Want to rent a property in Dubai? For many people who are moving to Dubai, renting a property is the most logical first step. You have more flexibility, fewer financial obligations, and can quietly get to know the city and its neighborhoods. Especially if you are new to Dubai, it is nice to first experience what life in Dubai has to offer you without committing immediately to a property for sale in Dubai.
Many expats from our community deliberately chose to rent a property in Dubai first. Some thought they knew where they wanted to live, but after a few months discovered that another neighborhood in Dubai suited their lifestyle better. These people were, of course, extremely happy that they had chosen a rental property instead of immediately buying a home.
Renting a property in Dubai then offers the flexibility to move without major financial consequences and the hassle of having to sell your property again.
When you’re new to Dubai and going to live in Dubai, you naturally never know exactly where you’ll end up. The neighborhoods in Dubai can be very different, so sometimes it’s difficult to judge whether an area is nice or not. It may be that when you meet people in Dubai, after you already have your rental property in Dubai, you discover what a nice neighborhood is and therefore want to move again. It’s then convenient that you have rented a property in Dubai and not immediately bought one.
On this page, we give you all the information you need to rent a property in Dubai.
Types of properties in Dubai
First of all, you have different types of rental properties in Dubai from which you need to make a choice. The supply in Dubai is extremely diverse and tailored to various wishes, family situations, and budgets.
Whether you’re moving to Dubai as a single person or emigrating with the whole family: there are plenty of types of rental properties available in Dubai.
Renting an Apartment in Dubai
Do you want to rent an apartment in Dubai? Apartments are by far the most popular and available type of rental properties in Dubai. You can find them literally everywhere: from luxury penthouses with views of the Burj Khalifa to smaller apartments in the outskirts of the city.
Many apartments in Dubai are located in high-rise complexes with facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, parking garage, and 24-hour security.
For those who like to live centrally, neighborhoods like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay are popular. The rental prices for an apartment in Dubai vary greatly depending on location, floor, view, and amenities in an apartment.
Why choose to rent an apartment in Dubai?
- Affordable rental prices compared to villas
- Often the building has extra facilities (gym, swimming pool, parking garage)
- Often also the possibility of other services such as cleaning or room service
- Often a central location and good accessibility
- Often also available furnished or semi-furnished
- Suitable for singles or couples
How much does an apartment in Dubai cost?
The rental prices for apartments vary greatly. You can rent a studio outside the center from about AED 3,500 per month. For luxury apartments in Downtown Dubai, you easily pay over AED 12,000 in rent per month.
If you’re looking for a long-term apartment in Dubai, there are also more negotiations possible with longer contracts and if you, for example, pay your rent for your apartment in advance for a longer period.
There is also a growing interest in renting a holiday apartment in Dubai, especially among Dutch people who winter or want to live flexibly. Note: holiday rentals are strictly regulated and are only allowed through recognized platforms or with the landlord’s permission. So make sure to check if the landlord from whom you’re renting your holiday apartment has the right papers.
Renting a Studio in Dubai
Do you want to rent a studio in Dubai? A studio is a compact dwelling where living, sleeping, and kitchen areas are combined in one open space. This type of housing is ideal for singles or young couples looking for affordable rental accommodation. Studios are often located in popular areas, close to metro stations, shops, and restaurants. If you choose to rent a studio in Dubai, you can live in a prime location in the city at an affordable price.
Although a studio is smaller than a ‘normal’ apartment, the complex is often modern and frequently offers shared facilities such as a fitness area and/or swimming pool. So you pay relatively low rent for a studio in Dubai, but still get a lot of comfort in return.
Renting a Villa in Dubai
Do you want to rent a villa in Dubai? Those looking for plenty of space and privacy often end up choosing a villa in Dubai. Villas in Dubai are detached properties, usually with their own garden, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and often a private swimming pool. Villas are very popular with families, especially those moving to Dubai with children and seeking more tranquility.
Popular villa neighborhoods for renting include Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Jumeirah, and The Meadows. These areas in Dubai are often quiet, green, and have schools, shops, and parks in the immediate vicinity. Keep in mind that villas are generally located further from the city center than apartments or studios.
What can you expect from a villa in Dubai?
- 2 to 6 bedrooms, often with garden and/or private pool
- Available furnished or unfurnished
- Safe residential areas through compounds
- Locations such as Arabian Ranches, The Springs, Jumeirah Park or Palm Jumeirah
What does a villa in Dubai cost?
