Real Estate Rental Guide in Dubai
Dubai is an international megacity, serving not only as the financial and business hub of the UAE but also as a popular tourist destination. Each year, an increasing number of people from different parts of the world visit this city, and they need to find accommodation for their stay. In such cases, renting property in Dubai becomes an ideal option.
Dubai offers a diverse range of rental options, from luxurious apartments in skyscrapers to cozy villas in exclusive neighborhoods. The city takes pride in its modern and high-tech real estate market, which caters to the highest standards and offers a wide selection for every budget and preference.
One of the main advantages of renting property in Dubai is the flexibility and variety of terms. You can choose the rental duration that suits your needs, whether it's for a few weeks or several years. Additionally, you can find fully furnished and equipped accommodations with everything necessary for a comfortable living experience.
One of the distinctive features of renting property in Dubai is the high level of service and amenities provided to tenants. Many rental complexes are equipped with modern infrastructure facilities such as fitness centers, pools, playgrounds, and parking spaces. Moreover, the location of the property in Dubai often offers splendid views of the city skyline or picturesque beaches.
The following individuals have the right to rent property:
Citizens of the UAE. Local residents of the UAE. Usually, to do this, you need to provide a copy of your passport and other necessary documents confirming your identity and citizenship status.
Visa holders. Foreigners who have valid residence and work visas in the UAE, such as a work visa, investment visa, family visa, and others. You may be required to provide the relevant documents confirming your resident status.
Expatriates and foreigners. Individuals who are not citizens or residents of the UAE. This includes expatriates working in Dubai on a contract or temporary basis, students, tourists, and other foreign nationals. In such cases, it is usually necessary to provide a valid visa or permission to stay in the UAE.
How to rent property in Dubai?
Renting property in Dubai is a standard legal procedure that involves lawful payment and the signing of an official contract. It is carried out in several stages and has a number of regional specifics that should be familiarized with before arriving in the UAE.
Step 1. Search for suitable accommodation that meets your needs and budget. Consult a real estate agency or explore listings on online platforms.
Step 2. After selecting a property, submit your rental offer (offer) to the owner or real estate agent. Specify the rental conditions, such as the duration, cost, move-in date, and other important details, including the number of rental checks. In some cases, the landlord may agree to negotiate a reduction in the number of checks. Make sure to address any deficiencies in the property in advance by taking photographs or recording them on video. The owner should either rectify them or include them in the contract.
Step 3. After agreeing on the terms, a preliminary agreement or reservation is usually made, in which all rental conditions are documented. The agreement is prepared by the owner's agent but can be modified by the tenant upon mutual agreement and can also be drafted in English. To sign the preliminary agreement, you may be required to provide certain documents and make a refundable security deposit (approximately 5% of the rent amount). The money or check is held by the agent, and the tenant receives a receipt indicating the accepted amount.
Step 4. To prepare the final contract, you will need to provide the agent with passports and copies of the resident visa (or an original letter from the sponsor/employer stating that the visa is being processed), or residency permits in the UAE, as well as documents confirming your financial capability (such as bank statements or income certificates).
Step 5. Once all the necessary documents are prepared, the owner or real estate agent will prepare the final tenancy contract for signing. Carefully read all the terms and ensure they correspond to the preliminary agreement and UAE legislation. Sign the contract and ensure that the owner has also signed it.
Step 6. In addition to signing the contract, you should also submit to the landlord or agent:
Rental checks (made payable to the landlord)
Security deposit equivalent to one month's rent (refundable upon moving out)
Agency commission fees, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the annual contract amount (the agent should be registered with RERA).
Step 7. In return, you will receive:
Receipts confirming payment (indicating that the owner has received all the provided checks)
Access cards and keys
Step 8. Now you can proceed to register with Ejari, complete DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) authentication, or obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if required by certain developers.
What is the Ejari system?
Ejari is a rental registration system introduced in Dubai and created by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). It requires all landlords and tenants to register their tenancy contracts within two weeks of signing the agreement and obtain an electronic registration certificate. This procedure is a mandatory requirement in Dubai and serves to protect the rights and interests of both tenants and landlords while preventing potential disputes and misunderstandings between parties.
Importantly, without registering the tenancy contract through the Ejari system, tenants will not be able to seek recourse through the judicial system in case of disputes or conflicts with the landlord.
The registration of contracts through the Ejari system is carried out at the Dubai Land Department. Registering a contract through Ejari ensures its legality and transparency with government authorities. It's worth noting that Ejari registration may be required when applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or obtaining other official documents in the UAE.
It's important to mention that the responsibility for Ejari registration lies with the landlord. However, registration can be done not only by property owners but also by tenants, agents, and property management companies. To do so, after authorizing Dubai REST, it is necessary to visit one of the Ejari Services offices.
When registering with Ejari, the following documents are required:
Original lease agreement
Document confirming the payment of the security deposit
Tenant's passport and visa (for citizens of non-GCC countries)
Tenant's Emirates ID number
Landlord's passport (for individuals)
How to register with the Ejari system?
To register, follow these steps:
Download the Dubai REST application
Open the Services tab and select RERA
Click on the Ejari contract registration button
Fill out the form and attach the necessary documents in electronic format
Submit the application
Await the landlord's approval through Dubai REST
The application can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. If there are any difficulties with the program, you can contact the Ejari Services office in Dubai.
The Ejari certificate can be used for:
Official address verification
Accessing all emirate services
Creating an account with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority)
Is Ejari registration required for short-term rentals?
Short-term rental of apartments in Dubai does not require mandatory registration with Ejari. It is regulated by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEPT). Properties rented for a short period require permission and approval one day prior to the rental.
What is NOC in the UAE?
NOC stands for No Objection Certificate, which is required by some developers and property management companies of residential complexes. It confirms the absence of security threats. To obtain an NOC, you need to prepare the Ejari certificate, an occupancy form, copies of the visa, passport, and lease agreement. The need to obtain this document should be discussed in advance with the landlord.
