Cheques and Payment

Dubai rent is quoted annually and traditionally paid by post-dated cheques — 1 cheque earns the best price, 4 is standard, 12 gives maximum flexibility at a small premium. Many landlords now accept bank transfers or card payment plans.

The Contract and Ejari

Your tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari (AED 220) — you’ll need it for DEWA, internet, school registration and visa paperwork. The security deposit is typically 5% of annual rent (10% furnished).

Know Your Rights

Rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index calculator — landlords can’t raise rent above the index band and must give 90 days’ notice of any change. Eviction requires 12 months’ notice via notary or registered mail, and only on limited legal grounds.

Costs Beyond Rent

DEWA deposit (AED 2,000 apartments / 4,000 villas), 5% housing fee added to DEWA bills, chiller deposits in district-cooled buildings, agency fee (typically 5% of annual rent), and moving-in permits in some towers.

Chiller-Free Matters

In district-cooled buildings, cooling can add AED 5,000–15,000 a year. ‘Chiller-free’ listings include it in the rent — always compare total occupancy cost, not headline rent. Browse our verified rentals with transparent terms.

Explore properties for sale, rentals, and community guides, or talk to our RERA-certified team.