TL;DR – Key Takeaways

• Include rent, bills, deposits, and fees to budget smartly. With Keyper, you can pay rent monthly.
• Choose a location based on your commute, lifestyle, neighbours and building management.
• Use Property Finder, Bayut and dubizzle to find rental properties and Keyper for monthly payments.
• Always inspect the property condition, amenities, parking and facilities beforehand
• Negotiate rent, payment methods, rental laws and eviction rules.
• Register Ejari after signing the contract

Rental Types in Dubai: Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals

For tourists and expats from all over the world, Dubai has two rental options: short-term and long-term. Short-term rentals are available on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, ideal for tourists and business travellers.

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On the contrary, long-term rentals have tenancy agreements, also known as an Ejari contract, signed and registered for more than six months. If you plan to stay more than six months in Dubai, for business and job purposes, opting for long-term rentals is ideal.

Step-by-Step Process for Renting in Dubai

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Step 1: Define Your Budget

Before browsing listings, understand the rent you can afford. While there is no rule of thumb, you can keep 20% to 30% of your monthly income for monthly rent.

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When budgeting, consider annual rent and additional expenses, such as DEWA bill, internet bills and mover fees. Also, calculate the security deposit, which is 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished.

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You must keep the agency fees in calculations, which is 5% of the annual rent. Moreover, the standard Ejari registration fees are AED 100 plus AED 10 for the Knowledge fee and AED 10 for the Innovation fee. When registering Ejari through an official trustee service, it can cost up to AED 220.

How Keyper Helps Budgeting Your Rent

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You can divide your rent into 12 monthly instalments, instead of paying a single annual cheque for rent. Moreover, you can pay the security deposit in three monthly instalments. With ‘rent now, pay later’ services, you can be at ease as a renter when budgeting your rent. 

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‍These options are available subject to approval and eligibility. Keyper facilitates monthly rent payments through a digital process. Terms and conditions apply.

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Step 2: Choose the Right Neighbourhood

Dubai is home to diverse communities. When choosing the ideal neighbourhood in Dubai, you must ask yourself these questions:

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• What is my daily commute like? If you have to commute to work or school, you must consider the distance between the areas. 
• What type of lifestyle do I want? You must evaluate your preferences, whether you want a quiet and peaceful lifestyle or a bustling life with restaurants, clubs and events happening nearby.
• What is my budget for rent? This is another ideal question. Although the future of renting is monthly instalments, it is important to analyse how much you can afford.
• Who are my neighbours? One more thing you should consider is if the area is convenient for families or bachelors. 

You must not only evaluate the building and neighbourhood, but also the management handling these affairs. A well-managed building is a great reassurance for security, cleanliness and well-managed shared spaces within the building or complex.

Step 3: Start Searching for Properties

Check for the verified listings on platforms like Property Finder. You can also download the Keyper App (iOS | Android) and check the listings of properties managed by Keyper. 

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Also, you can directly connect to the property owners on Keyper and sign a contract without any hassle. Expect genuine listings managed by property owners and professional managers.

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Step 4: Schedule Property Viewings

Seeing the property in person is crucial, even if it looks perfect in photos. It's essential to check several key aspects to ensure you're making an informed decision.

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Inspect the property and check its valuation report if available. Take your time to check the AC, water supply and property condition. Moreover, you must check the building corridor, lifts, parking facilities and more.

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It’s an essential tip for renting in Dubai to not rush your decision when renting a property. It requires careful consideration of all the factors.

Step 5: Negotiate the Rent & Payment Terms

You can negotiate the rent once you have finalised a property. Also, agree on the rental payment options beforehand. For instance, you can choose the credit card option to pay rent if you are renting through Keyper. 

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Step 6: Agree on the Rental Laws, Terms and Conditions

As a tenant, you must keep a check on the rental laws and regulations. These must be present in your rental agreement to avoid any disputes in the future. The following are some of the laws and regulations that you must state in your rental contract:

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• Agree on the rental term with the landlord, whether it is for a year, two or more.
• Set your rent according to the RERA rent increase law and calculator. The RERA Rental Index determines the allowable increase at the time of contract renewal, based on how your current rent compares to similar properties. The maximum permitted increase is 20%, applied in bands (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%). That said, the property owner will need to provide a notice for a rent increase 90 days before that.
• Specify the conditions under which landlords can send you an eviction notice in Dubai.

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So, before signing a contract, landlords and tenants need to align on all the terms to ensure a good relationship during the rental period. 

Step 7: Register the Ejari Contract

After signing the contract, you must register Ejari. Here are the requirements:

• Landlord's passport and property title deed
• Tenant's Emirates ID
• Original unified tenancy contract
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

As of 2025, Dubai requires tenants to register all occupants living in the property under Ejari, not just the primary tenant. Make sure your co-occupants are updated to remain compliant.

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Here’s the breakdown of Ejari fees:

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• Online Ejari Registration (via Dubai REST App): Typically AED 120–180 in total (AED 100 registration + AED 10 knowledge fee + AED 10 innovation fee + service partner fees). 
• Ejari Registration through Trustee centres: AED 215

FAQs

1. Are There Mobile Apps That Help With Finding and Booking Rentals in Dubai?

Yes, apps like Bayut, Property Finder, and Dubizzle allow you to browse, shortlist, and book rentals in Dubai. And you can rent it monthly through the Keyper app.

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2. What’s the Typical Process for Renting a Villa in Dubai as an Expat?

The typical renting process is similar for all residential properties, including villas. Find a property, agree on terms with the landlord, sign a tenancy contract, register it with Ejari and pay rent (usually via cheque or monthly instalments).

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3. Is Renting in Dubai Expensive?

Rent varies by area and property type. Prime locations like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah are expensive, while outskirts like Jumeirah Village Circle are more affordable.

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