Local portal · you'll deal with Property Finder and its advertisers
Renting an apartment in United Arab Emirates
Where people in United Arab Emirates look for flats, what to expect from deposits and leases, and every site you can search, from nightly stays to long-term lets.
City guides
Local rental portals in United Arab Emirates
Search on Property Finder
Local portal · you'll deal with Bayut and its advertisers
Bayut
Local portal · you'll deal with dubizzle and its advertisers
dubizzle
What to know before you rent
- Deposits
- Abu Dhabi: a security deposit of about 5% of annual rent (10% furnished) is typical, plus the first rent cheque. (source, 2026-08)
- Leases
- Dubai tenancy contracts are registered through Ejari (Dubai Land Department); registration costs AED 100 plus a service-partner fee. Abu Dhabi uses its own Tawtheeq system. (source, 2026-10)
- Tenant rights
- In Dubai a landlord can raise rent at renewal only when it is more than 10% below the DLD Rental Index average for similar units (bands up to 20%), and either side must give 90 days' notice of changes before expiry. (source, 2026)
- Agent fees
- Abu Dhabi: agency fees of up to 5% of annual rent plus VAT are common. (source, 2026-08)
- Scam warnings
- Dubai Police have arrested fake agents posting non-existent rentals; report suspicious listings via the Dubai Police app or 901 and never pay before verifying the agent and title. (source, 2025-06)
Short-term rental rules
- Dubai: Short-stay holiday homes must be registered and approved by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) with a holiday home permit before listing; the permit must be displayed in the unit. (source, 2026-10)
Short stays in United Arab Emirates
These international sites search any city in United Arab Emirates by name.
Offer from Booking.com · you'll book on their site
Booking.com
Huge choice of serviced and private apartments, filtered to apartments only. Many rates allow free cancellation.
Booked and paid on Booking.com: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Booking.com's terms
Offer from Vrbo · you'll book on their site
Vrbo
Whole homes and apartments only, never shared rooms. A good pick for families and groups.
Booked and paid on Vrbo: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Vrbo's terms
Offer from Expedia · you'll book on their site
Expedia
Apartments, aparthotels and hotels in one place, with loyalty rewards if you already book flights there.
Booked and paid on Expedia: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Expedia's terms
Offer from Airbnb · you'll book on their site
Airbnb
Private homes and apartments from individual hosts, with weekly and monthly discounts on many listings.
Booked and paid on Airbnb: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Airbnb's terms
Facts on this page come from the linked official or reputable sources on the dates shown. Rules change: check with the authority or provider before you sign or book.