UAE: renting property
The full process in 7 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~10 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
🔑 Owner
1
Check the RERA rental index before setting the rent
⏱ 1 day · 💰 free
2
Register the contract on Ejari
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 AED 220
3
Give 90 days notice before any increase
⏱ 90 days · 💰 free
👤 Tenant
1
Check the contract and the inventory
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 free
2
Register the contract on Ejari
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 AED 220
3
Pay the deposit
⏱ 1 day · 💰 varies
4
Put the utilities in your name
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 varies
Taxes & fees
ejari
mandatory for every residential lease
rent increase
capped by the RERA index
notice period
90 days before any increase
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
An unregistered lease is a weak lease. Every residential tenancy in Dubai must be registered with RERA through Ejari. That registration is the record everything else hangs on — utilities, visa paperwork, and any case you might one day need to bring.
The rent increase is not a negotiation — it is a scale. Within 10% of the market rent, no increase at all. 11-20% below market: 5%. 21-30%: 10%. 31-40%: 15%. More than 40% below: 20%. The RERA calculator gives the figure, and it is the figure that counts.
Ninety days, or the increase does not happen. Notice of any rent rise must reach the tenant at least 90 days before the renewal date. Announce it late and the contract renews on the old rent.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation