How to Rent Your Property in Dubai - A Complete Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Your Property in Dubai

Preparing Your Property for Rental

The first step of listing a property for rent in Dubai is to prepare it. If there are any minor renovations required on your property such as plumbing, painting, or electrical work - it is recommended to complete these before putting it out for rental. This will ensure the property is visually appealing, attracts high quality tenants and achieves the best rental price.

First impressions and the property’s look matter.

Selecting a Real Estate Company

Working with a real estate company to list your property for rent will be of immense help. This will allow you to work with experienced people in the industry who are familiar with the market, different property types and locations, and shifting trends. They will also have the resources and expertise to market your property effectively to a wide audience, attracting potential tenants and allowing you to rent your property for the best price.

Importance of a Reputable Company

A reputable real estate company does not only have years of experience when it comes to dealing with tenants, but it should also have a reputation for following the process swiftly and seamlessly.

Working with a reputable real estate agency will ensure a smooth process for you, as well as an informed one where there is clarity on both ends. Your agent/company will also help you understand the rent prices, vet potential tenants and negotiate desirable terms.

Ensuring RERA Registration

It is vital to work with an agency that is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) to avoid any legal issues in the future. Real estate companies affiliated with RERA not only help find suitable tenants but also ensure that the entire process is conducted professionally. 

Understanding the Listing Process

Knowing “how to list my property for rent in Dubai” is incomplete without understanding the documents and permits required for listing. 

Here are two factors to keep in mind about the property listing process in Dubai:

Necessary Documentation

Putting a property for rent in Dubai involves submitting various documentation, which you as the property owner will be responsible for. The documents required for putting a property on rent include: 

• Title deed

• The landlord’s passport and Emirates ID/Residence Visa copy 

• DEWA account details 

How to Obtain a Listing Permit

All properties put up for rent in Dubai are required to obtain a permit that allows them to be advertised by a RERA-registered real estate company. 

To obtain this permit, you will have to submit certain documents to the Dubai Land Department (DLD):

• Title deed 

• Passport copy of the owner

• Signed listing agreement 

Your real estate agent should complete this process on your behalf.

Decluttering and Preparing Your Property for a Shoot

As mentioned above, first impressions of your property matter. Therefore, it is important to showcase it in the best possible light before listing it for rent.

Your real estate agent should consider options like professional photography, videography and 360 tours to capture your property. However, these efforts could be wasted if your property is not clean, tidy and in good overall condition.

It is advisable to keep your property in good shape and decluttered prior to listing it for rent, and then maintain these standards so that potential tenants can view your property at its finest.

Arranging Property Viewings

Your real estate agent should arrange property viewings on your behalf. They should be present to show potential tenants around your property and answer their questions, negotiate any offers and also give you constructive feedback on your property.

It is advisable to be as flexible as possible with timings for viewings to give potential tenants the best possible experience and not deter them from visiting your property.

Reviewing Offers

Once a potential tenant decides that they would like to rent your property, they will submit an offer via the real estate agent. Both parties can discuss and negotiate the terms of the contract through the agent before mutually agreeing to proceed. 

After accepting the tenant’s offer, the necessary documentation is to be completed and the contract will be drawn up, and the tenant should issue a deposit cheque. Your real estate agent will guide you and the tenant throughout the process. 

Signing the Tenancy Contract

Your property has been listed for rent and is almost secured by a tenant. The next step is signing the tenancy contract, for which there are two factors to consider:

Using the RERA Unified Contract

The real estate company you are working with should provide the RERA Unified Tenancy Contract along with a standardized lease addendum that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. 

Registering with Ejari

Upon signing the tenancy contract, it is mandatory to register with Ejari. This can be done by the tenant, landlord, or the real estate company. 

While registering for Ejari, you will be required to provide certain documents and pay a fee - this can be done online or at an Ejari center. 

Handling payments 

There are two things to keep in mind when receiving the first payment from the tenant for your property: 

Payment options and security deposits 

During the contract signing, the tenant should make a payment to the landlord in line with the agreed terms. This typically includes a security deposit (5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished property or 10% if it is furnished) and any other upfront fees.

