What it really costs to rent in Dubai
Every cheque you write and every fee on top of the rent, before you sign.
The property
Fewer cheques can mean a lower rent. The landlord agrees the number with you.
Every fee, editable
To the landlord and the agency Standard figures. Change any of them if yours differ.
Usually 5% unfurnished, 10% furnished.
Agency 8: AED 5,000.
Agency 8: 5% of the annual rent or AED 5,000, whichever is greater, plus VAT.
Government fees Official figures, checked October 2026.
Official: AED 177.75 online (Dubai REST), AED 220 at a trustee centre.
Official: AED 2,000 flat, AED 4,000 villa.
Official: AED 155 in all.
Usually 5% of the annual rent, billed monthly on DEWA.
Building charges
Only where the building has district cooling. The provider sets it.
Only where the building or community charges one.
Talk it through
A leasing adviser can tell you what the landlord is likely to accept, and what changes with fewer cheques.
Fees per the Dubai Land Department and DEWA as of October 2026. Estimates only, not financial advice.