Step-by-Step Guide: Renting an Apartment in Dubai

Step 1: Understand Dubai's Rental Market

Dubai’s rental market offers options for everyone, from luxurious high-rises to budget-friendly apartments. Rentals are available as furnished, semi-furnished or unfurnished properties.

Furnished Apartments

These come fully equipped with furniture, appliances and often extras like curtains, kitchenware, and bedding. They are ideal for those seeking convenience. Furnished apartments are typically more expensive due to the added amenities but save you the hassle of buying and setting up furniture.

Semi-Furnished Apartments

These usually include basic fixtures such as built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and essential appliances like a refrigerator, stove or washing machine. They strike a balance between cost and convenience, making them suitable for tenants who already own some furniture but still need a few essentials provided.

Unfurnished Apartments

These are barebones properties with no furniture or appliances, apart from built-in features like wardrobes or kitchen cabinetry. They are the most affordable in terms of rent but require a significant upfront investment to furnish and equip. Unfurnished apartments are ideal for long-term tenants who want to personalize their space entirely.

Choosing the ideal apartment depends on factors such as your budget, location and personal style. At Lewis and Dore Real Estate, our expert agents are here to guide you through the options, ensuring you find the perfect apartment that suits your needs and lifestyle in Dubai.

View Rental Listings

Step 2: Research Areas to Suit Your Lifestyle

Dubai is home to diverse neighborhoods catering to a wide range of preferences, for example:

• Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina: Ideal for a cosmopolitan lifestyle, close to landmarks, dining, and shopping.
• Jumeirah or Arabian Ranches: Perfect for families, offering villa options and quieter surroundings.
• Dubai Silicon Oasis or International City: Great for those seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities

When choosing the ideal location for your rental, take into account factors like commute times to work, proximity to schools, access to nearby amenities where you’ll spend your leisure time and the availability of public transport or convenient access to major roads.

Step 3: Partner with a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Lewis and Dore can help you identify suitable options, arrange viewings, and handle the paperwork while ensuring your interests are protected. Agency fees in Dubai are typically 5% of the annual rent or AED 5,000, whichever is higher, so be prepared to factor this into your budget.

Step 4: Know the Costs and Paperwork

Before renting, it's essential to understand the costs:

• Security Deposit: This is refundable and typically 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties or 10% for furnished ones.
• Utilities Deposit: For DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), you'll need to pay a deposit AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas.
• Cheques: Rent is often paid via post-dated cheques, with agreements ranging from 1 to 12 installments. The fewer the installments, the stronger your negotiation power with the landlord.

For a long term rental, tenants will need

• A valid passport
• A UAE residence visa
• An Emirates ID
• Cheque book

Step 5: View the Properties

Once your budget and requirements are clear, it's time to view properties. We recommend tenants avoid relying solely on photos, visit in person to inspect the condition and ensure it meets your expectations. Pay attention to the quality of furnishings (if applicable), available amenities, and the neighborhood'.

Step 6: Contract & Ejari

The real estate agent will liaise between the tenant and landlord to finalize contract terms and ensure the contract is signed. Once completed, the tenant must register the contract with the Ejari system through the Dubai Land Department to make it legally binding. The Ejari registration fee is approximately AED 220.

Ejari centers can be found across Dubai, including:

• Al Manara Real Estate Registration Trustee: Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa. Contact: +971-4-338-8181.
• Al Tabu Real Estate Trustee Services: Situated in Al Barsha Mall. Contact: +971-4-325-5558.
• Takhlees Government Services: Found on Baniyas Road, Deira, within the Dubai Land Department building. Contact: +971-4-517-7337.
• Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee: Located at Dubai Municipality, Al Kifaf Centre. Contact: +971-4-333-6767.
• Al Yalayis EJARI Services Center: Located at Dubai Investment Park 2 (DIP 2). Contact: +971-4-821-5111.

These centers can assist with Ejari registration, renewal, and other tenancy-related services.

Step 7: Set Up Utilities and Move In

• Set up DEWA for electricity and water.
• Choose a provider for internet and TV services (e.g., Etisalat or du).
• Furnishing and interior design support is readily available through reputable companies specializing in decor and interiors such as Interiors.