Dubai Tenancy Costs Beyond the Rent: What to Budget Before You Sign

The Short Answer

One-Off Costs at the Start

Recurring Costs During the Tenancy

Costs People Forget

A Simple Budget Worksheet

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Talk to Banke UAE

Dubai Renters · Budgeting Dubai Tenancy Costs Beyond the Rent: What to Budget Before You Sign The rent on the listing is rarely the full cost of living in a Dubai home. Most tenants also pay a deposit, an agent fee in some cases, Ejari registration, utilities, possibly district cooling, and the cost of moving in. This Banke UAE guide lists each cost to ask

about, who normally pays, and how to get the numbers in writing before you commit. The Short Answer Add up the annual rent, then add a refundable security deposit, any agency fee, the Ejari registration charge, utility connection deposits, monthly utility and cooling bills, and moving costs. Ask the landlord or agent for each item in writing. Amounts vary by building, community and provider, so

we do not quote figures here. One-Off Costs at the Start Security deposit. Held by the landlord and refundable at the end if the unit is returned in agreed condition. Confirm the amount and the conditions for deductions in the contract. Agency fee. If a broker is involved, ask who pays and whether the fee is agreed in writing. Check the broker's permit before paying

anything. Our guide to Banke UAE guide: checking a Dubai advert and broker explains how. Ejari registration. Tenancy contracts are registered on Ejari. Ask who handles it and who pays the registration cost. Utility connection. A new DEWA account usually needs documents and a deposit. See Banke UAE guide: connecting DEWA in a new Dubai home . Moving and setup. Movers, building move-in permits or

fees, internet installation and any furniture. Recurring Costs During the Tenancy Rent payments. The number of cheques or transfers changes your cash flow. Read Banke UAE guide: paying rent in Dubai before agreeing a schedule. Electricity and water. Billed by DEWA according to use. Summer bills are usually the highest because of air conditioning. District cooling. Some buildings are on district cooling, which is billed

separately from DEWA. Ask whether the unit is connected and how it is billed. See Banke UAE guide: district cooling fees in Dubai . Municipality housing fee. Some tenants see a municipal charge linked to the tenancy appearing on their utility bill. Ask the landlord or DEWA how it applies to your contract. Internet and phone. Often a monthly plan from a licensed provider. Renter's

insurance. Optional for contents, but worth pricing. Costs People Forget Parking is sometimes included and sometimes charged. Service charges are normally the owner's cost, but check the contract in case anything is passed to the tenant. Ask what happens to the deposit if you leave before the contract ends, and whether any early-termination charge is written in. A Simple Budget Worksheet Annual rent divided by

12, as a monthly figure. Estimated monthly utilities and cooling, based on the previous tenant's bills if the landlord will share them. Internet, phone and transport. One-off setup costs spread over the first year. A cushion for the summer months. Questions to Ask Before You Sign What is the total I pay on or before the day I get the keys? Is the unit on

district cooling, and who is the provider? Who registers Ejari and who pays? What are the conditions for getting the full deposit back? Are there any building fees for move-in, parking or facilities? Talk to Banke UAE If you are comparing homes and want help reading a contract or listing, contact Banke UAE . This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.

Rules, fees and procedures change, so confirm the current position with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before you act.