According to the latest Expat Essentials ranking in 2024, the United Arab Emirates became the most popular jurisdiction for relocation. And that is not surprising, as nearly 90% of the country’s population consists of expats. Everything is designed to make foreigners feel comfortable here.
However, relocation is impossible if you have nowhere to stay in the UAE. Of course, if you’re a tourist, renting an apartment or hotel room for a few days is not an issue. Global rental platforms like Booking and Airbnb operate in the Emirates. But if you want to live in the UAE permanently as a resident, you will need long-term housing, which follows completely different rules.
How Does Long-Term Rental in the UAE Differ from Short-Term?
- Duration: Long-term rental is for a minimum of one year, while short-term ranges from a few days to several months.
- Cost: Short-term rentals are significantly more expensive than long-term ones.
- Payment method: Short-term rent is paid like in other countries, but long-term rent is usually paid with bank cheques.
How Does Cheque Payment Work?
The cheque used to pay rent in the UAE is the same kind of paper cheque that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, where the account holder writes the amount by hand. To rent long-term housing in the UAE, you will need a cheque book and a local bank account. You also need to have UAE residency status.
The standard practice in the UAE is to pay rent with one or two cheques per year. Occasionally, you can negotiate quarterly payments. If you manage to secure monthly payments, consider it a sign of exceptional flexibility from the landlord.
What Additional Costs Might There Be?
- Security deposit — usually equal to one month’s rent.
- Broker commission — 2–5% of the annual rent.
- Contract registration — in Dubai, for instance, this is done through the Ejari system. Without registration, you cannot connect utilities, open a bank account, or officially confirm your residence.
Where to Search for Rentals in the UAE?
Here are the three most popular services:
- Dubizzle
- Bayut
- Property Finder
These are user-friendly platforms with filters, maps, photos, and even video tours. You are free to search on your own, but if you want to save time, you can use a broker’s service. In any case, during the housing search stage, be ready to make calls and attend viewings. The real estate market in the UAE is very dynamic, with constant new developments, so there are plenty of options. A bit of patience, and you will find something suitable.
What to Pay Attention to When Renting?
- Location. Rent is most expensive in Dubai, a global metropolis with developed infrastructure and the highest prices. Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah are more affordable options, but for comfortable living there, you will need a car.
- Type of apartment. In the UAE, apartments may be rented:
- completely unfurnished;
- with basic furniture;
- or fully furnished, ready to move in.
The last option is the most expensive. In most cases, apartments are rented unfurnished, which can be an additional expense.
- Household details: Are utilities included? Does the building have parking, an elevator, a pool? It is also wise to check whether the apartment has any debts and to document its condition upon moving in (a video on your phone will suffice).
- Lease term: Usually 12 months. Also note that a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is required before moving in. This amount will be used if any damage occurs. If all is well, the deposit will be returned upon move-out.
When Is the Best Time to Look for Housing?
The best time to search is late spring to early summer. During this period, many people leave the country, more housing becomes available, landlords become more flexible, and prices may be more favorable.
Renting a home in the UAE is a straightforward process if you understand how it works and pay attention to the details, even if some may seem unfamiliar. Prepare your documents, get ready to use cheques, and go for it — the UAE has plenty to offer to those who are willing to search!
