Renting out your property in Abu Dhabi

Every lease in Abu Dhabi should be registered through DARI, the platform of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). A registered contract is known as Tawtheeq. Here is how it works.

• The landlord starts: log in to DARI, choose the lease services and register the tenancy contract with the property, tenant and rent details.
• The tenant accepts: the tenant receives the contract, reviews it and accepts it online, or returns it with reasons.
• Long contracts: contracts longer than four years need approval from the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

ADREC states that a lease signed between landlord and tenant outside the online service is not considered a Tawtheeq contract. A registered contract protects both sides and is often needed for other services, such as utilities and residency.

Tenants, landlords and agents can check the authenticity of a tenancy contract with ADREC's online verification service.

0% income tax and 0% property tax* *T&Cs apply. The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. Rental income from property held in a personal capacity, without a commercial licence, is outside UAE Corporate Tax (Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023). The only payments when you buy are one-off government fees on the transaction: a 2% registration (transfer) fee in Abu Dhabi, paid by the buyer, and a 4% registration fee in Dubai. Property held through a company is treated differently.

Returns are not guaranteed; terms and conditions apply.

If you live abroad or prefer not to manage tenants yourself, iRealtor property management can handle registration, tenants and maintenance for you.

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