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Ejari GuideOctober 2026 · 3 min read
Dubai Housing Fee: The 5% Municipality Charge on Your DEWA Bill Explained
Last updated 25 October 2026
Every Dubai DEWA bill carries a line called 'Housing Fee'. It isn't DEWA's charge — DEWA collects it for Dubai Municipality.
How the 5% works
Rate: generally 5% of the annual rent.
Basis for tenants: the rent registered in your Ejari contract.
Billing: split into 12 monthly instalments on the DEWA bill.
Exempt: UAE nationals living in their own homes.
Worked examples
AED 45,000 rent → AED 2,250 a year → about AED 187.50 a month
AED 60,000 rent → AED 3,000 a year → about AED 250 a month
AED 120,000 rent → AED 6,000 a year → about AED 500 a month
Who pays it?
The occupant pays through the DEWA bill. Dubai's rental law says that, unless the contract states otherwise, the tenant pays fees due to government entities for using the property.
Generally 5% of the annual rent in your Ejari contract, split across 12 DEWA bills. Example: AED 60,000 rent → AED 3,000 a year → about AED 250 a month.
Do tenants or landlords pay the housing fee?
The occupant pays it through the DEWA bill. Under Law 26 of 2007, Article 22, unless the contract says otherwise the tenant pays government fees for using the property.
Who is exempt from the Dubai housing fee?
UAE nationals living in their own homes. Expatriate owner-occupiers are charged based on an estimated rental value.
Why is my housing fee higher than expected?
Check the rent recorded in your Ejari. If the registered rent is wrong, the fee will be wrong too — ask for the Ejari to be corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Dubai housing fee calculated?+
Generally 5% of the annual rent in your Ejari contract, split across 12 DEWA bills. Example: AED 60,000 rent → AED 3,000 a year → about AED 250 a month.
Do tenants or landlords pay the housing fee?+
The occupant pays it through the DEWA bill. Under Law 26 of 2007, Article 22, unless the contract says otherwise the tenant pays government fees for using the property.
Who is exempt from the Dubai housing fee?+
UAE nationals living in their own homes. Expatriate owner-occupiers are charged based on an estimated rental value.
Why is my housing fee higher than expected?+
Check the rent recorded in your Ejari. If the registered rent is wrong, the fee will be wrong too — ask for the Ejari to be corrected.