Renting out your property in Dubai
A yearly tenant or holiday guests: the two ways to earn from a Dubai home, the permits each needs, and what owners keep after costs.
Short answer
For a yearly let, sign a tenancy contract, register it through Ejari, and collect the rent -- often in a few cheques for the year. Rent increases at renewal are limited by the Land Department's rental index. For holiday lets, you, or a licensed operator, need a holiday-home permit from Dubai's tourism department, and the building must allow it. Either way, a management company takes care of it for a share of the rent.
Long let or holiday home?
| Yearly tenant | Holiday home | |
|---|---|---|
| Paperwork | Tenancy contract registered in Ejari | Holiday-home permit, renewed yearly, and guest registration |
| Income | Steady, often paid ahead in cheques | Higher in season, lower in summer; can beat a long let in the right places |
| Costs | Service charge; management about 5% of the rent if used | Furnishing, cleaning, utilities, platform fees and a manager's share, often 15–25% |
| Best in | Family and commuter areas: JVC, Dubai Hills, Sports City | Tourist areas: Marina, Downtown, Palm, JBR, Business Bay |
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Questions buyers ask us
The Land Department's register of tenancy contracts. Registering is required, and tenants need it for utilities and visas.
Only within the limits of the Land Department's rental index, which compares your rent with similar homes, and with notice -- normally 90 days before the contract ends.
Only with a holiday-home permit from Dubai's tourism department, and where the building allows it. Many owners use a licensed holiday-home operator.
Gross yields of about 5–8% were typical in early 2026, depending on the area and the home. Net of service charges and costs, take off one to two points.
More guides
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Ownership, visas and protection
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Dubai's rules and fees change; figures are correct to the best of our knowledge on 15 October 2026. Check the latest with the Dubai Land Department or an adviser before you sign or pay.
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