How to Find a Long-Term Rental in Dubai, From Search to Keys

Set bedrooms, furniture, budget and move-in date

Separate requirements you cannot change from preferences you can discuss. Record annual rent, maximum cash available at signing, desired bedrooms, furniture and the date you need the keys. Decide whether your budget includes cooling and utilities. Work and school locations help define the neighbourhood shortlist.

Use Bayut and Property Finder with the same conditions

Choose Rent, the exact area, apartment or villa, bedroom count and annual rather than monthly pricing. Save the listing URL and date. Portal prices are asking rents, not completed contracts. Compare actual building and unit conditions before treating two similar prices as equivalent.

Ask about availability, photographs and who will meet you

Confirm the tower, apartment type, available date and named viewing contact. Ask whether the photographs show the unit you will enter. Request current photos if they are examples. Keep the time, meeting point and agent’s contact in a message so you can find each other without paying a reservation fee merely to arrange a visit.

Check water, cooling, daylight and access

With permission, try taps, drainage, cooling, windows and storage. Visit the parking space and find out which cards open which doors. Photograph existing damage with permission and note any missing equipment. Our apartment viewing checklist gives you a room-by-room approach.

Check landlord authority and the full payment schedule

Match the landlord’s details and title deed, or valid representative authority, to the unit and contract. Ask the broker for their registration details and verify them through DLD’s official services. Confirm cheque payee, dates, deposit recipient and invoices before transferring money.

For planning, the usual agency fee is 5% of the annual rent, plus 5% VAT on that fee. The security deposit is typically 5% of annual rent for an unfurnished home or 10% for a furnished home. These are market conventions, not a fixed tariff: confirm the actual amounts, any minimum agency charge and the deposit refund terms in writing.

If the costs feel unclear, WhatsApp or call the agent before the viewing: “For this exact apartment, what is the total payable before I receive the keys? Please separate the first rent payment, security deposit, agency fee and VAT, registration, utilities and building charges.” A professional agent should explain their charges clearly and identify any provider amount still awaiting confirmation. Ask for the breakdown in writing after a call.

Record repairs and the furniture you will receive

Attach a furniture and appliance inventory where relevant. Put promised repairs, the responsible person and completion date into the written agreement. A message saying “we will sort it out” is too vague when the work determines whether you can move in.

Arrange Ejari and DEWA through the applicable process

Confirm who registers the contract and keep the Ejari certificate. DEWA’s move-in service is linked to Ejari for applicable tenancies; watch for the account details and deposit instructions. Some free-zone tenancies follow a different route, so confirm the process for the exact property. Keep the contract, identification and premises details ready.

Coordinate permission, internet and keys

Ask management about move-in permission, lift slots, mover documentation and any refundable moving deposit. Confirm service availability with e& or du before booking installation. Record the handover date, keys, cards and parking tags, then use the move-in condition record before your belongings arrive.