A Complete Guide to Renting in Dubai
Dubai has an incredible range of rental homes, from waterfront apartments to skyline towers and family-friendly villa communities. Whatever your lifestyle or budget, you'll find plenty of options to explore. Before you begin your search, it helps to understand a few key steps so you know exactly what to expect. Here's a simple overview of the journey.
What to prepare before renting a property in Dubai
Before you begin your search with Hyde Real Estate, make sure your documents and budget are prepared. This will help you move through the rental process smoothly and avoid delays.
Personal documents
To secure a long-term rental in Dubai, you will need your passport, residency visa, and Emirates ID. If you are not a UAE resident or you prefer a more flexible arrangement, you can explore short-term or holiday rentals. These options do not require residency and give you greater freedom with contract length.
Budget
Decide how much you can comfortably allocate to your new home. Remember that a security deposit is required. It is usually 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished property or 10% for a furnished one, although this can vary depending on the agency. Your deposit will be returned at the end of your tenancy once the property has been handed back in good condition.
If you plan to work with a real estate agency, you will also need to factor in the agency fee, which is typically 5% of the rental amount. This fee covers the professional services involved in securing your tenancy and guiding you through the process from start to finish.
Choosing When, Where and What to Rent
If you are planning to rent in Dubai, the best time to begin your search is around one to two months before your move. The rental market moves quickly and well-priced homes are often taken fast.
When you begin looking, focus on three key points:
1. Area
Dubai has more than 200 communities, each offering a different lifestyle. Use area guides to narrow down the locations that suit you, then speak with a Hyde Real Estate specialist for clear advice on which neighbourhoods match your needs.
2. Property Type
Apartments, townhouses, villas and penthouses are all available options. The right choice will depend on your budget and the lifestyle you want. Your consultant will walk you through suitable homes and help you identify the best fit.
3. Offer
Once you find a property you like, your consultant will support you through negotiations. This includes agreeing on the price, number of cheques, deposit, and any specific terms such as pet allowances or furnishing preferences.
Understanding Regulations and Additional Costs
Once both parties agree on the terms, you will move on to signing the tenancy contract. This document outlines the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord and serves as the official agreement for your new home. Dubai's rental market is overseen by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which ensures transparency and protects tenants through established laws. For example, Law No. 26 requires landlords to provide at least 12 months' notice if they intend to reclaim the property for personal use.
When budgeting, remember that tenants in Dubai typically cover the agency fee. This is usually 5% of the annual rent, although some agencies use a fixed amount. You will also need to provide a security deposit, which is refunded at the end of your tenancy as long as the property is returned in good condition. This is generally 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties or 10% for furnished ones, though the exact percentage can vary between agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe can vary based on your documents, preferred move-in date, and the level of support you have from your real estate agency. At Hyde Real Estate, we've helped some clients secure a rental within a couple of days, although every situation is different.
Once you've agreed on the property and signed the tenancy contract, the earliest realistic move-in date is around five days later. This gives you enough time to complete your Ejari registration, set up your DEWA connection, and obtain your move-in permit.
There isn't one fixed timeline for everyone, but your Hyde Property Consultant will review your circumstances and give you a clear expectation of how long your process should take.
Both options work well — it simply depends on what fits your plans.
If you're a UAE resident and want a stable, year-long contract, long-term leasing is the best route. You can choose a furnished home or style it yourself, and your rental cost will remain fixed for the full year. Payments are typically made using one or more post-dated cheques, depending on what you and the landlord agree on.
If you're not a resident or only plan to stay in Dubai for a short period, a fully serviced short-term rental offers more flexibility. These homes come ready to move into, right down to the kitchen essentials. You can stay for days, weeks or months, and simply pack your bags when your lease ends.
Ejari, which means “my rent” in Arabic, is the official system used to register every tenancy contract in Dubai. Once you've signed your rental agreement, you'll need to complete this registration at an approved Ejari centre. Your Consultant will let you know which documents to bring. The registration fee starts at AED 215 plus 5% VAT, and the process is usually quick and straightforward.
Once your Ejari is registered, you'll receive a welcome SMS and email from DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) with your account details, premises number, and a link to pay your security deposit. After the deposit is settled, your electricity and water connection will be activated within 24 hours.
DEWA requires a security deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, along with an activation fee of AED 130 + 5% VAT.
If you'd prefer support with the setup, the Hyde Real Estate team can arrange both your DEWA and Ejari registrations once your tenancy contract is signed for a service fee of AED 1,400 VAT included.
Once you've chosen your new rental home, you'll move on to the paperwork that makes your tenancy official.
Tenancy contract
Review the contract with your Property Consultant before signing. They will walk you through the terms and answer any questions. After everything is clear, both you and the landlord will sign the agreement and keep a copy for your records.
Cheques
Some landlords accept online payments, but many still request cheques. In competitive areas, you may be asked for a single cheque covering the full year's rent. Others may accept quarterly or monthly payments.
Have the agreed number of cheques ready along with your security deposit, which can be paid by cheque or cash. Once prepared, your Property Consultant will hand them to the landlord and issue receipts for each payment.
In most cases, yes. Many Dubai communities and apartment buildings require a move-in permit to make sure your movers can access the building, common areas, and parking without any issues. Some areas without shared facilities may not require one.
If your community does need a permit, Hyde Real Estate will guide you through the process. Our team will share the relevant links and instructions so you can apply smoothly and plan your move with confidence.