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Landlord's Guide

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HOW TO RENT OUT YOUR PROPERTY WITH CONFIDENCE IN DUBAI

Renting out your property in Dubai can be a lucrative opportunity — but to do it successfully, you need more than just a listing and a lease. With a dynamic real estate market, evolving regulations, and a diverse pool of tenants, it’s essential to approach the process with knowledge, preparation, and confidence. Whether you're a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, understanding the legal requirements, market trends, and best practices for tenant management can help you maximize returns while minimizing risks. 


In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to rent out your property in Dubai with confidence — from setting the right rental price to selecting reliable tenants and staying compliant with RERA guidelines.

LANDLORD'S GUIDE

Dubai’s thriving rental market offers landlords excellent opportunities for stable returns and long-term growth. To make the most of your investment, it’s important to understand the process and best practices for leasing your property.

  • Work with a Trusted Broker: Partnering with a RERA-licensed agent ensures your property is marketed professionally, shown to qualified tenants, and leased in line with Dubai’s regulations.
  • Set the Right Rental Price: Accurate pricing is key to attracting serious tenants quickly. A professional valuation and market analysis will help maximize your income while avoiding long vacancy periods.
  • Prepare Your Property: Well-presented homes rent faster and command higher values. Ensure your property is clean, maintained, and, if furnished, styled to appeal to your target tenant.
  • Legal Requirements: All tenancy contracts must be registered with Ejari. This protects both landlord and tenant and ensures transparency in the agreement.
  • Security Deposit: Landlords are entitled to request a refundable security deposit (commonly 5% for unfurnished and 10% for furnished properties) to safeguard against damages.
  • Managing Tenants: Prompt communication, regular maintenance, and clear expectations help build strong landlord-tenant relationships and encourage renewals.
  • Renewals & Rent Adjustments: Any rental increase must comply with the Dubai Land Department’s rental index. Renewals are typically on an annual basis and must be communicated in line with RERA’s notice periods.

LANDLORD'S RESPONSIBILITY

Being a landlord in Dubai comes with attractive financial benefits, but it also carries legal and ethical responsibilities that you must understand and fulfill. Whether you're renting out a single apartment or managing multiple properties, staying compliant not only builds trust with tenants but also protects you from legal issues and costly disputes. Below are some of the major responsibilities every landlord in Dubai should be aware of:


  • Provide a Safe and Habitable Property: The property must be well-maintained, clean, and in good working condition at the time of handover. Major maintenance and structural repairs are typically the landlord's responsibility.
  • Handle Major Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are responsible for major repairs (unless otherwise agreed in the contract). Minor maintenance (usually under AED 500) can be assigned to the tenant, but this must be clearly stated in the lease.
  • Respect the Terms of the Lease Agreement: The landlord must honor all terms in the signed tenancy contract — including rental price, duration, and any agreed-upon conditions.
  • Provide Proper Notice for Rent Increases or Evictions: If you plan to increase rent or request eviction, RERA requires you to give at least 90 days' written notice before the end of the lease term — and only under legal grounds.
  • Respect Tenant Privacy: You must provide at least 24 hours' notice before visiting the property and can only enter with the tenant’s permission unless there's an emergency.
  • Renew or Terminate Contracts Properly: Clear communication regarding renewal or termination must be given in writing and within RERA’s notice periods.


We’ll help you stay compliant and protect your investment at every stage.

STEP-BY-STEP LETTING PROCESS

  1. 1

    Property Valuation & Strategy

    We assess your home and provide an honest, data-backed rental valuation based on:


    • Comparable rentals
    • Current demand and trends
    • Property condition, plot, and location within the community


    We’ll also recommend:


    • Furnished vs. unfurnished strategy
    • Quick improvements to maximise value
    • Tenant profile best suited to your property


  2. 2

    Marketing Your Property

    Our listings go beyond the basics. We use:


    • Portal listings (Property Finder and Newstead website)
    • Social media campaigns
    • Private tenant outreach through our network


  3. 3

    Finding & Qualifying the Right Tenant

    We don’t just find any tenant — we find the right one. We review:


    • Emirates ID, visa status, and employment documents
    • Rental history and background
    • Suitability based on your expectations


    We’ll present all options with honest feedback and handle negotiations on your behalf.

  4. 4

    Contract Drafting and Cheque Collection

    We draft and manage the tenancy agreement to protect your rights as a landlord. Once signed:


    • A security deposit is collected (typically 5%)
    • Cheques are issued as per agreed payment terms
    • Ejari is registered (can be handled by us or the tenant)


  5. 5

    Handover & Tenant Move-In

    We coordinate:


    • Property inspection and inventory
    • Key handover
    • Move-in support for the tenant
    • Guidance on DEWA, AC, and community access setup


    We stay involved post-handover to ensure a smooth tenancy experience.