How to Rent a Property in the UAE Without Paying Commission

 

 Renting without commission? It’s not too good to be true.

Ask most tenants in Dubai how they found their last apartment, and the story is likely to include an agent, a rushed viewing, and a hefty fee, typically 5% of the rent paid upfront. If you’re lucky, the agent will be helpful. If not, you paid a significant amount of money just for being introduced to the listing. It’s frustrating. But for a long time, that’s just how it worked.

Now? That’s changing.

More tenants are figuring out how to rent property in the UAE without commission, and it’s not a loophole; it’s a smarter, better-aligned way to rent. Thanks to better digital platforms, verified listings, and more control shifting back to tenants, it’s possible to skip agent fees altogether while still renting safely and legally.

This guide breaks down how it works, what to look out for, and how platforms like GLLIT are making it the new normal.

Why agents still charge and why you don’t always have to pay

Traditionally, agents served a purpose. They helped connect tenants to landlords, handled paperwork, and arranged viewings. For that, they charged a commission, typically 5% of annual rent or a flat fee (often AED 5,000 or more). It was accepted because there weren’t many alternatives.

But over time, something changed. Listings became more accessible. Online platforms have improved. And landlords started exploring ways to list properties without going through agents, especially for basic residential rentals.

Here’s the reality nowadays: paying commission is not mandatory. You can rent legally and safely without it if you know where to search and what to ask. Read more