notice through a notary.
You can check whether an increase is legal with the calculator on the Dubai Land Department website.
Avoiding scams
- Be wary of prices far below the market.
- Never pay in cash; use cheques or bank transfers.
- See the landlord's title deed and ID.
- Don't deal with a landlord who won't register with Ejari.
- Verify the agent's RERA licence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay rent monthly in Dubai?
Traditionally rent is annual and paid in 1–4 cheques. Some landlords and newer platforms accept monthly payments, usually for a higher total rent.
Do I need residency to rent?
Ejari registration usually requires a residence visa and Emirates ID. Non-residents mostly choose short-term or furnished rentals.
When do I get my deposit back?
At the end of the contract, if there's no damage beyond normal wear and the bills are paid. Photographing the home at handover helps avoid disputes.
How much can a landlord raise the rent?
It depends on the Dubai Land Department's rental index, with a maximum of 20%. If your rent is close to the market average, no increase is allowed.