Dubai is a famous vacation spot for locals and ex-pats who like to invest in real estate properties. But there’s one big hassle: most can’t buy or rent property in Dubai. This is because the UAE authorities restrict overseas nationals from owning property in the top regions. However, alternatives which include long-term leases, freehold ownership, and shared freehold ownership allow non-UAE citizens to purchase property in Dubai. It is vital to cautiously recollect your price range, brief period, and long-term desires before investing. Consider the pros and cons of renting a property in Dubai based on your favored location.
Long-Term and Short-Term Rentals in Dubai
Dubai offers rental options for both long-term and short-term leases.
| Feature | Short-Term Rentals | Long-Term Rentals |
| Duration | Daily, weekly, or monthly | More than six months |
| Contract Registration (Ejari) | Not required | Required |
| Furnishing | Mostly furnished | Available as both furnished & unfurnished |
| Utility Bills | Included in the rent | Paid separately |
| Ideal for | Tourists, business personnel | Residents, professionals, families |
Considerations Before Renting a Property in Dubai
Dubai property rentals have become popular recently as the low-cost lease appeals. With an affordable rate variety, you could experience a high-priced lifestyle in Dubai. Many people, particularly professionals, have shifted to Dubai for their profession and cannot afford the upfront high value of purchasing a home, so they choose to stay in a rented house.
| Factor | Details |
| Legal Law of Tenancy | Renting a property in Dubai requires applying a legal procedure. Tenant annual rent increases are a significant issue, so the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) controls rent increases to guarantee they stay below legal limitations. Under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) controls rental agreements. |
| Hire a Property Agent | Hiring an RERA-registered agent or property advisor is advised, whether this is your first rental or not. An expert agent can help prevent fraudulent activity and offer market analysis. |
| Location of the Property | Select a house close to your place of employment, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, parks, grocery stores, and gym. |
| Size of the Property | Choose a size depending on your family’s needs. Villas and townhouses are for larger families, studios are for individuals, and apartments are for couples. |
| Additional Charges | Tour the property before deciding on a rental to estimate possible maintenance expenses. In addition to rent, other fees could cover security deposits, agency fees, EJARI registration, DEWA deposits, internet, and other utilities. Location and property type determine these expenses. |
| Define Your Rental Budget | Consider your financial stability before renting. Account for extra charges beyond rent, and remember that landlords have the legal right to Annual rent increases, as per Dubai’s tenancy laws. |
Renting property in Dubai may be beneficial and acceptable for you. If you follow the above factors before renting a property in Dubai, you could experience the most high-priced and luxurious way of life.
Best Areas to Rent in Dubai
Here are a number of the best areas to rent in Dubai in keeping with the income range:
| Salary Range (AED/Month) | Best Areas to Rent in Dubai | Average Cost of Renting a Property in Dubai (Per Year, AED) |
| 7,500 – 10,000 | Al Qusais, International City, Deira, Dubai South, Dubailand | 25,700 – 35,809 |
| 10,000 – 12,500 | Al Warsan, Dubai Residence Complex, Nadd Al Hammar, Dubai Sports City, Bur Dubai, DAMAC Hills, Discovery Gardens, Arjan | 37,228 – 44,367 |
| 15,000 – 17,500 | Expo City, Al Satwa, Al Jaddaf, Al Nahda, Greens, Mirdif, JLT, Discovery Gardens, MBR City, Maritime City | 54,542 – 62,455 |
| 17,500 – 20,000 | Culture Village, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz | 61,675 – 72,000 |
| 20,000 – 22,500 | Downtown Dubai, Motor City, JBR, The Views, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Festival City, Town Square | 75,000 – 85,000 |
| 22,500 – 25,000 | Bluewaters, Dubai Marina, City Walk, Al Habtoor City | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| Above 25,000 | Emirates Hills, District One, Al Barari, The Lakes | 110,000+ |
Cost of Living for Renters
Here’s an estimate of the standard cost of living for renters:
| Category | Cost of living for renters in Dubai (AED) |
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment in city center) | 5505 |
| Utilities (monthly, one person) | 734 |
| Groceries (monthly, one person) | 1101 |
| Transportation (monthly, one person) | 367 |
| Dining Out (monthly, one person) | 550.5 |
The living fee depends on the choice of apartment houses in Dubai.
How to Rent a Property in Dubai?
