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Rent

Property for rent in Dubai

Annual rent, number of cheques and furnishing on every listing — and a rent increase calculator for when renewal comes round.

15 properties

Renting in Dubai: how it works

Dubai rents are quoted per year and paid by post-dated cheques or bank transfer — the fewer the cheques, the better the rent you can usually negotiate. Your tenancy contract must be registered on [Ejari](/blog/ejari-registration-guide), the DLD's official register, which you need to connect electricity and water with DEWA.

At renewal, a landlord can raise the rent only within the bands of the RERA rental index and must give 90 days' notice. Disputes go to the Rental Dispute Center.

Upfront costs to budget for

Alongside the first cheque, expect a refundable security deposit (commonly 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished), an agency fee of about 5% plus VAT, the Ejari fee and a refundable DEWA deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas. Each listing page adds these up for you.

Questions

What people usually ask

What is the average rent in Dubai?

It depends heavily on area and unit. Indicative 2026 annual rents: studios AED 40,000–80,000, one-bedrooms AED 70,000–170,000, two-bedrooms AED 110,000–250,000, and villas from about AED 180,000. The DLD's Smart Rental Index publishes averages by building.

How many cheques do landlords accept in Dubai?

One to four cheques is most common; some landlords accept six or twelve, especially in value areas. Paying in fewer cheques is often rewarded with a lower annual rent.

Do tenants pay service charges in Dubai?

No. Community and building service charges are the owner's responsibility. Tenants pay rent, DEWA (electricity, water and the housing fee), internet and, in some buildings, district cooling.

Can I break my tenancy contract early in Dubai?

Only on the terms in your contract. Many contracts set an early-termination penalty, commonly one or two months' rent, with notice. If the contract is silent, negotiate with the landlord; unresolved disputes go to the Rental Dispute Center.