Renting in Dubai for first-timers, how to read an Ejari, spot red flags, and avoid surprise fees
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If you’re new to renting Dubai apartments or villas, the process can feel simple right up until the paperwork lands in your inbox. A listing looks great, the viewing goes well, and then you’re asked for cheques, deposits, admin charges, and something called “Ejari”.
Ejari isn’t just another form. It’s the tenancy registration system in Dubai, and it’s often the difference between a smooth year and a stressful dispute.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to read an Ejari like a careful buyer reads a receipt, what to check before you sign, and how to avoid extra charges that tend to appear at the worst time (move-in week).
Renting in Dubai: what Ejari is and why it matters
Ejari is the official registration of your tenancy contract in Dubai. In practical terms, it creates a record that links the tenant, landlord, and property under a contract number. That number is useful when you need services, renewals, or support in a dispute.
For first-timers, the key point is this: if someone discourages Ejari, treat it as a serious warning. A proper tenancy should be registered, and the details should match what you agreed in writing.
Here’s what we should check before paying anything beyond a holding deposit:
Is the property described correctly? The unit number, building name, and location should match what you viewed. Mistakes happen, but “mistakes” that change the unit type or size can cause problems later.
Are the landlord details clear? The landlord name on the contract should be consistent with ownership or legal authority. If an agent claims to represent the owner, ask to see proof of authority.
Do the dates match your agreed term? Start and end dates matter for renewal timing, notice periods, and any agreed rent-free days. If you negotiated a later start, make sure it appears.
Is the rent amount and payment schedule accurate? The annual rent figure should match your offer email or message history. If you’re paying by cheques, confirm the number of cheques and the dates. If the landlord offers monthly payments via a platform, keep in mind that Ejari records the tenancy terms, while the payment plan is usually handled separately.
When it’s time to register or renew, use the official Dubai Land Department service for registering or renewing an Ejari contract. It lists the usual documents and channels, including digital options and service centres.
How to read an Ejari without missing the details that cost money
Think of an Ejari like a boarding pass. It looks standard, but one wrong field can send you to the wrong gate. We should read it line by line, then cross-check it against the unified tenancy contract and what was advertised.
The fields we should verify first
Tenant names and IDs: Ensure spelling matches Emirates ID and passport details. If you’re renting as a company, confirm the company name and signatory details are correct.
Property identifiers: Some Ejari certificates include building and unit references, plus utility-related numbers (for example, a DEWA premise number). If those numbers don’t match the unit you viewed, pause and confirm.
Annual rent and term: Confirm the rent is the agreed figure and the lease length is correct (often 12 months). If there’s a rent-free period or landlord contribution, it should be documented in writing somewhere, even if it’s in an addendum.
Special conditions: Many disputes start here. Pay attention to clauses about:
- Maintenance responsibilities (what counts as minor repairs)
- Subletting and sharing rules
- Notice requirements for renewal changes
- Early termination penalties and notice periods
A fair contract reads clearly. If the contract tries to push “all maintenance” to the tenant, or it includes vague language that lets the landlord change terms mid-year, ask for amendments before signing.
A quick “match check” that prevents headaches
Before you hand over cheques, we should make sure these items all match across documents:
- The tenant name(s) and contact details
- The landlord name or authorised representative
- The rent amount and payment dates
- The unit details and included items (parking bay, storage, appliances)
- Any verbal promises (painting, deep cleaning, AC servicing) written into an email or addendum
Later, if you need to download the certificate again, the Dubai Land Department provides an official page for downloading your Ejari certificate. That’s also a good reminder to keep your contract number stored securely.
Red flags and surprise fees: what to watch for before move-in day
Dubai rentals move fast in areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Al Barsha. Speed is normal. Pressure is not. If someone rushes you past basic checks, we should slow the process down.
Red flags that experienced renters don’t ignore
No written receipts: If payments are requested without clear receipts, reference numbers, or a documented breakdown, that’s a risk. Always request an itemised invoice, even for “admin fees”.
Avoiding Ejari or delaying it: If the agent or landlord says Ejari can be done “later” without a proper reason, that’s not acceptable. Registration protects both sides.
Unrealistic rent compared to the area: If a unit looks priced far below similar listings in the same building, ask why. Sometimes there’s a real reason (maintenance issues, noisy location), and sometimes it’s a bait-and-switch.
Vague maintenance terms: A common trick is to state “tenant handles maintenance” without limits. In practice, tenants usually handle small consumables, while landlords cover major faults and structural issues. Get clarity in writing on what “minor” means.
No clarity on who pays what: If the agent can’t clearly state which fees are tenant-paid, which are landlord-paid, and which are building-related, we should assume surprises are coming.
The “surprise fee” list we should budget for
Costs vary by building and area, but these are the charges that often catch first-timers in Dubai:
| Cost item | What it’s for | Typical expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Held for damages | Often around 5% of annual rent |
| Agency commission | Agent fee (if used) | Often around 5% plus VAT |
| Ejari registration | Tenancy registration | Often around AED 220 (plus service fees in some channels) |
| Utilities deposit | Activating electricity and water | Often in the AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 range (refundable) |
| Building move-in fees | Access and lift booking | Common in many towers |
| Access cards and remotes | Entry cards, parking remotes | Often charged per item |
Two costs deserve extra attention in Dubai: chiller fees (cooling charges in some buildings) and maintenance call-out fees (some landlords pass these on unless the fault is major). Ask, in one sentence, before you sign: “What will we pay on move-in day, item by item?”
How we avoid fee shocks in real life
Ask for a written cost sheet before paying. One page, itemised, with who receives each payment.
Do a handover checklist with photos. Take date-stamped photos of AC vents, walls, flooring, and appliances. Email them to the agent on day one.
Confirm parking and access. In areas with paid visitor parking, parking access matters as much as the balcony view.
Get renewal rules in your calendar. If there’s any change at renewal time, we should insist on proper notice, in writing, and within the expected timeframe.
When we treat the tenancy like a business agreement (because it is), renting becomes more predictable. That’s valuable for professionals and founders who can’t afford distractions.
Conclusion
Renting your first place in Dubai can be exciting, but the paperwork decides whether the year feels calm or chaotic. If we read the Ejari carefully, confirm the contract matches what was promised, and challenge vague fees early, we reduce risk fast. The goal isn’t to be suspicious, it’s to be clear.
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