It has become a popular choice for renting in Dubai. Tourists and corporate officials touring Dubai prefer to rent. Moreover, expats and nationals operating in Dubai can also discover long—and short-term leases.
1. Search and Shortlist Property Listings
It is also crucial to affirm the employer fee for renting properties. However, it’s usually better to have clarity before deciding on a settlement. Villas range from 2-bedroom houses to highly-priced mansions with over eleven bedrooms. Browse active listings, shortlist residences based on snapshots, rent, and facilities, then contact the agent or landlord to schedule a visit. You can also keep searching for later evaluations.
| Types of Property Listings | Key Property Details |
| Apartments | Annual property rent |
| Townhouses | Location of the apartment or villa in Dubai |
| Residential Plots | Number of rooms and baths |
| Villas | Furnished or unfurnished status |
| Penthouses | Comprehensive list of amenities |
| Hotel Apartments | Nearby schools, parks, hospitals, and restaurants |
2. Visit the Property
Once you put a date for an on-site visit with the agent, head out to the location and maintain a list of inquiries to ask them. Try to reach a bit early and scan the neighbourhood. Examine the property as thoroughly as you want and set up to go-to at an extraordinary time to better comprehend what it would be like to stay there. Before you signal the apartment settlement, test most of these critical things. These should additionally encompass the hidden cost of renting a property in Dubai.
| For the Unit | For the Neighborhood |
| Does the apartment or villa get enough natural light? | Is the neighborhood noisy? |
| Do you like the view? | Are there construction sites nearby? |
| Are the rooms spacious enough? | Is it in close or manageable proximity to your workplace? |
| Are the fixtures and fittings in good condition? | Is it well-connected by public transport? |
3. Make an Offer
Once you’ve appeared round and determined on a rental or villa, the second step to renting in Dubai is finalising the offer. While most contracts have quarterly or bi-annual fee terms, landlords tend to decrease the yearly rent if you pay the amount in fewer cheques. However, before committing to an unmarried-cheque association, ensure you’re organised to live within the residence for some time. Otherwise, you can incur losses.
4. Reserve the Property
To reserve the property, you must pay your landlord a refundable security deposit (one month’s lease or 5% of the lease). If you’re operating with a real estate agent, they will typically hold onto this amount until the deal is finalised. Ensure you receive a receipt while putting up the deposit cheque (or coins). If you wish to return from the agreement for any reason, the agent will repay the protection deposit amount to your landlord. The documents required for this manner encompass:
- Passport copy.
- A residence visa copy (or a respectable file from your employer or sponsor declaring that your visa is being processed) is required.
5. Review and Sign the Tenancy Agreement
Once you pay the safety deposit, your agent shares the tenancy settlement. The agreement must observe tenancy legal guidelines in Dubai. You also need to understand tenant rights in Dubai before formalising a contract. A mutual settlement allows both parties to add special clauses. Check the contract, approve changes, and understand the terms. Your agent must answer questions and address concerns.
Once confirmed, send the agent the tenancy contract, lease cheques, and organisation commission—request receipts for all fees. The agent will return the lease cheques after the owner signs the tenancy contract. Keep a settlement copy and acknowledgement receipt. One contract copy goes to the landlord and one to the tenant. After signing an acknowledgement form listing everything you’ve obtained, the agent will give you the keys and access cards. Signing a handover contract is standard.
6. Register Tenancy Contract with Ejari
Once you have signed the contract, you or your agent should register it with Ejari. This is the 1/3 most essential step in your manual for renting in Dubai so the settlement can be legally desirable in the emirate. You can head to any typing centre with your files online through the professional website. Make sure the deposits, agreement period, and rent quantities are clearly stated in your Ejari. The files required for registration are:
- Original tenancy settlement.
- Title deed (from landlord).
- Tenant and landlord’s passport copies.
- Copy of tenant’s Emirates ID.
7. DEWA
Once you signal your tenancy agreement in Dubai, the next step is getting the water and power connection. Dubai tenants should practice for a Dubai Water and Electricity Authority connection. Here is what you’ll need for a new connection:
- DEWA premise number.
- Ejari number.
- Landlord’s passport copy.
- Your passport copies and Emirates ID.
- Completed DEWA form (collected at DEWA).
- Security deposit payment.
