Renting in Dubai, answered
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A passport copy, residence visa copy, Emirates ID (front and back), and a cheque book. If your visa is still under process, your employer can provide a letter to the agent confirming this.

5–10% of the annual rent — typically 5% for unfurnished and 10% for furnished. The deposit is refunded at the end of the tenancy, less any reasonable damages.

Typically 5–8% of the first annual rent, paid once at signing. Ask Wolfie discloses the exact fee upfront before any viewing.

1 to 12 cheques. The fewer cheques, the better the rental rate negotiation. Most modern landlords now accept 2–4 cheques as standard.

Ejari is the official tenancy contract registration with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). It is mandatory and required for visa renewals, school enrollment, DEWA accounts, and all official tenancy disputes. The fee is AED 220.

Yes, but only within the RERA Rent Calculator caps and with at least 90 days written notice before contract renewal. The cap is based on how far below the average market rate your current rent sits.

12 months written notice via notary public or registered mail, and the landlord must have a valid reason as defined by Dubai Tenancy Law (selling, personal use, demolition, etc.).

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the utility provider. Setup requires the DEWA number (on the property's side entry), passport copies, title deed, Form DEWA-A, and an AED 130 connection fee plus a refundable deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas).

Major maintenance (structural, AC compressor, water heater) is the landlord's responsibility. Minor maintenance (under AED 500–1,000 per incident, depending on contract) typically falls to the tenant.

Only with the landlord's written permission. Subletting without consent is grounds for eviction and a RERA penalty. For short-term rentals (Airbnb-style), you also need a Dubai Tourism (DTCM) holiday-home permit.