Housing & Real Estate
Renting, buying property, real estate market trends, and housing tips in the UAE.
RERA Rent Rules: When Your Landlord Can Raise Your Rent
Dubai landlords cannot raise rent freely. The RERA rental index caps increases on a slab system, from 0% to 20%, and 90 days written notice is mandatory. Check before you pay.
Getting Your Security Deposit Back in Dubai: Rules and Tactics
Dubai security deposits run 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished, and getting them back is about evidence: move-in photos, receipts and a clean handover. Here is the playbook.
Ejari: Why It Matters and How to Register Your Dubai Lease
Ejari is the mandatory registration of every Dubai tenancy contract. Without it you cannot connect DEWA, sponsor family or file a rental dispute. Here is how to register in minutes.
DEWA Setup: Connecting Power and Water in Your Dubai Home
DEWA activation is one of Dubai's easier admin tasks: apply online with your Ejari number, pay the deposit of around AED 2,000 for a flat, and power is on within a day.
Buying Property in Dubai as an Expat: Freehold, Fees, Finance
Expats can fully own Dubai property in designated freehold zones, with no residency required. Here are the real costs, mortgage rules and steps from offer to title deed.
Living in Sharjah, Working in Dubai: The Real Trade-offs
Sharjah rents run 30 to 50% below Dubai for similar space, but the commute can cost you two hours a day. Here is the honest maths on money, time and lifestyle.
Tenant and Landlord Rights in Dubai: What the Law Actually Says
Dubai tenancy law splits duties clearly: landlords handle major maintenance, tenants get strong eviction protection, and the Rental Dispute Centre settles the rest. Know your side.
Renting Your First Apartment in Dubai: Ejari, Cheques, and Hidden Costs (2026)
Everything a new tenant needs to budget for before signing a lease in Dubai, from agent commission and rent cheques to Ejari, DEWA deposits, and chiller fees.
UAE Tenant Screening Is Live: Your Credit Score Now Affects Renting
Landlords in the UAE can now check your credit score before approving your rental application. Here is how the AECB tenant screening service works, what it checks, and how to get your score rental-ready.