Residential leasing in Abu Dhabi: a practical guide for tenants

Before you start looking

Work out the full cost of moving in, not just the rent. Alongside the first payment, budget for the security deposit, any agency fee, the utility connection and the municipality fee that applies to residential tenancies. Rent is often paid by several post-dated cheques, so agree the number of payments early, as it can affect the price.

Checking a listing

• Every property advertisement in Abu Dhabi needs a valid Madhmoun permit from ADREC. A listing without one is a warning sign.
• Deal with a licensed broker or directly with the owner or their authorised manager.
• Before paying anything, ask who owns the unit and on whose behalf the person you are dealing with is acting.

At the viewing

• Run the air conditioning in every room and listen for noise.
• Turn on taps and showers to check pressure and hot water, and look for damp around them.
• Test the appliances included in the rent.
• Ask about parking, access cards and building rules.
• Note anything that needs fixing and ask for it to be written into the contract with a date.

The tenancy contract

By law, tenancy contracts in Abu Dhabi must be in writing. Before you sign, check that it states clearly:

• the rent, the number of payments and their dates
• the start and end dates
• the security deposit and when it is returned
• who handles which maintenance
• the notice needed to renew or leave

Names must match your Emirates ID or passport exactly, as the contract will be registered against them.

Registration and moving in

The landlord, or their property manager, registers the contract on Tawtheeq. You will need the registered contract to open the electricity and water account and for residence and sponsorship procedures. Our Tawtheeq guide explains the process.

On the day you move in, walk through the unit with the landlord or manager and record its condition in a report, with dated photos. That record protects your deposit when you leave.

During the tenancy

• Report repairs in writing, with photos, and keep a copy.
• Under Abu Dhabi law the landlord carries out necessary repairs, while the tenant handles minor “rental repairs” and pays for damage they cause. See our maintenance guide.
• Do not make changes to the property without the landlord’s written permission (Article 13 of Law No. 20 of 2006).

Moving out

• Give notice as your contract and the law require. Check both well before the end date.
• Settle and close the utility account.
• Hand back the keys and walk through the unit again, comparing it with the move-in report.
• The contract is then cancelled on Tawtheeq, and the deposit is settled against any damage beyond normal wear.

If something goes wrong

Start with a written message to the landlord or manager setting out the problem and what you are asking for. If that does not resolve it, landlord and tenant disputes in Abu Dhabi go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee. A registered contract is the basis of any claim.