Apartment Rental in Dubai: A Guide for Long-Term Staying

A step-by-step guide for relocators that will save you money, time, and stress.

Cheques paid a year in advance? The mysterious term “Ejari”? The eternal question about Chiller Free? Welcome to Dubai, a city where renting an apartment as a newcomer feels like a high-stress quest. But there’s no need to panic just yet. Consider that you’ve already found your “upgraded” guide through this maze. This guide isn’t theory; it’s a clear, step-by-step plan that will take you from choosing the perfect neighborhood to getting your keys, saving you money, time, and, most importantly your nerves. Let’s break it down in order.

How to choose a neighborhood to live in Dubai

Choosing a neighborhood in Dubai is about more than just picking an address, it’s about selecting a lifestyle and, of course, a budget. To help you navigate your options, we’ve selected four locations that represent key “profiles” of life in the emirate: a dynamic waterfront lifestyle, a prestigious business district, a balanced value-for-money option, and a quiet, family-friendly “green” suburb.

Dubai Marina & JBR – The energy of a megacity by the water

Description: Dubai Marina is the very Dubai you’ve seen on social media: dazzling, bustling, and buzzing with a perpetual festive vibe. Imagine running along the canal past gleaming white yachts in the morning, working from a café with views of skyscrapers during the day, and in the evening, the roar of sports cars, the scent of shisha, and hundreds of lights reflecting off the water. Just a short walk away lies The Beach at JBR, with its promenade and lively atmosphere. This is a district that never sleeps, and you need to be prepared for that.

Who it suits: Young professionals, couples without children, and anyone who enjoys an active social life and values walking distance to the beach, cafés, and entertainment.

Estimated annual rental cost: Dubai Marina is a district with a wide range of prices, but here are some general guidelines. Be prepared that even the simplest studio here rarely goes below 75–85 thousand AED. A 1-bedroom apartment (1BR) will cost on average 100–140 thousand AED, while a 2-bedroom apartment (2BR) will cost 150–220 thousand AED or more, especially in new towers with direct canal views.

*Prices may change. They serve as a starting point for your search and comparison on real estate portals.

The main headache: Heavy traffic and difficulties finding parking during peak hours, in the evenings, and on weekends are an integral part of life in the city’s most popular district.

Downtown Dubai – At the heart of the action

Description: The most prestigious district, built around the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and the famous dancing fountains. Life here is about feeling part of something grand. As soon as you step out of your home, you find yourself in the epicenter of Dubai’s business, tourism, and cultural life, with direct access to the Dubai Mall.

Who it suits: Top executives, businesspeople, and those for whom status and being at the heart of everything are top priorities.

Estimated annual rental cost: Downtown is one of the most expensive districts in Dubai. A studio here will cost from 90–110 thousand AED, a 1-bedroom apartment (1BR) ranges from 130–180 thousand AED, and 2-bedroom apartments (2BR) easily exceed 200–300 thousand AED.

*Prices may vary. They serve as a starting point for your search and comparison on real estate portals.

The price of prestige: High costs not only for rent but for living in general. Prices in local supermarkets, restaurants, and services are noticeably higher than the city average.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) – A balance of price and comfort

Description: JLT is a vibrant and dynamic community located just across the road from the glamorous Dubai Marina. The district consists of clusters of high-rise buildings surrounding three artificial lakes, creating a more down-to-earth and cozy atmosphere. It’s a place where people walk their dogs, jog around the lakes in the mornings, and know the barista at their favorite café on the ground floor by name.

Who it suits: Families, young professionals, and expats looking for an optimal balance of price, quality, and convenient location.

Estimated annual rental cost: JLT offers more affordable prices compared to neighboring areas. You can find a studio for 60–75 thousand AED, a 1-bedroom apartment (1BR) for 80–110 thousand AED, and a 2-bedroom apartment (2BR) for 120–160 thousand AED.

*Prices may vary. They serve as a starting point for your search and comparison on real estate portals.

The main catch in JLT: Buildings that look similar from the outside can differ dramatically in quality. Here you can find both impeccably maintained buildings and frankly “tired” properties with slow elevators and outdated utilities. That’s why, in JLT, rule number one is: don’t focus on the cluster, but on the specific tower and apartment, carefully inspecting everything—from the finishes to the air conditioning.

Dubai Hills Estate – A green oasis for families

Description: This is a meticulously planned “city within a city,” built around a vast park and a championship golf course. Instead of the hum of a metropolis, you’ll hear birdsong here; instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find open spaces and lush greenery. This area has everything you need for a comfortable family life: international schools, a hospital, and its own shopping mall.

Who it’s for: Families with children who value tranquility, safety, an abundance of green spaces for outdoor activities, and a high quality of life away from the noise.

Estimated annual rental costs: The quality of life drives the prices. A 1-bedroom apartment (1BR) here starts at 110–150 thousand AED, a 2-bedroom apartment (2BR) will cost 160–240 thousand AED, and spacious 3-bedroom apartments (3BR) start from 250 thousand AED.

*Prices are subject to change. They serve as a starting point for your search and comparison on real estate portals.

Important trade-off: For convenient travel around the neighborhood and to other parts of the city, having a car is essential, as the nearest metro stations are located at a considerable distance.

Defining goals: What kind of apartment are we looking for?

Before diving into property viewings, it's important to clearly define three key parameters for your future home.

Furnished or unfurnished? A crucial decision at the start.

