What documents do I need as a Dubai landlord to issue a tenancy contract?

Title deed, your Emirates ID or passport, a recent DEWA bill (for the Premises No.), and the tenant's Emirates ID/passport. Everything else (plot number, property number, owner name) comes from the title deed.

How much can I charge as security deposit when renting out my Dubai property?

5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties, 10% for furnished. Anything above these caps is unenforceable under Dubai law and a tenant can recover the excess via RERA.

Do I need a real estate agent to rent out my property in Dubai?

Not legally — owners can rent directly. But you'll need to handle marketing, viewings, contract drafting, and Ejari yourself. Agents typically charge 5% of annual rent for end-to-end handling.

Who is responsible for registering Ejari — landlord or tenant?

By default the tenant, but the parties can agree otherwise in the contract's Additional Terms. Either way, until Ejari is registered, the contract has limited legal standing.

Can I evict a tenant if they don't pay rent in Dubai?

Yes, but only after sending a 30-day written notice to pay. If they still don't pay, you file at the Rental Dispute Centre. Self-help eviction (changing locks, cutting utilities) is illegal.

What happens if my tenant breaks the contract early?

If the contract has an early termination clause, the agreed penalty applies (typically 1–2 months rent). Without a clause, you can claim the remaining rent or negotiate. Disputes go to RERA.

First-Time Landlord in Dubai: Tenancy Contract Setup Guide (2026)

Renting out a Dubai property for the first time? The legal framework is strict but manageable once you know the steps. This guide takes you from finding a tenant through generating the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract to registering Ejari — the full landlord workflow.

What You Need Before Listing

Title Deed — the original or a clear scan
Owner's Emirates ID or passport
DEWA bill (any recent one — gives you the Premises No.)
Property in good condition (move-in ready)
Decision on furnished vs unfurnished (affects deposit cap)
Decision on rent + payment terms (number of cheques)

Setting Your Rent: The RERA Rent Index

Dubai sets effective rent caps via the RERA Rent Index. New leases are not capped, but renewal increases are tied strictly to the index. As a new landlord, you can list at any market rate — but if your initial rent is far above the index, expect tenants to push back during renewal.

Check the RERA Rent Index for your area before pricing — see our guide to the RERA rent calculator and what your tenant can challenge.

Setting the Security Deposit

Dubai law caps the security deposit at 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished. Anything above those caps is unenforceable — meaning if a dispute goes to RERA, you'll be ordered to refund the excess.

Choosing the Number of Cheques

Annual rent in Dubai is paid via post-dated cheques. The most common arrangements:

1 cheque — typically allows 5–10% rent reduction (full year upfront)
2 cheques — common compromise (every 6 months)
4 cheques — quarterly, very common for residential
6 cheques — bi-monthly, useful for higher-rent units
12 cheques — monthly, often only for high-end properties or commercial

Generating the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract

Once you and the tenant agree on terms, the next step is the contract. The DLD Unified Tenancy Contract (v1.4) is the only legally valid format. You can generate it free online or pay AED 150–300 at a typing centre.

Upload your title deed and Emirates ID

Our AI extracts the property number, plot, DEWA premises, owner name, and your details automatically.

Add tenant details and rental terms

Tenant name (matching Emirates ID), annual rent, contract dates, deposit, and number of cheques.

Add Additional Terms

Specify maintenance split, pet policy, parking, early termination clause, and any other agreed terms in the 8 Additional Terms slots.

Download and sign

Both parties sign all pages. Keep two original copies — one each.

After Signing: Ejari Registration

Ejari registration is mandatory under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007. By default it is the tenant's responsibility, but the parties can agree otherwise. Until Ejari is registered, the tenant cannot connect DEWA, renew their residence visa, or take any rental dispute to RERA.

For the registration walkthrough, see our complete Ejari registration guide.

Common First-Landlord Mistakes

Asking for security deposit above the 5% / 10% legal cap
Failing to specify maintenance responsibility (defaults to landlord)
Vague early termination clause (or none) — leads to disputes
Accepting a personal cheque from a tenant without verifying funds
Not registering Ejari (still your problem if the tenant defaults)
Verbal-only agreements on parking, pets, or renovations

Generate Your First Tenancy Contract Free →