UAE Rental Market to Implement Monthly Payments

The rental landscape in the UAE is poised for a significant transformation with the announced shift towards monthly rent payments, set to roll out across the country starting in 2026.

This landmark change is the result of a collaboration between leading real estate platform Property Finder and financial technology company Keyper. For years, the market has been dominated by the traditional one-to-four cheque system, which often required tenants to pay a substantial portion, if not a full year's rent, upfront. This practice placed considerable financial strain on residents, especially new arrivals, and often restricted their housing options.

The new system is designed to entirely overhaul the payment structure, allowing tenants to pay their rent through convenient monthly instalments using either credit cards or direct debit. The feature is scheduled for a phased rollout, beginning with select listings on the Property Finder platform in early 2026 before expanding nationwide.

Keyper's technology, which already processes over AED 2 billion in rental demand through its instalment services, will be fully integrated into Property Finder's platform, ensuring a seamless digital experience. The integration is expected to go live by mid-2026, marking a pivotal step in the digital evolution of the UAE's real estate sector.

This move is widely regarded as a major benefit for residents, as it dramatically eases the financial burden associated with large upfront payments. By aligning the UAE’s rental practices with global norms, where monthly payments are standard in most major international cities, the change is anticipated to help residents settle in more easily and foster long-term roots within the Emirates.

Beyond tenants, the new model is set to streamline transactions for all market participants, allowing real estate agents to close deals more quickly and providing landlords with a system of stable, secure digital payments.

Industry analysts believe the implementation of monthly rent payments will have positive ripple effects across the entire housing ecosystem. With rental prices, particularly in prime areas like Dubai, continuing their upward trend, the increased financial flexibility offered by the new model could improve tenant mobility, potentially reduce vacancy rates, and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive housing market overall. Ultimately, the partnership between Property Finder and Keyper represents a major step forward in modernizing the UAE’s rental market, prioritizing tenant convenience and stability.