Renting a property in Abu Dhabi

What Tawtheeq is

Tawtheeq is Abu Dhabi's register of tenancy contracts. All leases, residential, commercial or industrial, are registered on it. Registration is done through the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

A registered contract matters to you. Utility connection and other services are linked to a registered tenancy, and a registered contract gives you a record if there is a dispute.

The landlord pays the registration fees. Reported figures are AED 900 per property plus AED 5 per unit, and AED 50 per year for the tenancy contract. Changes and early cancellations carry no fee. If anyone asks you to pay these, ask why.

The municipality housing fee

Residential tenants in Abu Dhabi are reported to pay a municipality housing fee of 5 percent of the annual rental value. It is collected in 12 monthly instalments on your utility bill once the tenancy is registered. UAE nationals are generally exempt for their main residence.

Sources describe the basis of the fee in slightly different ways. Check the current figure with us before you budget, and add it to the rent when you compare properties.

Cheques, deposit, commission

The number of rent cheques, the security deposit and any agent commission are agreed in the contract and differ by landlord and property. We have not found an official figure that applies to every lease, so we do not quote one here. Ask for each number before you view a second property.

• How many cheques, and on which dates?
• How much is the security deposit and when is it returned?
• Is the property furnished, and is there an inventory list?
• Who pays the utility connection and service charges?
• What is the agent commission, who pays it, and is it in writing?

Read the contract

The contract should name the landlord, the tenant, the exact unit, the rent, the term, the payment schedule and the notice period. It should say who is responsible for maintenance and what counts as a major repair.

Look at the renewal and exit terms. Early termination costs differ and are written into the contract. If a clause is unclear, ask us to explain it before you sign.

Move in properly

Walk through the unit with the landlord or manager before you move in. Photograph every wall, floor, appliance and fixture, and send the photos by email so there is a dated record. Note any existing damage in writing.

Test the air conditioning, water heater, taps, drains, lights and door locks. Ask for the manual or service contact for each appliance. When you leave, the same record protects your deposit.

Before you sign

Renting in Abu Dhabi is simple when the paperwork is in order. Ask for the Madhmoun permit number, confirm Tawtheeq registration, and get every payment in writing.

We lease properties in the areas where we list most: Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha and Al Shamkha. Tell us your budget, commute and move date, and we will send options that fit. The office is in Salam HQ Tower, Al Zahiyah, and the number is +971 55 990 0155.

Choosing the area

Abu Dhabi has no metro, so most residents drive. Decide your commute first and the area follows. Yas Island and Al Raha suit a drive towards the airport and Dubai road. Al Reem and Saadiyat suit a short drive to downtown. Al Shamkha suits those who want a quiet mainland suburb and accept a longer drive.

Read our neighbourhood notes in the journal. They list schools, beaches and approximate drive times.

At renewal

Your renewal is registered again on Tawtheeq. Ask early what the new rent will be and compare it with similar listings. A landlord who wants you to stay will often talk.

Viewing checklist

Bring a short list and tick it off at every viewing. Check water pressure, air conditioning, window seals, mobile signal, noise from the road, parking, and how long the lift takes at rush hour. Ask neighbours about service charge disputes or building works. Ten minutes of questions saves a year of regret.