Rental Contract Red Flags in Dubai

Action checklist

Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.

• 1Verify the landlord's ownership via the Dubai REST app (Property Details section) — free
• 2Check if the agency is RERA-registered at dubailand.gov.ae
• 3Confirm the number of post-dated cheques required (1–4 is normal, 12 is a red flag)
• 4Read the early termination clause — standard is 2 months' notice, some contracts demand 3
• 5Confirm the security deposit amount — legally capped at 5% for unfurnished, 10% for furnished
• 6Check if service charges (maintenance fees) are included or billed separately
• 7Get a receipt for every payment — cash payments without receipt are unenforceable

The biggest red flags

Landlord asks for cash only — legitimate landlords accept cheques or bank transfer. Cash leaves no paper trail. No Ejari registration offered — Ejari is the official Dubai tenancy registration system. Unregistered contracts have no legal protection. Pressure to sign same day — any agent who says 'another offer is coming today' is using a pressure tactic. Walk away. Deposit paid before contract signed — never pay a deposit without a signed, written agreement.

Standard contract terms in Dubai

Lease duration: 1 year (most common) Security deposit: 5% of annual rent (unfurnished), 10% (furnished) Renewal notice: 90 days before expiry (both sides) Rent increase: governed by RERA index — landlord cannot raise rent beyond the RERA calculator cap Cheques: 1 to 4 post-dated cheques is standard; fewer cheques often means a small premium

Ejari — why it matters

Ejari is Dubai's mandatory tenancy registration. Without it, your contract is not legally recognised. You need Ejari to set up DEWA (utilities), to sponsor family visas, and to dispute any rental issue through RDC (Rental Dispute Centre). Registration costs ~220 AED and is usually done by the landlord or agency — confirm who pays before signing.