- Sep 09, 2025
- Renting
- 230
The Real Cost of Moving Into a Dubai Rental
When tenants budget for a new apartment or villa in Dubai, they often focus on the rent alone. But the move-in process comes with additional costs that can add up quickly—sometimes up to 10–15% of the first year’s rent.
From refundable deposits to one-time registration charges, understanding each line item is crucial to avoid surprises. The good news? Many of these expenses are standardized, and some are even negotiable if you know what to expect.
Dubai Move-In Costs Checklist
| Cost Item | Typical Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit | 5% of annual rent (furnished) 10% of annual rent (unfurnished) | Refundable at end of lease, subject to property condition. |
| Ejari Registration | 220 – 250 | Mandatory tenancy contract registration. |
| DEWA Deposit | 2,000 (apartment) 4,000 (villa) | Refundable; paid upfront to activate water & electricity. |
| Chiller Deposit / Fees | 1,000 – 2,500 | Applies in freehold communities with district cooling. |
| Keys & Access Cards | 100 – 500 each | Some landlords charge for additional fobs or parking remotes. |
| Community Access Card | 200 – 500 | Required in gated or serviced developments. |
| Admin / Move-In Fee | 500 – 1,500 | Often charged by building management for elevator booking or admin work. |
| Agency Commission | 5% of annual rent or min. 5,000 | Payable if using a real estate agent. |
Scenarios: How Costs Differ
1. Studio Apartment, Unfurnished
Annual rent: AED 50,000
Security deposit: AED 5,000 (10%)
Ejari: AED 220
DEWA deposit: AED 2,000
Keys & cards: AED 300
Total move-in cost (excluding rent): ~ AED 7,500
2. Two-Bedroom, Furnished in Downtown
Annual rent: AED 140,000
Security deposit: AED 7,000 (5%)
Ejari: AED 250
DEWA deposit: AED 2,000
Chiller deposit: AED 2,000
Admin/move-in fee: AED 1,200
Total move-in cost (excluding rent): ~ AED 12,500
3. Villa, Unfurnished in Arabian Ranches
Annual rent: AED 220,000
Security deposit: AED 22,000 (10%)
Ejari: AED 250
DEWA deposit: AED 4,000
Keys & access cards: AED 500
Community card: AED 400
Total move-in cost (excluding rent): ~ AED 27,150
What’s Negotiable—and What’s Not
✅ Negotiable: Admin fees, extra access cards, and in some cases, agency commissions (especially if renting directly from the landlord).
❌ Non-Negotiable: Ejari, DEWA deposits, and mandated security deposits are fixed and regulated.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Duplicate charges – Some tenants mistakenly pay both landlord and management for access cards. Always confirm what’s included.
Furnished vs unfurnished deposits – Deposits are lower for furnished units, but check the condition carefully on move-out.
Service charges passed to tenants – In rare cases, landlords may try to pass building service charges to renters. This is not standard practice.
Final Word
Moving into a Dubai rental in 2025 requires more than just the first rent cheque. By preparing for deposits, registrations, and hidden extras, tenants can set a realistic budget and avoid unwelcome surprises.
Whether it’s a studio in JVC, a Downtown apartment, or a villa in the suburbs, understanding Dubai move-in costs ensures a smoother start to your tenancy—and leaves you with more cash for the actual move.
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