Renting in Dubai: Costs, Ejari and Rent Increase Rules (2026)
Updated · Property Demand
Rents in Dubai are quoted per year and paid in advance, often by post-dated cheques. Tenants are protected by clear rules on contracts, registration and rent increases.
Upfront costs when renting
- Rent: quoted per year, commonly paid in 1 to 4 cheques (more payments are increasingly accepted).
- Security deposit: usually 5% of annual rent for unfurnished and 10% for furnished homes.
- Agent fee: commonly 5% of annual rent plus VAT.
- Ejari registration: a small fee to register the tenancy contract.
- DEWA deposit: a refundable utility deposit, typically AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas.
What is Ejari?
Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts. Registration makes the lease legally recognised and is needed to connect utilities, sponsor family visas and take any dispute to the Rental Disputes Centre.
How much can my landlord raise the rent?
Rent increases are capped by the RERA (DLD) rental index, based on how far your current rent is below the average for similar homes:
- Up to 10% below average: no increase allowed
- 11% to 20% below: up to 5%
- 21% to 30% below: up to 10%
- 31% to 40% below: up to 15%
- More than 40% below: up to 20%
The landlord must also give at least 90 days' written notice before the contract ends. You can check the allowed increase with the DLD rental index calculator.
Ending a lease or being asked to leave
A landlord can only evict for specific legal reasons, such as selling the property or moving in themselves, and must give 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail.
Frequently asked questions
How is rent paid in Dubai?
Rent is quoted per year and usually paid upfront in 1 to 4 post-dated cheques, though many landlords now accept more frequent payments or bank transfers.
How much can rent increase in Dubai?
Between 0% and 20%, depending on how far the current rent is below the RERA average for similar properties. The landlord must give 90 days' notice before the lease ends.
What does Ejari mean?
Ejari is the Dubai Land Department system for registering tenancy contracts. A registered contract is required for utilities, visas and rental disputes.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Fees and rules change; confirm with the Dubai Land Department, your bank or a licensed professional.
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