Lease Your Property in the UAE: Landlord Guide 2026

Renting out a property can be a great way to generate income while you keep the ownership. Leasing creates a steady cash flow without giving up the asset, so you continue to benefit from any increase in its value over time. You stay in control: the property can later be sold, renovated or used for personal purposes. Rental payments can help cover expenses such as mortgage payments and maintenance. Every fee and rule below was checked against official sources on 30 October 2026; the sources are listed at the end. Fees and rules can change, so confirm them with the authority or an iRealtor advisor before you pay.

The first step is to find out how much your property could rent for. Ask our experts for a detailed assessment or a comparative market analysis. In Dubai, the rental index in the Dubai REST app shows rental indexes for different periods.

An experienced broker is essential for leasing your property and attracting good tenants. Research thoroughly and choose a brokerage with a strong reputation and a proven history of marketing similar properties. Your listing needs to stand out, which means professional photography, a marketing campaign and a wide reach.

In Dubai, check the company on the Dubai Land Department list of registered brokerage companies. In Abu Dhabi, you can verify a Madhmoun permit on ADREC.

Commission: in Dubai it follows the agreement between the parties. In Abu Dhabi the parties agree it, and if they do not, the commission from one side may not exceed 5% of the annual rent, and the broker may not take a commission from both the tenant and the owner.

Listing your property with one agency has benefits. It motivates the broker to dedicate more time and marketing effort to attract the right tenant, and it gives you one point of contact and a clear marketing approach.

In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department publishes a lease brokerage agreement between the owner and the broker. In Abu Dhabi, the approved brokerage contract forms apply.

In Dubai, brokers must obtain a permit for every real estate advert from the Trakheesi system and display its number on the advert. In Abu Dhabi, ADREC lets you verify a Madhmoun permit. To meet its due diligence, your broker will ask for a copy of your title deed and your identification.

You only have one opportunity to make a great first impression. Your broker should guide you on how to make your property stand out in photos and viewings. A fresh coat of paint, decluttering and clean windows create a positive impact. Do not forget the exterior and the garden.

Registration is compulsory, and tenants need it to connect utilities.

• Dubai (Ejari): the Dubai Land Department fee is AED 177.75 through Dubai REST or the website, or AED 220 at a trustee centre. The tenant or the real estate agent usually completes it, but both parties are responsible. Bring the Unified Tenancy Contract and the Emirates ID.
• Abu Dhabi (Tawtheeq): you, as the lessor, register the contract on DARI and the tenant accepts it. The service fee is AED 50 per contract for contracts under 4 years, and 1% of one year's rent for 4 years or more. Contracts longer than 4 years need approval from the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Your property should be featured on the broker's website and social media, and your broker should schedule viewings with the tenants already lined up. They should also update you regularly on the progress of viewings and the tenant search.

Once your property is leased, we highly recommend considering professional property management, particularly if you own multiple properties or are a remote landlord. You can give them responsibility for rent collection and for managing the property on your behalf. See iRealtor property management.

• Dubai: to change the rent or the terms, notify the other party at least 90 days before the contract expires. Increases follow the rent index and range from 0% to 20%, based on the gap between the current rent and the average market rent.
• Abu Dhabi: the annual rent increase is 0% until further notice (ADREC, 3 June 2026). Renewals reference the rent of the last registered Tawtheeq contract. For residential leases, notice of non-renewal or changed terms is two months in writing.
• Ending a lease in Dubai: to take the property back for personal use or to sell, give at least 12 months between the notification and the requested date of eviction. For unpaid rent, the notice must allow no less than 30 days for payment.
• Costs: in Dubai, the landlord pays the service fees, and the tenant pays the municipality housing fee of 5% of the annual rent.
• Security deposit: neither the Dubai Land Department nor DARI sets a standard amount, so agree it in the contract. The tenant can reclaim it at the end of the lease if the property is returned in the same condition as received.

0% income tax and 0% property tax*: the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and income from real estate held in a personal capacity, without a commercial licence, is outside UAE Corporate Tax.

*T&Cs apply.

An iRealtor advisor can explain the steps and shortlist homes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including off-plan launches.

This article is general guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice.