Abu Dhabi Properties for Rent
The capital of the UAE has a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle. It gained a reputation for being calmer and more family-friendly than its neighbor, Dubai. Add to that an abundance of excellent amenities such as massive malls, entertainment spots, international schools, and elegant residential areas, and you’ll see why many people are drawn to Abu Dhabi.
As an island city, it also features fantastic water views, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your home within many of its popular communities. For these reasons, opting for a house to rent in Abu Dhabi would be a good idea.
You can look at apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi in the heart of the city, such as the ones on Corniche Road or around it. That way you can enjoy going to the beach very easily whenever you want, and all the essentials you need would be within reach.
Corniche is a beautiful stretch of beach with everything you could possibly need to break the routine of your daily life. From jumping into the water for a quick swim to renting a bike and exploring the parks or discovering the restaurants and cafes there, it’s the perfect escape. Ultimately, a house for rent near the Abu Dhabi Corniche supports peaceful living.
Properties for rent in Abu Dhabi along the Corniche are some of the most popular for the capital's residents. Residential towers such as Etihad Towers, Burj Mohamed Bin Rashed at WTC, Nation Towers, and Wave Tower are some of the buildings you can check out for a great apartment with killer views. It's worth noting that Abu Dhabi house rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood.
These towers offer a range of spacious 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartments for you to choose the perfect one that suits your needs. The average rent price for a 1-BHK on Corniche Road is AED 87,000/year, while it’s about AED 115,000/year for a 2-bedroom unit. Additionally, a comfy 3-bedroom flat on Corniche Road has an average rent price of AED 150,000/year.
Best Areas to Find Homes to Rent in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is also the city of extreme pampering and is home to some of the most luxurious communities in the UAE. If that's your main goal for life in Abu Dhabi, you shouldn’t look beyond the stunning Saadiyat Island.
The island provides the ultimate beach lifestyle all year round, and everything you need is within reach. Some of the most popular apartments for rent in Saadiyat Island can be found at Global Gate. Spacious 2-bedroom apartments will catch your attention, sized at 1,581 sqft. and with an annual rent of AED 90,000/year.
Also at Global Gate, 1-bedroom apartments are priced at AED 60,000/year and sized at 1,065 sqft. Furthermore, 3-bedroom units have an average rent of AED 135,000/year, sized at 2,108 sqft. You can also check apartments at Nsayem, Ajwan Towers, and Soho Square for remarkable sea views.
Other luxurious areas where you'll find a stunning Abu Dhabi rentals are Yas Island and Al Raha Beach. Ultimately, if you're looking to rent a house in Abu Dhabi, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Perks of Renting a Property in Abu Dhabi
Renting means you can upgrade your home at any point in the future when your contract is up. It provides the flexibility you would need when you’re not ready to consider owning a property yet. Upgrading to a villa for rent in Abu Dhabi for a more comfortable family home is a great option too, and the city certainly has an abundance of stunning options.
For instance, Khalifa City is one of the largest and most popular communities where you’ll find spacious villas and townhouses for rent. It is a favorite among families owing to its abundance of facilities, schools, and nurseries. You can find 4-bedroom villas for rent in Khalifa City at an average of AED 170,000/year and 5-bedroom villas at AED 175,100/year. With 6-bedroom villas, the average price is around AED 247,200/year, and for 7-bedroom villas, it’s AED 229,000/year.
Explore More Communities to Rent a House in Abu Dhabi
Another community with stunning houses for rent in Abu Dhabi that has everyone’s attention is Yas Island, the fun center of the capital. It features endless entertainment attractions such as Yas Water World, Yas Mall, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Marina Circuit, not to mention some of the world’s most popular hotels.
The average price of a 3-bedroom villa for rent in Yas Island is AED 234,000/year, while it’s AED 263,000/year for 4-bedroom houses and AED 353,000/year for 5-bedroom units. If you prefer to rent an apartment in Yas Island, the average rent for 1-bedroom apartments in Yas Island is AED 87,000/year; for a 2 BHK it is AED 146,000/year, and for a 3-bedroom flat it is AED 210,000/year.
