Real estate guide
Landlord Guide: Renting Out Property in Dubai
Everything Dubai landlords need to know: setting the rent, finding tenants, Ejari, deposits, maintenance, renewals, holiday homes and property management.
Letting a property in Dubai can deliver a strong, steady income, but it comes with legal obligations. This guide covers the essentials, from pricing the property to renewals and eviction rules.
1. Prepare the property
Make sure the property is clean, freshly painted where needed, and that the air conditioning, plumbing and appliances work. A short snagging check before listing helps avoid early maintenance calls. Our maintenance team can prepare the home for you.
2. Set the right rent
Price the property using recent rental transactions and the RERA rental index. A realistic rent lets quickly, and because future increases are limited by the index, the starting rent matters over the long term.
3. Find and screen tenants
Professional photos and accurate listings on the main portals attract the most enquiries. Check each applicant’s identity, visa and employment, and agree the payment schedule. Our leasing service handles marketing, viewings and negotiation.
4. The tenancy contract and Ejari
- Use the standard Dubai Land Department unified tenancy contract with any addendum you need
- Register the contract with Ejari
- Collect the security deposit, commonly 5% of the annual rent unfurnished or 10% furnished
- Agree the number of rent cheques, typically one to four, or more by negotiation
- Document the condition of the property with a move-in report and photos
5. During the tenancy
Landlords are generally responsible for major maintenance unless agreed otherwise, and must allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the property. Keep the service charges paid and the building’s insurance in place.
6. Renewals and notices
Any change to the rent or terms must be notified at least 90 days before expiry, and rent increases must follow the RERA rental index. To recover the property at the end of the tenancy for sale, own use or major works, landlords must give 12 months’ notice through a notary public or registered mail.
Long-term or holiday home?
Short-term letting requires a holiday home permit from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and brings higher management demands, but can generate higher income in tourist areas. Long-term letting is simpler and more predictable. Compare the numbers in our rental yields guide.
Let us manage it for you
Ideal Homes has managed property in Dubai since 2011. Our property management service covers tenant finding, rent collection, renewals, maintenance and inspections, so your investment runs smoothly wherever you live.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and regulations change, so please confirm current requirements with our team or the relevant authority before you commit.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my tenancy contract with Ejari?
Yes. Tenancy contracts in Dubai should be registered with Ejari, and registration is needed for utilities, visas and any dispute.
How much can I increase the rent on renewal?
Only within the bands allowed by the RERA rental index, and only with at least 90 days’ notice before the contract ends.
Can I evict a tenant to sell the property?
Yes, at the end of the contract, with 12 months’ notice served through a notary public or registered mail.
Do I need a permit to rent my property as a holiday home?
Yes. Short-term rentals require a holiday home permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
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Talk to Ideal Homes
Speak to a RERA-certified specialist about buying, selling, renting or managing property.
Visit usOffice 504, Al Sama Building
Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE
Call us+971 55 419 8102
Email usinfo@idealhomes.ae
Speak to an Ideal Homes specialist
Buying, selling, renting or investing in Dubai? Our RERA-certified team is ready to help.