What you pay upfront to rent in Dubai
Rent in Dubai is paid for the year ahead in post-dated cheques, so the first cheque is often your biggest single cost. On top of that come deposits for the landlord and DEWA, the agent's fee and registration. Some of this money comes back when you leave, and the calculator shows how much.
Every cost explained
- First rent cheque. Annual rent divided by the number of cheques. Fewer cheques can get you a lower rent.
- Security deposit. 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished. Refundable.
- Agency fee. Typically 5% of annual rent plus VAT, not refundable.
- Ejari. Registering the tenancy costs around AED 220.
- DEWA. A refundable deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas, plus a connection fee of around AED 130.
- Movers. From about AED 1,000 for a small apartment to AED 5,000 or more for a villa.
Worked example
An unfurnished apartment at AED 100,000 a year, four cheques, through an agent, with movers:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First cheque (1 of 4) | AED 25,000 |
| Security deposit (5%) | AED 5,000 |
| Agency fee (5% + VAT) | AED 5,250 |
| Ejari, DEWA deposit and connection | AED 2,350 |
| Movers | AED 1,500 |
| Total upfront | AED 39,100 |
AED 7,000 of that is refundable deposits. Remember the 5% municipality housing fee too, which shows up on your DEWA bill each month rather than upfront.
Guide How Dubai rent increases work The RERA index brackets, the 90 day notice rule, and what to do when an increase looks wrong.Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move into a rental in Dubai?
Plan for your first rent cheque plus around 10% to 15% of the annual rent in deposits and fees. On a AED 100,000 apartment paid in four cheques, that is roughly AED 37,000 to 40,000 upfront.
How much is the DEWA deposit?
AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, refundable when you close the account. There is also a small connection fee.
How much is the security deposit?
Usually 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished home and 10% for a furnished one. It is refundable at the end of the tenancy, less any damage.
What is the Dubai Municipality housing fee?
It is 5% of your annual rent, added monthly to your DEWA bill. It is not an upfront cost, but it adds to your yearly housing budget.