Leasing out a Dubai property is a well-defined process built around Ejari registration and the RERA rules. This is the step-by-step guide for landlords in 2026 — from appointing the right agent to registering the tenancy — plus the cheque, deposit and rent-increase rules that protect both sides.
The step-by-step process
- Prepare and value the propertyEnsure the unit is clean, maintained and DEWA-ready. Check the RERA Rental Index for the fair market rent for your building and unit type.
- Appoint a RERA-registered agentSign a listing agreement with a registered agent to market the property. The standard letting commission is 5% of the annual rent.
- Market the unit and vet the tenantThe agent advertises the property and screens applicants (ID, visa, salary or employment). Agree the rent, number of cheques and move-in date.
- Sign the tenancy contractBoth parties sign the tenancy agreement setting rent, term, cheque schedule, deposit and responsibilities. The security deposit is typically 5% (unfurnished) or 10% (furnished), refundable at the end.
- Collect rent cheques and the depositRent is usually paid by 1 to 4 post-dated cheques (sometimes up to 12). Collect the deposit and cheques on signing.
- Register the tenancy with EjariEjari registration is mandatory — it makes the contract legally recognised and is required for the tenant’s DEWA connection and visa. Either party can register; landlords often handle it.
- Hand over and manageHand over the keys and a copy of the Ejari. Manage renewals under the 90-day notice rule and keep any rent increase within the RERA index caps.
What leasing out costs (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Letting agency commission | 5% of annual rent |
| Ejari registration | ~AED 220 |
| Security deposit (held for tenant) | 5%–10% of rent |
| DEWA setup | tenant’s cost |
| Rental-income tax | None |
Ejari is mandatory — an unregistered tenancy is not recognised by the RDSC or DEWA. Rent increases are capped by the RERA Rental Index (the “smart” calculator): no increase if the rent is within 10% of the market average, rising on a sliding scale to a maximum of 20% for rents far below market — and only with 90 days’ notice before renewal. There is no tax on rental income in Dubai.
Renting out property in Dubai — FAQs
- What is Ejari and is it mandatory?
- Ejari is the official RERA system that registers tenancy contracts. It is mandatory — it makes the contract legally recognised and is required for the tenant’s DEWA connection and visa processes.
- How many rent cheques are standard in Dubai?
- One to four post-dated cheques is most common, though some landlords accept up to 12. Fewer cheques often means a slightly lower rent.
- How much is the security deposit?
- Typically 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished property and 10% for a furnished one, refundable at the end of the tenancy subject to the property’s condition.
- Can a landlord increase the rent?
- Only within the RERA Rental Index caps: no increase if the rent is within 10% of the market average, on a sliding scale up to a maximum of 20% for rents far below market, and only with 90 days’ notice before renewal.
- What is the agent’s fee for leasing out a property?
- The standard letting commission is 5% of the annual rent, paid on signing.
Want to lease out your property?
Cresco markets, vets tenants and handles Ejari end to end, at the right market rent. Tell us about your property and we’ll get it let.
This guide is general information on Dubai property procedures as of 5 August 2026 and is not legal or financial advice. Rules, fees and figures can change and individual circumstances differ — confirm specifics with the Dubai Land Department, your bank, or a qualified professional before acting.