The online DEWA application is much faster and involves filling out the form stating the Ejari range, Emirates ID range, and passport range. Pay the deposit amount through DEWA’s online fee gateway, and the carrier will be activated and charged within 24 hours of registration.
8. Move-In Form
Some popular groups in Dubai require tenants to obtain a move-in allowance before occupying their dream rental or villa. These are usually available on the developer’s website and take up to 5 days to process. Ask your real estate agent or landlord if that is required and follow the advice on time to avoid delays. Some communities that need a move-in permit include Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills and The Greens. You will require the following documents for this technique:
- Passport Copy / Emirates ID.
- Certificate of Completion of Payment.
- Copy of the Tenancy Contract.
- Copy of the unit’s most recent Service Charge Receipt (by using the landlord).
9. Moving In
After getting your move-in permit, you can move into your house and begin a new bankruptcy in Dubai!
While it could seem daunting, renting in Dubai is reasonably simple if you follow the abovementioned steps. Know what you’re seeking and paint with a capable real estate agent who knows the market and guides you to every step.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Property in Dubai
Best for novices and expatriates, renting in Dubai offers flexibility, lower upfront costs, and access to luxury amenities. It lets residents discover distinct neighborhoods without the monetary commitment of possession. However, the risks of renting in Dubai include the incapacity to construct fairness, increased capacity for rent, restricted control over property modifications, and hidden costs like protection expenses. While renting offers comfort and mobility, it’s vital not to forget long-term economic implications before you decide.
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Flexibility and Mobility | Quickly relocate without the hassle of selling a property | No stability in long-term living arrangements |
| Lower Upfront Costs | No need for a large down payment, just a security deposit & advance rent | No return on investment (no equity building) |
| Access to Luxuries | Enjoy amenities like pools, gyms and parking without maintenance costs | Hidden costs such as maintenance fees and utility surcharges |
| No Maintenance Worries | Landlord is responsible for major repairs and upkeep | Limited control over property modifications |
| No Long-Term Investment | Allows temporary living without commitment | Rent payments do not contribute to ownership |
| Rent Increases | Short-term commitment allows adaptation to market changes | Landlords can raise rent within government regulations |
| Limited Personalization | No need to worry about property renovations | Restrictions on making significant changes to decor or layout |
| Access to Prime Locations | Renting provides access to desirable areas where buying may be unaffordable | Living in prime locations can come with a higher cost of renting a property in Dubai |
| Easier Relocation for Expats | Ideal for expatriates who may have temporary work contracts | Frequent moves may lead to increased costs for deposits and shifting expenses |
| Variety of Property Options | Multiple rental options, from apartments to luxury villas | Rental availability in popular areas can be highly competitive |
| Short-Term Commitments | Ability to test different neighborhoods before settling down | Lease agreements may come with penalties for early termination |
| Potential Utility Inclusions | Some short-term rentals include utility bills, saving additional costs | Long-term rentals usually require tenants to pay for utilities separately |
| Legal Protection | Its rental laws provide tenant rights in Dubai and dispute resolution | Bureaucratic processes can delay issue resolution |
| Security Deposits Refundable | Tenants can get their security deposit back if no damage occurs | Some landlords may delay or deduct deposit refunds |
Why is Eastern Housing at the Top for Renting a Property in Dubai?
Eastern Housing UAE is preferred for getting or renting property in Dubai because of its unmatched service, first-class, considerable property listings, and customer-centric method. Here’s what sets it apart from competitors:
1. Transparent Deals
Unlike many competitors, Eastern Housing affords marketplace-competitive apartment charges with no hidden charges, making sure customers receive the high-quality price for their money.
2. Expert Real Estate Consultants
We have a team of skilled property consultants to assist clients throughout the rental process, from property selection to settlement signing.
3. Personalised Customer Service
Eastern Housing UAE prioritises customer satisfaction, providing tailored answers to meet individual preferences, flexible leasing terms, and property control offerings.
4. Strong Reputation
With a verified track record in Dubai’s real estate market, Eastern Housing has built a trusted reputation among tenants and landlords, making it a preferred choice.
Final Thoughts
Renting in Dubai has advantages and challenges. It lacks the financial benefit of owning real estate, even if it gives freedom and access to an opulent lifestyle. Analysing the Dubai rental market and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of renting a property in Dubai will help you decide which fits your budget and way of life. Eastern Housing can provide a luxury and hassle-free rental experience with adequate planning.
