How Tos

Renting a property

Only ever deal with an Abu Dhabi Land Registration Department registered broker or agent (see abudhabi.ae for full list). All registered agents are given a Broker’s Register card, with photo ID, which verifies that their office is licensed by Municipality to manage, rent and sell real estate. If you do not use a registered agent, you will not be protected by if there are any problems. All rental contracts in Abu Dhabi should be registered with ADM through the Tawtheeq system which will protect you if there are any rental disputes or issues.

In the UAE, rents are paid in annual instalments – a few landlords will accept two or more cheques, but then they may ask for a higher rent.

Prerequisites

  • UAE resident
  • First instalment of rent (usually paid by cheque)
  • Agent/landlord has given title deed and landlord’s passport copies.

What to bring

  • Passport with residence visa (original and copy).
  • Fees: Security deposit: 5% of annual rent value or as agreed in tenancy contract (refunded at end of contract); Agent commission: 5% of annual rent value or market rate (if renting from a broker and not directly from the landlord).
  • All rent cheques, post-dated as agreed.

To register with Abu Dhabi Municipality

  • Resident ID or passport for landlord (copies)
  • Passport with residence visa and Resident ID for tenant 
  • Tenancy contract signed by both tenant and landlord
  • Title deed (copy)
  • Security deposit receipt (copy)
  • Fees: Dhs.195 (including typing)

Procedure

  • Once you have found a property you will need to sign the tenancy contract and pay required fees.
  • You must register the tenancy contract with ADM (through the Tawtheeq system).
  • Take the required documents to a Tawtheeq typing centre and pay the fees. Tawtheeq certificate will be ready for collection within three days.
  • Move in! Once you have registered your tenancy contract with ADM, you will be able to apply for services, such as ADDC, internet, and cable TV.

Write to us

Latest News

View More

Newsletter Subscription

View Newsletter
About us Contact us Join us Advertise Corporate Shop