Keyper news & insights

When you are renting in Dubai, the listed rent price comes with some hidden costs. These additional costs of renting in Dubai include security deposits, agency fees, Ejari and utility setup costs. So, your first outlay can easily run 15–25% above the annual rent figure you agreed to.

If you are renting in Dubai for the first time, or simply want to budget more accurately, here is a clear, complete breakdown of all additional costs you should plan for.

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Renting in Dubai is one of the biggest monthly expenses you will face as a resident. Whether you just moved to the city or are looking for a new rental, there is almost always room to reduce what you pay, without sacrificing your quality of life.

Fortunately, the rental market is more tenant-friendly than it has been in years. More projects and property supply, slight price softening in several communities, and new flexible payment solutions mean renters can find their dream rental home for less.

Here is exactly how to save money when renting in Dubai.

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Moving into a new rental in Dubai can quickly become overwhelming with all the processes and legalities. You need Ejari registration, DEWA setup, property inspections and more when renting. That’s why you must keep a move-in checklist when renting in Dubai to make sure you don’t miss out on any process or legal requirements.

Whether you're a first-time renter or relocating within the city, this checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after move-in day so nothing catches you off guard.

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Most tenants in the UAE assume their landlord's building insurance has them covered. It doesn't. That policy protects the structure, walls, fixtures, plumbing, not your laptop, your sofa, or your security deposit if you accidentally flood the unit below you. That gap is exactly what tenant insurance is designed to fill.

Whether you're renting a studio in JVC or a villa in Jumeirah, tenant insurance is one of those small costs that can save you a headache.

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Handing over a year's worth of rent in one or two post-dated cheques is one of the biggest financial pressures tenants face in the UAE. For a mid-range Dubai apartment at AED 90,000 a year, that can mean thousands of dirhams leaving your account before you've even moved in. 

Rent Now Pay Monthly (RNPM) providers solve this directly. Through RNPM, you can pay your rent in 12 monthly instalments and even apply for security deposit instalments. That said, the service providers pay your landlord in full. All of this is subject to terms and eligibility.

The model has grown quickly across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with several platforms available for tenants who prefer flexibility. But who has the best Rent Now, Pay Monthly services? Let’s find out.

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Paying rent in monthly instalments has changed the way renters manage their biggest annual expense. Instead of handing over a year's worth of cheques upfront, services like Keyper's Rent Now, Pay Monthly let you split the rent into 12 instalments.

But what actually happens if you miss a rent instalment in the UAE? Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect, what it means for your credit score, your tenancy, and your options going forward.

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Abu Dhabi's rental market still runs largely on post-dated cheques. Most landlords expect one to four cheques covering the full year’s rent upfront.

But that's not your only option anymore. Whether you negotiate directly with your landlord, use a direct debit arrangement, or go through a Rent Now, Pay Monthly service, paying rent in monthly instalments in Abu Dhabi is increasingly accessible. 

Here's exactly how to split your rent into monthly payments in Abu Dhabi and decide which one suits your situation.

Moving into a new home in the UAE is exciting. But before you get the keys, there is that one financial hurdle that catches most tenants off guard: the security deposit.

On top of agency fees, advance rent cheques, and DEWA registration, the security deposit can feel like one cost too many — especially when you are just getting settled. For an apartment renting at AED 80,000 a year, a 5% deposit alone means AED 4,000 upfront before you have even unpacked. For furnished units at 10%, that doubles to AED 8,000.

The good news is that you are not stuck handing over a lump sum and hoping for the best. There are practical, legal ways to split your security deposit in the UAE, from direct negotiation with your landlord to modern fintech platforms that handle it all for you.

Whether your lease is coming up for renewal or your landlord just dropped a rent increase notice in your inbox, one tool should be your first stop: the RERA Rental Calculator. It's the official benchmark that determines whether a rent hike is legal and by exactly how much. 

If you're renting or investing in Dubai and haven't used it yet, here’s all about the rental index calculator and how to use it.

Note: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre announced no rent increases on new and renewed tenancy contracts until further notice. This move will offer tenants a financial relief and landlords a greater stability. Also, this will help with effective financial planning as the capital sees an influx of professionals and tourists coming to the city.

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When a landlord sends a notice demanding a 20%, 30%, or even 40% rent increase, here's the thing: that's not just unreasonable, it's illegal. Abu Dhabi has a clear law that caps the maximum rent increase at 5%.

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Whether you're a tenant bracing for renewal or a landlord trying to stay on the right side of the law, this guide breaks down exactly how Abu Dhabi's rent increase cap works, what notice is required, how Tawtheeq fits into the picture, and what to do if things go sideways.

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If you're renting in Abu Dhabi or planning to, there's one word that will come up before you can connect the water, apply for a visa, or even park your car legally near your building: Tawtheeq.

Tawtheeq is not optional. It's not a formality your landlord can skip. And understanding it upfront can save you a lot of friction later. Here's everything you need to know about Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, what it is, how it works, who registers it, and what it costs.

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Moving to a new neighbourhood is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make as a tenant in the UAE. The apartment might tick every box on your list — size, rent, view, amenities, facilities. However, if you haven't asked the right questions before renting in the UAE, you could spend the next year paying for that oversight.

Here's what to ask from the landlords and neighbourhood people before you sign a rental contract in the new neighbourhood.

Paying a full year of rent in one or two cheques is one of the biggest financial pressures on tenants in Dubai. Keyper's Rent Now, Pay Monthly service removes that burden by letting you pay rent in 12 monthly instalments while your landlord still receives the full amount upfront. But like any financial product, it comes with specific terms and eligibility requirements. 

Before you start your property search or approach a landlord, understanding the eligibility criteria will save you time and set the right expectations.

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Waiting on a tenant to clear their annual rent in a few post-dated cheques is the old way of doing things. Dubai landlords are increasingly looking for faster, more flexible alternatives that give them immediate access to rental income without the admin headaches that come with traditional collection.

Keyper's Upfront Rent feature addresses this directly. Property owners on the platform can cash out their tenants' outstanding rent, often the full annual amount, in one go. Keyper pays you, then handles collections from the tenant on the back end. Here is exactly how it works and how property owners can request upfront rent.

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Tens of thousands of tenancy contracts are registered every month, and rents are recalibrated against a live index in the Dubai rental market. Both landlords and tenants face paperwork, compliance deadlines, and payment logistics that can go wrong in multiple ways. PropTech rental software exists to make this process manageable, automated, and legally sound.

If you are a landlord managing one unit or a portfolio, or a tenant trying to navigate a new lease, understanding what these platforms actually do will help you choose the right tool or ask the right questions.

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