The Unfurnished option essentially means "bare walls" with a fitted kitchen and built-in wardrobes. It's ideal if you're moving in for the long term (2–3 years or more) and want to create an interior tailored to your own tastes. Yes, it will require significant upfront investment (purchasing everything from a bed to a washing machine), but in the long run, renting such an apartment is usually more cost-effective.

The Furnished option is a turnkey solution for those who want to move in "yesterday." It's perfect for those coming on a year-long contract or simply don't want to spend time and money on furnishing. The main compromise is higher rent and someone else’s design, which you’ll have to accept.

Understanding apartment types and their abbreviations

On real estate websites, you’ll encounter standard designations:

• Studio: A studio apartment where the living room and bedroom are combined into a single space. Ideal for a single person.
• 1BR (Bedroom): An apartment with one separate bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen. An optimal option for a single person or a couple.
• 2BR, 3BR, etc.: Apartments with two, three, or more bedrooms. Suitable for families with children.

The most important search parameter: what does "Chiller Free" mean?

In Dubai’s hot climate, air conditioning runs for most of the year, and chiller cooling costs can account for a significant portion of utility bills. "Chiller Free" is a magic phrase that means the costs of central air conditioning are already included in your annual rent (and, accordingly, in Ejari). You only pay for electricity consumption (lighting, appliances) and water. Choosing such an apartment can significantly save your budget, especially during the summer months from May to October.

Step-by-step rental process from A to Z

The rental process in Dubai is strictly standardized and regulated by the government agency RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). This makes it transparent and safe, provided you follow all the rules carefully.

Step 1: Finding an apartment and checking the agent
The primary tools for finding housing are online portals such as Property Finder and Bayut. After selecting several options, you contact a broker. It is crucial to ensure that your agent holds a valid RERA license. This can easily be verified through the official Dubai REST mobile app by entering their details.

Step 2: Viewings and submitting an offer
During the viewing, pay attention not only to the view from the window. Check the water pressure, the operation of the air conditioner in all rooms, whether there is any musty smell, and assess the condition of common areas (pool, gym). If the apartment suits you, you submit a formal offer to the landlord through the broker, attaching copies of your documents.

Step 3: Signing the lease agreement and the check-based payment system
Annual rent in Dubai is traditionally paid using post-dated checks drawn from your bank account in the UAE. The standard options are 1, 2, or 4 checks, but it is increasingly common to pay with 12 checks (one for each month). Along with the checks, you also provide a security deposit, which is returned to you at the end of the lease term, provided there is no damage to the apartment.

Step 4: Ejari registration — your primary shield
The signed tenancy contract is, for now, just a piece of paper. To turn it into your legal protection, it must be registered in the government’s Ejari system. Remember this word. Without Ejari, you are essentially invisible to the government: you won’t be able to connect water and electricity, and in the event of a dispute with the landlord, your rights will not be protected. Therefore, Ejari registration is not a formality; it is your most critical step toward secure living.

Step 5: Connecting utility services (DEWA)
With your Ejari registered, you submit an application to connect water and electricity through the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). To do this, you need to create an account online or at a customer service center and pay the refundable deposit.

Relocator calculator: All rental expenses

When planning your budget, it’s important to remember that the annual rent is far from the only expense you’ll incur upon moving in. Here’s a complete list of one-time costs you can expect.

• Annual rent: The main amount, which will be divided into the number of checks (1, 2, 4, or more).
• Security deposit: A refundable deposit. The standard practice is 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished apartment and 10% for a furnished apartment. Always confirm the exact amount in the lease agreement.
• Agency fee: The standard fee is 5% of the annual rent plus 5% VAT on the commission amount. Terms may vary, so discuss them with your broker in advance.
• Ejari registration Fee: A fixed fee for registering your lease agreement in the government system. You can check the current fee amount on the official website.
• DEWA deposit: A refundable deposit for connecting water and electricity. The amount is fixed and depends on the type of property.

Estimated all-inclusive calculation

Let’s consider a hypothetical calculation for an unfurnished apartment costing 100,000 AED per year:

• Rent (first installment, if there are 4 payments): 25,000 AED
• Security deposit (5%): 5,000 AED
• Agency fee (5% + VAT): 5,250 AED
• Ejari fee: ~220 AED (amount may vary)
• DEWA deposit: ~2,130 AED (amount may vary)

Total initial costs: approximately 37,600 AED
*This calculation is approximate and provided solely as an example. Always verify current rates and the terms of your contract.

Your first year in Dubai: What’s next?

So, you’ve made it this far: you’ve chosen a district that meets your needs, decided on the type of apartment, followed a clear process for handling paperwork, and carefully calculated your budget. Now you’re ready to embark on a new chapter of your life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Tenant’s quick checklist:

• Verify the agent’s license in the Dubai REST app.
• Carefully read every clause of the Tenancy Contract.
• Clarify the status of the “Chiller” (included in the rent or paid separately).
• Ensure that the name on the payment receipts matches the owner’s name in the Title Deed.
• Register Ejari immediately after signing the contract.
• Take detailed photos of the apartment’s condition upon move-in to avoid disputes upon move-out.

Well, now you don’t just have an article in your hands, you have a real roadmap. Go through the final checklist one more time: this is your last check before you get started. Yes, the rental process in Dubai may initially seem like a minefield. But now you know where the “mines” are and how to navigate around them. You’re no longer a clueless beginner; you’re a prepared pro who speaks the same language as the market. So take a deep breath—and welcome home.