Dubai average 1-bed rent: AED 95,000/yr Year-on-year rent increase: +9.5% Dubai rents shown as annual figures New smart rental index adds building-level ratings JVC and JLT lead rent growth Rent increases are governed by the RERA rental index and Decree 43 of 2013. Landlords must give 90 days' notice before any rent increase or change of terms. Dubai average 1-bed rent: AED 95,000/yr Year-on-year rent increase: +9.5% Dubai rents shown as annual figures New smart rental index adds building-level ratings JVC and JLT lead rent growth Rent increases are governed by the RERA rental index and Decree 43 of 2013. Landlords must give 90 days' notice before any rent increase or change of terms.
United Arab Emirates · Rent guide
Dubai Rent Guide 2026
Average rent costs by neighbourhood, yearly rent increases and tenant rights in Dubai. The typical one-bedroom rent is AED 95,000 per year, up 9.5% year on year.
Average rent by neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | Yearly increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina | AED 115,000 | AED 170,000 | +8.9% |
| Downtown Dubai | AED 130,000 | AED 200,000 | +8.2% |
| Palm Jumeirah | AED 160,000 | AED 240,000 | +7.6% |
| Business Bay | AED 105,000 | AED 155,000 | +9.8% |
| JLT | AED 90,000 | AED 130,000 | +10.4% |
| JVC | AED 70,000 | AED 100,000 | +11.6% |
| Deira | AED 55,000 | AED 75,000 | +9.1% |
Indicative 2026 figures (per year, AED). Compare with real tenant-reported rents on RentScore.
Average rent per square metre in Dubai
AED 1,900 / m² per year
City-wide indicative average, based on a typical 50 m² one-bedroom flat. Central neighbourhoods cost more:
- Dubai Marina: AED 2,300 / m²
- Downtown Dubai: AED 2,600 / m²
- Palm Jumeirah: AED 3,200 / m²
- Business Bay: AED 2,100 / m²
Deposit laws in Dubai
- There is no specific statutory deposit cap here; the amount is set in your contract — negotiate and get it in writing.
- Always get a written inventory with dated photos at move-in to protect your deposit.
How do foreigners and expats without a local credit score find a home in Dubai with RentScore?
- Check the building first: read verified tenant reviews, rent history and street safety on RentScore before you contact a landlord.
- Know the fair price: use the neighbourhood averages above and the RentScore rent estimate so you are not overcharged as a newcomer.
- Replace the missing credit score: offer an employment contract, recent payslips, a reference from your previous landlord and your RentScore rental history.
- Consider a rent guarantee service or a larger (but legal) deposit instead of a local guarantor — never pay more than the legal limit shown above.
- Upload your lease to the free RentScore contract check: RentScore flags hidden clauses, unfair rent increases and deposit traps in your own language.
- Ask the RentScore advisor below any local question, in any language.
Tenant rights in Dubai
- Rent increases are governed by the RERA rental index and Decree 43 of 2013.
- Landlords must give 90 days' notice before any rent increase or change of terms.
- Your contract must be registered with Ejari.
- Eviction for owner use requires 12 months' notarised notice.
- Disputes go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
Ask the RentScore advisor about renting in Dubai
Ask anything about rents here
For example: Which neighbourhood is cheapest for a 2-bedroom? Can my landlord raise the rent twice a year?
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