Rental prices start from about AED 12,000 per month for a modest villa in a suburb. If you want to rent a luxury villa in Dubai, costs can go up to AED 50,000 per month or even more – depending on location and amenities.
For many Dutch people, renting a villa in Dubai is a dream that can become reality here, especially compared to property prices in the Netherlands.
Renting a Townhouse in Dubai
A townhouse is a multi-story attached dwelling, usually with a small garden or terrace. You can see it as a middle ground between an apartment and a villa. Townhouses offer more space than an apartment, but are less expensive than a villa.
They are especially popular among young families or expats who have just arrived in Dubai and are looking for a practical and affordable home in a quieter neighborhood in Dubai. Popular neighborhoods in Dubai where many townhouses are available for rent include Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Mirdif, DAMAC Hills, and Town Square Dubai.
Why choose a townhouse?
- More space than an apartment, cheaper than a villa
- Often includes a private garden and parking spot
- Often in quiet and family-friendly neighborhoods (often compounds which provide security)
Popular locations include Town Square, Mira Oasis, and JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle). You can rent a townhouse from about AED 7,500 per month, depending on size and location. This also makes it attractive for those who want to rent a house cheaply in Dubai, without compromising on comfort or safety.
Serviced Apartments in Dubai
If you’re going to live in an apartment or studio in Dubai, the concept of serviced apartments is also important. Serviced apartments are fully furnished accommodations including various services.
These include cleaning, laundry service, a reception, and sometimes even breakfast or room service. This type of accommodation is particularly suitable for people staying in Dubai for a shorter period or who have just arrived and are still looking for permanent housing.
Serviced apartments are often located in hotels or special residential towers. They are slightly more expensive than regular rental properties, but offer a lot of luxury and flexibility. For those who want to settle quickly and don’t want to worry about furnishing or contracts for utilities, this is an excellent choice.
This is thus an important reason why the price for a similar apartment can be much higher if you want to rent an apartment or studio in Dubai. So be sure to check what facilities are included with each apartment.
Renting Furnished or Unfurnished in Dubai?
When renting a property in Dubai, you often have the choice between furnished and unfurnished. A furnished property is ready to move in and equipped with furniture, appliances, and often kitchenware. This is ideal if you want to start your life in Dubai quickly or if you’re staying in Dubai for a short(er) period.
An unfurnished property, on the other hand, is usually bare but cheaper in monthly rent. The advantage is that you can furnish the property entirely to your own taste. This is particularly attractive if you plan to stay in Dubai for a longer period.
Costs of renting a property in Dubai
When you want to rent a property in Dubai, the budget you have available is also extremely important. The rental price is just one component of the total costs. There are also additional expenses such as deposit, real estate agent fees, service charges, DEWA (water & electricity), and internet.
A good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 30 to 35% of your monthly income on rent for your property. But beware: in popular neighborhoods or luxury apartments in Dubai, this can increase rapidly. In our experience, some expats even indicated that they were approaching 40% to be able to rent their dream home (but then you’re living in your dream home in Dubai, of course).
Below is an overview of the most common costs:
- Security deposit: usually one month’s rent (or 5% of annual amount)
- Rent: in Dubai, you often don’t pay monthly, but often 6, 4, or 1 time(s) per year. You often pay the first part upon signing your rental contract.
- Real estate agent fees: approximately 5% of the annual rent
- Service charges: depending on the building and included facilities
- DEWA & internet: on average between AED 400 – 1000 per month (this of course also depends heavily on yourself)
A tip from one of our followers: “Don’t forget that with your DEWA bill, you sometimes automatically pay an annual ‘housing fee’ of 5%. That came as a surprise to us.”
Also consider how you get your property, if you want to get a Golden Visa or investor visa, for example, you could also buy a property to immediately meet those investment requirements.
The Rental Contract in Dubai
When you’re going to rent a property in Dubai, you naturally have to sign a rental contract. Rental contracts for a property in Dubai are slightly different than in the Netherlands. So read the contract carefully before you sign it and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re going to do this after you’ve signed, it’s already too late.
A rental contract in Dubai is more than a formality – it’s a legally binding document. Take the time to read everything carefully and ask for clarification on any ambiguities in the rental contract.