The tenant may either pay the full annual rent in one payment (one cheque) or they can make an initial payment with post-dated cheques. 

Managing post-dated cheques 

If a tenant and landlord agree that the rent will be split over multiple payments throughout the year, the tenant should issue post-dated cheques to the landlord at the time of contract signing.

A post-dated cheque is a cheque which has a future date written on it instead of the date the cheque was written. This means that the cheque can only be deposited on or after the date specified - otherwise, it will not be accepted by the bank.

For example, lets imagine that the tenant and landlord agree for the annual rent to be split over 6 cheques. This would mean that the tenant will make the first payment (for 1/6 of the rent) at the time of signing the contract, and they would then issue 5 post-dated cheques which are dated at 2 month intervals throughout the year. This would allow the tenant to pay the rent in regular installments, whilst giving the landlord comfort in having the cheques ready to cash.

Ensuring utility connections 

For the tenant’s ease, ensure that the contracts for their gas, water, and electricity utilities are in place. This happens as soon as the contract is registered with Ejari, after which DEWA creates the tenant’s account and emails them the details. 

To activate the DEWA account, the following documents will be required:

• DEWA number 

• Passport copies (of both tenant and landlord)

• DEWA form 

• Title deed

• Activation fee of AED 130

• A refundable security deposit 

If there are any outstanding utility bills at the time of tenancy commencement, you will have to pay them. 

Documenting key and card handover

Ensure that you have a key and any necessary access cards ready to give to the tenant. These will have to be signed for and collected by the tenant before they move into your property.  

Costs of Renting Your Property in Dubai

When listing your property for rent in Dubai, it's important to consider the additional costs involved in the process. These can include:

• Minor renovation or maintenance costs

• Professional cleaning

• Photography and marketing expenses (usually covered by the real estate agency)

• Property insurance

• Utility clearance (paying any outstanding bills before handover)

Being aware of these potential expenses helps you budget effectively and ensures a smoother renting process.

How Long Does It Take to Rent Your Property?

The time it takes to rent a property in Dubai depends on various factors such as location, price point, condition of the property, and how well it is marketed.

In general, if your property is competitively priced and professionally marketed by a reputable agent, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to secure a suitable tenant.

Legal Requirements for Renting Out a Property in Dubai

Dubai's rental market is regulated to ensure fairness between landlords and tenants. To remain compliant, here are some important legal requirements:

• Rental increases require a 90-day written notice before contract renewal

• Evictions must follow legal grounds: non-payment, personal use, or misuse of the property

• Major repairs are the landlord’s responsibility

• Ejari registration is mandatory for all tenancy contracts

Required Documentation

For landlords:

• Emirates ID or passport

• Title deed copy

• 9-digit DEWA premises number

• Power of attorney (if applicable)

For tenants:

• Emirates ID and passport

• UAE residence visa

• Signed tenancy contract

• Security deposit receipt

• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Out Your Property

Many landlords unknowingly make mistakes that can delay the rental process or attract the wrong tenants. Here are some to avoid:

• Not using an agent: trying to list your property for rent without a real agent can significantly slow down the process, attract lower quality tenants and potentially lead to you achieving a lower rental price.

• Poor marketing: Low-quality photos or vague descriptions reduce visibility and tenant interest

• Overpricing: Research the RERA rental index to ensure your asking rent is fair and realistic

• Neglecting maintenance: Unrepaired damage or untidy interiors deter potential tenants

Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you secure better tenants and lease terms.

Conclusion

While Dubai offers a relatively streamlined process for listing your apartment or villa for rent in Dubai, navigating all the steps—especially as a first-time landlord, can be confusing and time-consuming. This is where Engel & Völkers steps in.

For over 10 years, Engel & Völkers has helped landlords in Dubai to successfully rent their properties and home seekers find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're looking to list your apartment for rent or find your dream home, contact us today for expert guidance.