For years, renting in Dubai has largely meant dealing with agents. Viewings are arranged through brokers, negotiations happen through intermediaries, and commission is treated as a standard part of the process.
But today, more tenants are choosing to rent an apartment in Dubai from the owner. Platforms like GLLIT are making direct-to-owner Dubai rental listings more visible, giving tenants an alternative to the traditional agent-led route.
At first glance, the biggest benefit seems obvious: no commission. But in reality, much more changes when you rent directly from a landlord in Dubai. Communication becomes different. Timelines shift. Negotiations feel more personal. And the responsibility balance slightly adjusts.
Here’s what truly changes in the deal.
In a traditional setup, communication flows like this:
Tenant → Agent → Landlord
Every question passes through a third party. That can sometimes cause delays or filtered conversations.
When you choose a no-commission rental setup in Dubai with GLITT, you speak directly with the property owner. That means:
However, direct communication also means you must ask detailed questions yourself. For example:
Direct communication reduces confusion, but also increases responsibility on the tenant to stay informed.
In agent-led deals, tenants typically pay:
When you rent an apartment in Dubai directly from the owner, you don’t have to pay a commission to an agent. That means significant upfront savings.
However, skipping commission does not mean skipping verification.
Before transferring any funds, tenants should:
According to Dubai Land Department guidelines, registering Ejari is mandatory for all tenancy contracts to protect both landlord and tenant rights.
Dubai rental negotiations work differently when no broker is involved. Agents often negotiate within predefined ranges based on market averages. Landlords, however, may be more flexible depending on:
When you rent directly from a landlord in Dubai, you can often negotiate:
This personalized discussion often leads to mutually beneficial agreements, which is something that can get lost in commission-based transactions.
Another major change in direct-to-owner Dubai rental transactions is speed. Without a middle layer:
In some cases, tenants secure units within days instead of weeks.
However, speed should not replace careful documentation. Even in fast transactions, you should ensure that the Dubai tenancy contract process is followed properly and Ejari registration in Dubai is completed before move-in.
When renting through the commission-route, agents often guide tenants through paperwork. In a no-commission rental setup, tenants should be more proactive.
You should understand:
Security deposits in Dubai are typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished ones. These are refundable at the end of tenancy, provided no damages exist.
Understanding these terms upfront prevents disputes later.
One subtle but important change when you rent an apartment in Dubai directly from the owner is cost clarity. With no intermediary:
You pay rent, deposit, and Ejari registration fees and that’s it. That level of transparency is one reason many tenants now prefer direct-to-owner rental models in Dubai.
Yes, if you are comfortable asking the right questions and verifying documentation, renting directly from the owner can offer:
Platforms like GLLIT simplify this process by allowing tenants to explore listings designed for owner-level interaction.
Yes. Tenants can legally rent directly from landlords as long as the tenancy contract is registered through Ejari.
Yes. Ejari registration in Dubai is mandatory for all rental agreements.
Typically, 5% of annual rent, which is the usual agent commission.
Yes, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