At least pay attention to these components when you’re going to rent a house in Dubai:
- Duration of the contract (often 12 months)
- Total rent and payment moments (usually via checks spread over the year)
- Responsibility for maintenance and minor repairs
- What happens in case of early termination of the contract?
- Penalties or clauses that may cause surprises
According to one of our expat followers: “I hadn’t read that I had to give written notice a month in advance. As a result, I had to pay an unnecessary extra month’s rent.”
Rent Payment in Dubai
Most landlords require you to pay the rent annually, spread over one to six checks. One check for the entire year sometimes gets you a discount, but four checks are more common. When you’re going to rent a property in Dubai, you don’t pay monthly like in the Netherlands, but you pay every quarter, every year, or every two months. So you need to have more money than one month’s rent, and you also have to pay a deposit at the beginning. Important points:
- You often pay the first check upon signing the contract.
- Take into account extra costs such as deposit, commissions, and registrations.
- Always ask for a proof of payment or receipt for each transaction.
Make sure you plan your payments. Late payment can lead to fines or even legal action. Our tip: set reminders for the check dates or use a bank that sends automatic notifications.
The Rental Market in Dubai
The rental market in Dubai is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Every rental agreement must be registered through the Ejari system, which ensures transparency and legal protection.
- Rental contracts are typically for one year and are renewed annually.
- Rent increases are allowed but can only occur within the limits of the RERA Rental Index. You are entitled to three months’ written notice.
- Security deposit and service charges must be clearly stated in the contract.
Some expats on forums like Reddit warn about vague agreements in contracts or unregistered properties. Our tip: ensure everything is in writing and officially registered through Ejari. This way, you prevent problems with your landlord and know that you’re always within your rights when renting a property in Dubai.
Popular Areas to Rent in Dubai
Are you going to rent a property in Dubai? Then it’s also helpful to know which areas are best to search in.
Dubai is a large city and has many residential areas where you can rent a property. The residential areas in Dubai where you can rent a property are very diverse. Dubai has numerous neighborhoods, each with its own character. The best place to live depends on your family composition, workplace, budget, and lifestyle. Popular residential areas to rent a property in Dubai are:
- Dubai Marina is lively, modern, and popular among young expats. You’ll find many apartments with water views.
- Downtown Dubai offers luxury, iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa, but is more expensive than average (though it’s a prime location).
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Arjan are more affordable and offer a mix of apartments and villas with good amenities.
- Arabian Ranches is a popular family neighborhood with lots of green spaces and international schools.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis and International City are more budget-friendly and well-connected via the road network.
Conversations with expats reveal that many people start in Dubai Marina or JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers), but later move to quieter or more spacious areas like Mirdif or The Springs once they settle in. This can be better if you’re going to move to Dubai with children and want to rent something.
Importance of Location
Location is extremely important when you’re going to rent a property in Dubai. Location is everything in Dubai. The city is large and also very diverse, so it’s important that you choose a property that fits your routine and lifestyle. Consider travel time to work, proximity to schools for the children, or public transport if you don’t have a car.
Our tip is also: “Don’t just check Google Maps for travel time, but drive the route once during rush hour. A 20-minute trip can easily turn into an hour.”
Also pay attention to noise and environmental factors. A beautiful apartment next to a construction site or nightclub can significantly reduce your living pleasure. So it’s best if you go to view the property with your own eyes before you rent a property in Dubai.
Step-by-step guide to renting a property in Dubai
Want to rent a property in Dubai? Step-by-step guide for renting a property in Dubai:
- Start searching on time – Begin at least a month in advance. This gives you time to view and compare multiple options.
- Use reliable websites and apps – Platforms such as Property Finder, Bayut and Dubizzle offer a wide range and useful filters.
- Contact real estate agents – Make sure you work with a RERA-registered agent. This prevents ambiguities and protects your rights.
- Plan multiple viewings – Always look at multiple properties. Take photos and ask questions about service charges, maintenance, and amenities.
- Make a shortlist – Choose three to five properties that meet your requirements and that you feel good about.
Not in Dubai yet? Then you should also check if you can get a visa, of course. Dubai often grants a visa if you meet certain financial requirements, such as having a minimum amount of savings in your bank account, a minimum income, or a minimum value of real estate in Dubai. So keep in mind these financial requirements that Dubai sets if you’re coming to Dubai to enjoy your retirement, for example.
Renting a property in Dubai video
Useful video about renting a property in Dubai.
