Rent a Property in the UAE: Tenant Guide 2026

Whether you are a new tenant or a seasonal renter, the renting process can feel like a muddle of mixed messages. The UAE rental market offers everything from high-rises to family villas. We have turned the overwhelming information into a clear step-by-step guide. Every fee and rule below was checked against official sources on 30 October 2026; the sources are listed at the end. Fees and rules can change, so confirm them with the authority or an iRealtor advisor before you pay.

Rent depends on the location and size of the property. You can pay in one payment or several, as agreed with the broker or landlord, and tenants provide post-dated cheques that cover the agreed lease period. Decide your maximum rent, and think about furnished or unfurnished and about the commute.

Budget for the extra costs:

• Dubai: a municipality housing fee of 5% of the annual rent, shown on the electricity bill and separate from VAT. The Ejari fee is AED 177.75 through Dubai REST or the website, or AED 220 at a trustee centre.
• Abu Dhabi: an annual municipality fee of 5% of the rent, with a minimum of AED 450, for non-Local tenants. It is added to your water and electricity bill over 12 months. The registration service fee is AED 50 per contract for contracts under 4 years.

Use the experience of a registered broker. In Dubai, check the company on the Dubai Land Department list of registered brokerage companies. In Abu Dhabi, you can verify the broker's permit on ADREC.

Broker fee: in Dubai it follows the agreement, so agree it in advance. In Abu Dhabi the parties agree it, and if they do not, the commission from one side may not exceed 5% of the annual rent, and the broker may not take a commission from both the tenant and the owner.

Before you sign, read every term: the rent, the payment dates, the start and expiry dates, who pays what and the notice terms. You will need a copy of your passport, a valid residence visa and your Emirates ID.

The Dubai Land Department says the security deposit covers repairs for damage beyond normal wear, and you can reclaim it at the end of the lease if the property is returned in the same condition as you received it. It publishes no standard amount, so agree the amount in the contract and get a receipt.

Rent increases: in Dubai, an increase follows the rent index and needs at least 90 days' notice before the contract expires. In Abu Dhabi, the annual increase is 0% until further notice, and renewals reference the rent of the last registered Tawtheeq contract.

Registration is compulsory, and you need it to connect utilities.

• Dubai (Ejari): register through the Ejari system, the Dubai REST app or a Real Estate Registration Trustee centre. Bring the Unified Tenancy Contract and your Emirates ID. You receive an e-Contract Registration Certificate.
• Abu Dhabi (Tawtheeq): your landlord registers the contract on DARI. You then receive a notification with the contract details and can accept or reject it. Contracts longer than 4 years need approval from the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

The move-in inspection protects your deposit. Walk through every room with your landlord or broker.

• Take photos and videos of every room, fitting and appliance, including any existing damage.
• Check that doors, windows, taps, air conditioning and sockets work, and open drawers and cupboards.
• Get written confirmation of the condition of the property, signed by both sides.

In Dubai, once your Ejari is issued, DEWA sends you a welcome email with your account number, your deposit details and a payment link. The deposit amount is set by DEWA, so check it in that email.

In Abu Dhabi, registering your tenancy on Tawtheeq sets up your water and electricity accounts with Taqa Distribution (ADDC). Tenants outside the Tawtheeq system apply with a passport, Emirates ID, tenancy contract and the previous tenant's account closing letter. The tenant pays for water and electricity use from the day of takeover.

An iRealtor advisor can explain the steps and shortlist homes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including off-plan launches.

This article is general guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice.