1. Determine Your Budget and Requirements

In Dubai, rent is typically paid via post-dated cheques throughout the lease term, with 1 to 12 cheques being standard. Paying in fewer cheques often results in better deals. You’ll need a passport copy, a resident visa copy, Emirates ID (front and back), and a cheque book. Budget for additional costs such as:
Ejari Fees: AED 220
Security Deposit: 5% to 10% of the rent
Moving Fees: Varies by property and moving company
Agency Fee: Typically 5% to 8% of the first annual rent
DEWA Fees: AED 130 non-refundable connection charge, plus a refundable deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments / AED 4,000 for villas)
If your residency visa is pending, provide a letter from your employer to the agent to show that your visa is in process.

2. Explore the Market

Research online and consult with people you know. Consider factors like community, property type, location, and accessibility. Engage a knowledgeable agent to help identify properties that fit your needs and budget. Buy Sell Let ensures thorough vetting of landlords and offers expert guidance on tenancy rules and procedures.
Note that not all agents handle property management. Properties managed by professional property managers are often more reliable for maintenance issues.

3. Arrange Property Viewings

Your agent will help you schedule viewings of properties that meet your criteria. Avoid viewing the same property with multiple agents to prevent artificially inflated demand and higher rental expectations.

4. Make an Offer

Once you find a suitable property, make an offer. Your agent will assist in negotiating terms including rent, number of cheques, contract start date, duration, and deposit amount. Other conditions may include furnishings, pet policies, and property features.

5. Review the Lease Agreement

After agreeing on terms, the tenancy agreement will be drafted. Your RERA-registered agent will ensure it complies with Dubai’s tenancy laws. At this stage, you’ll need to provide copies of your passport and visa, and pay a 5% security deposit.

6. Sign the Agreement

Once both parties agree on the terms, sign the lease agreement. You’ll submit the rental cheques and agency fee, receive the keys and access cards, and each party will keep a copy of the signed contract.
Ensure the landlord’s name on the cheques matches the name on the property’s title deed. Verify property titles via the RERA website or Dubai Rest app.

7. Register with Ejari

Ejari registration is mandatory. You’ll need this certificate for visa renewals and other official purposes. Required documents include:
Original rental agreement
Title deed
Passport copies of both tenant and landlord
Emirates ID copy
Ejari registration is also needed for tasks like issuing visas for family members or housekeepers.

8. Set Up DEWA Connections

To connect utilities, provide the following to DEWA:
DEWA number (found on the property’s side entry)
Passport copies (tenant and landlord)
Title Deed
Form DEWA-A
Setup cost: AED 130
Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 or AED 4,000, depending on property type
Activation usually occurs within 24 hours after registration and payment.

9. Prepare to Move In

Some developers may require a NOC before moving in. Ensure you have:
Ejari Certificate
Tenant passport and visa copies
Rental agreement copy
Move-in application

Check for any move-in restrictions and schedule your move accordingly. Inspect the property for any issues and document them with photos. Request any necessary cleaning or maintenance before moving in to ensure the property is in livable condition.