Rent collection and reporting

How rent is usually paid in Dubai

Most residential tenancies are paid with post-dated cheques, split into a number of instalments agreed at signing. Bank transfers and direct debits are increasingly common, especially with company leases. The payment schedule should be written into the tenancy contract or an addendum so there is no argument later about what was due and when. Our guide to rent cheques in Dubai explains the practice from the tenant's side.

Our process

1. Schedule set-up. We record each payment amount and date from the signed contract. 2. Before each date. We check that the cheque is held securely or that the transfer is scheduled. 3. On the date. The cheque is deposited or the transfer is checked under the arrangement in your agreement. 4. Confirmation. We confirm whether the payment cleared. 5. Follow-up. If it did not, we contact the tenant the same week, record the reason and agree a remedy with you. 6. Reporting. You receive a running statement of payments due, received and outstanding.

When a payment is late or a cheque is returned

Most late payments are resolved by a prompt, polite conversation. Where they are not, the options depend on the contract and the law: a replacement cheque or transfer, a formal written notice, or a case at the Rental Dispute Centre. The Centre's filing fee has been reported as 3.5% of annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000; check the current fee before filing. The law on returned cheques has changed in recent years, so confirm your options with a legal adviser before acting. Our Rental Dispute Centre guide sets out the steps.

Who handles the money

In Dubai, receiving rent on behalf of an owner is linked to a specific licence activity for leasing and management of property. For that reason the exact arrangement — whether cheques are made out to you, held for safekeeping or deposited on your behalf — is written into your agreement before we start. Many overseas owners prefer cheques payable to them, with us tracking and depositing under a clear authorisation.

What you provide and what you receive

You provide: the bank details rent should go to, any authorisation needed for deposits, and your instructions for handling late payment.

You receive: a payment schedule at the start of each tenancy, confirmation as payments clear, a note on anything outstanding, and copies of correspondence with the tenant about payment problems. Service charges, DEWA and other owner costs can be shown alongside rent if you want a single view of the property.