Renting an Apartment in UAE: Complete Guide for Expats (2026)

Moving to the UAE and looking for your first apartment? Or maybe you're a long-term resident searching for a better deal on your next rental? Either way, renting in the UAE works differently from most countries — and knowing the rules upfront saves you thousands of dirhams and a lot of stress. This guide covers everything: how to find apartments, what documents you need, how the rental contract works, Ejari registration, and your rights as a tenant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Understanding the UAE Rental Market in 2026

The UAE rental market is divided into two main categories: Dubai (governed by RERA — the Real Estate Regulatory Agency) and Abu Dhabi (governed by ADDED — Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development). Sharjah, Ajman, and other emirates have their own rental laws.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements Before Searching

Before browsing listings, be clear on four things:

1. Budget: Annual rent is paid upfront in cheques in the UAE. Know your total annual budget.
2. Location: Consider your commute to work. Dubai traffic can turn a 10km journey into a 45-minute drive during peak hours.
3. Furnished or unfurnished: Furnished apartments cost 15–30% more but save you the cost of buying furniture.
4. Contract length: Standard UAE leases are 12 months. Some landlords offer 6-month or 2-year contracts.

Step 2: Find Your Apartment

Browse available rental listings on BuyOrSell.ae — search by emirate, area, size, and budget. You can contact landlords directly with no agent fees on private listings.

Visit in person before committing. What to check during a viewing:

• Water pressure in all taps and showers
• Air conditioning units — test all of them (UAE summers make AC non-negotiable)
• Internet connectivity — fibre is available in most Dubai buildings
• Building amenities: gym, pool, parking, security, visitor parking
• Noise levels — ask what time of day the area gets busy
• Building maintenance responsiveness — ask current residents if possible

Step 3: How UAE Rent Payment Works

This surprises many expats: in the UAE, rent is typically paid in advance by post-dated cheques — not monthly. The most common arrangements are:

• 1 cheque: Full annual rent paid upfront (landlords prefer this and often offer a 5–10% discount)
• 2 cheques: Two payments of 6 months each
• 4 cheques: Four payments of 3 months each (most common for mid-range apartments)
• 6–12 cheques: Monthly payments (usually only possible in purpose-built rental communities)

Fewer cheques means more bargaining power on rent price.

Step 4: Documents You Need to Rent in UAE

As a tenant, you'll need:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Passport copy with valid UAE visa
• Residency visa (sponsored by employer, family, investor, or freelancer)
• Salary certificate or employment letter
• 3 months' bank statements (not always required, but useful for high-value rentals)

Step 5: Review and Sign the Tenancy Contract

All UAE rental agreements must be in writing. In Dubai, the standard contract is the RERA Unified Tenancy Contract. Read every clause before signing, especially:

• Rent amount and number of cheques
• Security deposit amount (typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished)
• Maintenance responsibilities (who pays for what breaks or repairs)
• Notice period for vacating (typically 90 days in Dubai)
• Penalty clauses for early termination
• Renewal terms and rent increase conditions

Step 6: Register Your Tenancy with Ejari (Dubai)

Ejari is Dubai's online tenancy registration system, managed by RERA. Registering your tenancy contract with Ejari is mandatory in Dubai and protects your rights as a tenant.

You'll need your Ejari registration number for:

• Setting up DEWA (electricity and water) in your name
• Applying for a parking permit in some communities
• Renewing or terminating your tenancy contract
• Resolving any disputes with the landlord through the Rental Disputes Centre

Ejari registration costs AED 220 and is valid for the duration of the tenancy contract.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Dubai

• Rent increases must comply with the RERA Rent Calculator — landlords cannot raise rent beyond the legal limit
• Landlord must give 90 days' written notice before eviction (12 months if they want to move in themselves)
• Security deposit must be returned within 30 days of vacating (minus legitimate deductions)
• Landlord is responsible for major maintenance — AC units, plumbing, electrical systems
• Tenant can file a dispute with the Rental Disputes Centre for AED 200 — most cases are resolved within 30–60 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an apartment in Dubai without a job? Yes — you can rent with a UAE resident visa regardless of employment status. Freelancer visas, investor visas, and family-sponsored visas all qualify.

Is there a cooling-off period after signing a UAE rental contract? No. Once a UAE tenancy contract is signed and the cheques are handed over, it is binding. Review everything carefully before signing.

How much is the security deposit for renting in Dubai? Typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished apartments and 10% for furnished.

What is the legal notice period to vacate in Dubai? 90 days written notice is required from either party under most Dubai tenancy contracts.

Can I sublet my apartment in UAE? Only with written permission from the landlord. Subletting without permission is illegal in the UAE.

Find Your Next UAE Rental on BuyOrSell.ae

Browse thousands of verified rental listings across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all seven emirates on BuyOrSell.ae. Contact landlords directly — no agent fees, no commissions.