For renters
What renting in Dubai actually costs.
The same questions come up every week, so here are the answers in plain English — the six steps from viewing to keys, and a calculator that shows your real move-in figure.
The process, in six steps.
- 01
Book a viewing
Pick a time on the listing page. You get an instant confirmation by email with the address and your agent's number.
- 02
Make an offer
Tell us your rent, number of cheques and move-in date. We put it to the landlord the same day.
- 03
Offer accepted
We confirm the terms in writing and take a holding deposit (usually 5%) to take the home off the market.
- 04
Referencing and documents
Passport, visa, Emirates ID and a simple income or employment check. Uploaded securely, never by WhatsApp.
- 05
Sign the tenancy contract
Cheques handed over, contract signed, and Ejari registered so the tenancy is official.
- 06
Keys and utilities
DEWA, cooling and gas set up in your name, then handover with a condition check.
Your upfront costs.
Enter the annual rent and your preferred cheques to see the full move-in figure, including agency commission.
Your upfront costs
What you pay to move in.
Adjust the rent, cheques and furnishing to see your real move-in figure. Everything updates as you type.
First rent cheque (4 cheques)i
The annual rent divided by the number of cheques. This is what you hand over on signing.
AED 0
Security deposit (5% unfurnished)i
Refundable at the end of the tenancy, less any damage beyond fair wear.
AED 0
Agency commission (flat fee under AED 100,000)i
A flat AED 5,000 on any rent up to AED 100,000, and 5% of the annual rent above that.
AED 0
Contract and administration feei
A flat fee covering contract drafting, Ejari filing and handover coordination.
AED 950
Ejari registrationi
The government registration that makes your tenancy contract official in Dubai.
AED 177.70
DEWA registrationi
Water and electricity: a refundable deposit plus a one-off connection charge.
AED 2,130
Total upfront
AED 3,258
Move-in for your next home: about AED 3,258 upfront.
Paid to the landlord
AED 0
Your first rent cheque, handed over on signing.
Refundable deposits
AED 2,000
Security deposit and DEWA deposit — returned at the end, less any damage.
One-off fees
AED 1,258
Commission, contract and administration, Ejari, connections.
What is included
- First rent cheque (4 cheques)
- Security deposit (5% unfurnished)
- Agency commission (flat fee under AED 100,000)
- Contract and administration fee
- Ejari registration
- DEWA registration
Not included
- Monthly DEWA, cooling and internet consumption bills.
- Moving, storage and any furniture you bring in.
- Optional maintenance contracts or contents insurance.
Indicative figures for guidance. DEWA, cooling and gas charges vary by building and consumption, and the deposit is refundable.
How renting works — FAQsFrequently asked questions.
- What is the agency commission?
- A flat AED 5,000 on any rent up to AED 100,000 a year. Above AED 100,000, it is 5% of the annual rent. Nothing hidden on top.
- What is the contract and administration fee?
- A separate flat fee covering contract drafting, Ejari filing and handover coordination. It is shown as its own line in the calculator below.
- How much is the security deposit?
- Typically 5% of the annual rent unfurnished, and 10% furnished. It is refundable at the end of the tenancy, less any damage beyond fair wear.
- How do cheques work?
- Rent is paid by post-dated cheques. Fewer cheques usually means a better rent. One, two, four, six and twelve cheque terms are common.
- What is Ejari and who pays?
- Ejari is the government registration that makes your tenancy official in Dubai. It is a small one-off fee, normally paid by the tenant.
- What about DEWA, cooling and gas?
- DEWA is a refundable deposit plus a connection charge. Some buildings bill district cooling separately, which has its own registration and deposit. Piped gas has a one-off activation charge.
- Do I need to be a UAE resident?
- No, but you will need a valid passport, and a residence visa or Emirates ID before Ejari registration. We can guide you if your visa is in process.
- How quickly can I move in?
- Once an offer is accepted, a straightforward tenancy takes three to seven days from signing to keys.
- Is the holding deposit refundable?
- It is applied to your first cheque when the tenancy proceeds. It is only lost if you withdraw after the landlord has accepted your terms.
- Can I renew or leave early?
- Renewals need 90 days' notice of any change under Dubai law. Early exit terms vary by contract — we will flag them before you sign.
Still have a question?
Book a viewing on any home and ask on the day, or send a message and we will answer properly.