Renting a home

Tenancy contracts in Dubai must be registered through DLD's Ejari system; DLD's tenancy guide calls Ejari an online programme developed by RERA and says registration is mandatory.

Ejari registrations can be made by users registered in the Ejari system (owners, property companies, representatives), through real estate services trustee centres, or through the Dubai REST app.

A tenant can start Ejari registration (via Dubai REST or a trustee office with an owner NOC), but the landlord's approval is required to complete it.

DLD lists the fee for registering a tenancy contract as AED 177.75 in total via the Dubai REST app or DLD website, and AED 220 in total via Real Estate Trustee Centres (AED 100 registration fee plus other fees).

Individuals may hold a maximum of 3 residential Ejari contracts; there is no limit for commercial leasing.

Registered lease contracts are required to connect utilities in the UAE; DEWA made an attested Ejari contract mandatory for electricity and water services from 1 July 2017.

After Ejari is issued, DEWA automatically sends a welcome email with the new account number, security deposit details and payment link; no visit to a DEWA office is needed.

DEWA's listed residential security deposit is AED 2,000 for a flat and AED 4,000 for a villa.

Tenants in Dubai pay a housing fee to Dubai Municipality of 5 per cent of yearly rent, added to monthly electricity and water bills.

Decree No. 43 of 2013 sets the maximum rent increase on renewal by how far the current rent is below the average rental value of similar units: none if up to 10% below; 5% if 11-20% below; 10% if 21-30%; 15% if 31-40%; 20% if more than 40% below.

The Decree applies to all landlords in Dubai, including public and private entities, special development areas and free zones such as DIFC.

The average market rent is set by the 'Rent Index of the Emirate of Dubai' approved by RERA; DLD says the index is indicative for a new lease and mandatory when the parties dispute a renewal increase.

A party who wants to change the rent or other terms must notify the other party no less than 90 days before the tenancy contract expires, unless otherwise agreed.

DLD's Smart Rent Index (described by DLD on 16 Feb 2025 as a recent launch): a rent increase is applied only if the landlord notified the tenant at least 90 days before expiry and the index confirms the property's eligibility.

Law No. 33 of 2008 replaced the original two-year rent freeze in Law No. 26 of 2007. At renewal, landlord and tenant may amend the contract's terms or review the rent, up or down; unless they agree otherwise, the party seeking a change must notify the other at least 90 days before the contract expires.