How to Compare Prices of Properties for Rent in Abu Dhabi
Want to find a rental property in Abu Dhabi that fits your budget or compare prices of different areas? Head to Property Finder’s Area Insights, where you can view rental prices of all types of properties in every community in Abu Dhabi. Not only that, but you can also compare your chosen property’s price to similar properties in the same neighborhood via the price trends graph available under each listing.
How to Rent a Property in Abu Dhabi: The Process
- Find a property you like: filter for the type of rental property in Abu Dhabi that you want on Property Finder, whether it’s an apartment, villa, or townhouse.
- Schedule a visit: contact the agent to schedule a viewing
- Agree on financials: align with the agent on the final rental price, payment method, and number of cheques, and submit the post-dated cheques to the landlord.
- Pay the security deposit: to reserve the property for rent in Abu Dhabi, you need to pay a security deposit, which is often 5% of the annual rent. It is refundable upon moving out if no damage was done to the property.
- Register the tenancy contract with Tawtheeq: Tawtheeq is Abu Dhabi Municipality’s official tenancy regulation system, and registering your tenancy contract with them is mandatory by law. To register with Tawtheeq, fill out an online application form on TAMM Abu Dhabi.
- Set up utilities: connect utilities like water and electricity via ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company).
Documents Needed to Rent a House in Abu Dhabi
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID
- Residency Visa
- Letter of employment or proof of income
- Recent bank statement
- Marriage certificate (if applicable and you’re living with a partner)
- Awqaf approval
- Approval from the residential privacy committee (in some areas)
- Letter of authorization from the tenant agent
- Commercial properties: trade license of the tenant company
- Power of attorney: if you’re signing on someone else’s behalf
Fees of Renting a Property in Abu Dhabi
1. Abu Dhabi Municipality Housing Fee:
- Amount: 5% of the annual rent, which can be paid all at once yearly or in monthly installments with the ADDC bill.
- Purpose: The Abu Dhabi Municipality Housing Fee is mandatory and included in the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) bills along with water and electricity.
2. Security Deposit
- Amount: Usually 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished units and 10% for furnished units.
- Purpose: Refundable at the end of the lease term, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
2. Agency Commission
- Amount: Typically 2-5% of the annual rent.
- Purpose: Paid to the real estate agent or broker for facilitating the lease agreement.
3. Tawtheeq Registration Fee
- Amount:
- Property Registration: AED 900 per property
- Unit Registration: AED 5 per unit within the property.
- New Tenancy Contract: AED 50 per year for a new contract registration
- Contract Renewal: AED 50 annually
- Purpose: To register the tenancy contract with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, ensuring legal compliance. A Tawtheeq contract is also required to connect water and electricity via Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC).
4. Chiller or Cooling Fees
- Amount: Varies based on usage or as a fixed charge.
- Purpose: Covers air-conditioning costs in buildings with central cooling systems. Some landlords may include it in the rent.
5. Utility Deposits and Activation Fees
- Amount:
- Electricity and Water (ADDC): AED 1,000 as a refundable deposit.
- Municipality Housing fees: 5% of the annual rent, to be paid monthly with your water and electricity bills
- Purpose: To activate utility services.
7. Mawaqif Parking Fees (if applicable)
- Amount: AED 800 annually for the first car, AED 1,200 for the second car.
- Purpose: For dedicated parking spaces.
9. Move-In or Community Fees
- Amount: depends on the building or community.
- Purpose: Covers administrative charges for move-in approvals.
Tenant Rights & Rent Increase Laws in Abu Dhabi
- Rent Increases: Landlords can raise the rent, but they are required to notify tenants at least 90 days in advance. The increase is capped at a maximum of 5% of the current rental amount.
- Termination of Tenancy: Either party, landlord or tenant, may end the tenancy agreement, provided they give a minimum of 90 days’ notice. If the landlord initiates the termination, a legitimate reason must be given.
- Maintenance and Repairs: It is the landlord’s duty to maintain the property and address any necessary repairs. For urgent repairs, tenants can request completion within 24 hours.
- Security Deposits: Landlords may request a security deposit, which cannot exceed the equivalent of two months' rent. This deposit must be refunded to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, assuming the property is returned without damages.
