1. Start With Online Research & Shortlisting

Begin your search on trusted portals like Bayut to explore apartments for rent in Dubai and villas for rent in Dubai.

What to compare:

• Annual rent
• Number of cheques
• Furnished vs. unfurnished
• Community amenities
• Proximity to schools, metro, malls

2. Schedule Property Viewings

Visit shortlisted properties with a RERA‑registered agent.

What to inspect:

• Building condition
• AC performance
• Parking
• Noise levels
• Maintenance quality
• For villas: garden, pumps, water heaters

3. Make an Offer & Negotiate Rent

Once you find the right home, negotiate:

• Annual rent
• Number of cheques
• Move‑in date
• Maintenance responsibilities

4. Pay the Security Deposit

To reserve the property, you must pay a refundable deposit.

5. Sign the Tenancy Contract

The agent prepares the RERA‑compliant tenancy contract.

6. Register Your Ejari

Ejari registration is mandatory for all rental contracts.

Documents required:

• Tenancy contract
• Emirates ID
• Passport & visa
• DEWA premise number

7. Set Up DEWA (Electricity & Water)

DEWA activation is required before moving in.

DEWA costs:

DEWA Deposit:

• Apartment Deposit: AED 2,000
• Villa: AED 4,000

• Activation Charges:
  • AED 100 for small meters
  • AED 300 for large meters

Furthermore, AED 30 has to be paid for registration, knowledge and innovation fee.

Tip: Check for outstanding DEWA or air-conditioning bills for the apartment or villa. Your agent can find this out and ensure it is paid before you set up your DEWA account.

8. Apply for Move‑In Permit

Some communities require a move‑in permit (Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC, Dubai Properties).

Move‑in permit cost: Usually Free. Some communities may charge AED 100–300 for access cards.

9. Handover & Final Checks

During handover:

• Document existing damages
• Collect access cards
• Get parking stickers
• Review community rules

Total Estimated Cost to Rent in Dubai (Excluding Rent)

Security Deposit Table:

Property Type	Deposit Amount
Unfurnished	5% of annual rent
Furnished	10% of annual rent

Ejari Cost Table:

Platform	Cost
Ejari typing centre	AED 220
Dubai REST app	AED 175
Property management companies	AED 250–500

DEWA Costs Table:

Item	Cost
Security deposit (apartment)	AED 2,000
Security deposit (villa)	AED 4,000
Activation fee	AED 100
Registration fee	AED 10
Knowledge & innovation fees	AED 10

Total Estimated Cost Summary:

Cost Component	Apartment	Villa
Security Deposit	AED 2,000–10,000	AED 4,000–20,000
Agency Fee	5% of rent	5% of rent
Ejari	AED 175–220	AED 175–220
DEWA	AED 2,120	AED 4,120
Move‑In Permit	Free–AED 300	Free–AED 300
Movers	AED 800–4,000	AED 3,500–7,000

Final Thoughts

Renting an apartment or villa in Dubai is straightforward when you understand the steps and associated costs. From security deposits and agency fees to Ejari and DEWA setup, this guide gives tenants a complete picture of what to expect.