The Dubai rental checklist

A Dubai tenancy locks you in for a year and ties up a large deposit and cheque stack. This checklist makes sure you've checked the money, the contract, the unit and the admin before you commit.

The money

• Agreed rent and how many cheques — and whether fewer cheques get a discount.
• Security deposit amount and refund terms — see security deposits.
• Agent commission (usually 5% + VAT) — confirm who pays.
• Cooling: is it chiller free, district or central — and what did last summer cost?
• Whether the rent is fair on the **RERA rent calculator**.

The contract

• Ejari will be registered — and who does it. See Ejari explained.
• Maintenance responsibility — who fixes what (AC servicing especially).
• Renewal & rent-increase terms, and the 90-day notice rule.
• Early-termination clause and any penalty.
• Names, property details and cheque dates all correct.

The unit (view it — see the full [viewing checklist](/guides/viewing-checklist-dubai))

• AC cools properly in every room; no leaks, damp or mould.
• Water pressure and hot water work; no plumbing smells.
• Appliances function; document existing damage with photos.
• Parking bay(s) confirmed, plus visitor parking reality.
• Noise — road, neighbours, construction, flight path, nearby venues.
• Mobile signal and confirm fibre internet to the unit.

The admin to line up

1. 1UAE bank account + chequebook ready.
2. 2Emirates ID / passport / visa copies for Ejari.
3. 3DEWA activation planned — see DEWA setup.
4. 4Move-in permit / NOC if your building needs one — see NOC explained.
5. 5Move-in photos/video taken before you bring anything in.