Renting a home

MOVING TO THE UAE

HOW TO'S

A comprehensive step-by-step instruction guide to setting up in the UAE, from applying for your residence visa and resident ID to renting a home and opening a bank account.

Open a Bank Account (1/5)

Notarise and attest documents (2/5)

Apply for a resident visa – employment (3/5)

Apply for a Resident Identity Card (4/5)

Rent a home (5/5)

Overview

First and foremost, only ever deal with a municipality-registered broker or agent, who is licensed to manage, rent and sell real estate. If you do not use a registered agent, you will not be protected by the government if there are any rental disputes or issues.

Prerequisites

UAE resident

First instalment of rent (usually paid by cheque)
Agent/landlord has given title deed and landlord’s passport copies

What to bring

Passport with residence visa (original and copy)
Fees
- Security deposit: 5% of annual rent value or as agreed in tenancy contract (refunded at end of contract)
- Agent commission: 5% of annual rent value or market rate (if renting from a broker and not directly from the landlord)
- All rent cheques, post-dated as agreed

To register contract with municipality

Resident ID or passport for landlord (copies)
Passport with residence visa and Resident ID for tenant
Tenancy contract signed by both tenant and landlord
Title deed (copy)
Security deposit receipt (copy)
Fees: Dhs.195 (including typing)

Procedure

Once you have found a property you will need to sign the tenancy contract and pay required fees.
If in Abu Dhabi, you must register the tenancy contract through the Tawtheeq service; in Dubai, register the contract through Ejari.
Take the required documents to a Tawtheeq or Ejari typing centre and pay the fees. The registered contract will be ready for collection within three days.
Move in! Once you have registered your tenancy contract with the municipality, you will be able to apply for services such as utilities, internet, and TV.