Dubai Property Management Fees: Are You Paying Too Much?
Dubai’s real estate market is thriving, but owning property in such a dynamic environment comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to property management. For many landlords and investors, hiring a professional property manager feels like a necessity, but are you getting real value for the fees you're paying?
Many owners sign contracts without fully understanding what’s included, or worse, they discover hidden costs only after problems arise. This guide breaks it all down: what’s fair, what’s excessive, and how to tell if you're paying too much for property management in Dubai.
What Are the Standard Property Management Fees in Dubai?
Dubai’s property management fees typically range between 5% and 8% of the annual rental value, depending on the scope of services and the type of property.
- Management Fee: From AED 5,000 per year
- Renewal Fee: From AED 1,500 per renewal
- Inspection/Maintenance: From AED 2,500 annually
- Administration Charges: AED 250 flat
What Services Should Be Included in Your Property Management Fee?
Not all companies offer the same level of service, even if they charge similar fees. Here’s what a comprehensive property management package in Dubai should cover:
- Marketing and advertising the property
- Tenant screening and lease negotiation
- Rent collection and financial reporting
- Ejari registration and legal compliance
- Routine property inspections
- Maintenance coordination and vendor management
- Handling tenant queries and complaints
- Lease renewals and rent increase notices
- Handover and move-out inspection reports
Are You Overpaying? Key Warning Signs
- Unexplained Charges
- Minimal Communication
- Tenant Turnover Is High
- No Inspections or Reports
- Slow Response to Issues
Case Study: How One Dubai Landlord Saved AED 6,000 Per Year
Meet Zayed, a Dubai Marina apartment owner who signed a 3-year contract with a well-known property management company in 2022. While the company charged 6.5% of the annual rent (AED 7,150), Zayed found himself constantly chasing updates, paying additional admin charges, and facing late tenant placements.
In 2024, Zayed switched to Cordova Property Management, which offered a transparent flat fee of AED 5,000 inclusive of quarterly inspections, tenant handling, and Ejari services.
The result?
- Reduced annual cost by AED 2,150
- Zero missed tenant placements in 12 months
- Improved tenant retention due to better communication
How Dubai’s Laws Protect Landlords and Tenants
- Ejari Registration: Mandatory for legal lease recognition
- RERA: Does not regulate management fees
- Security Deposits: Must be handled lawfully
- Rent Increases: Must follow the RERA Rental Index
How to Compare Property Management Companies
Before signing or renewing your contract, use a checklist to compare key areas like transparency, inspection frequency, compliance support, and communication.
How to Negotiate or Switch Property Managers
- Review your contract
- Get a service breakdown
- Request improvements
- Ensure smooth handover
How Cordova Property Management Delivers More for Less
At Cordova, we believe that property management should feel like a partnership—not just a monthly fee.
When you work with us, you get:
- Transparent pricing
- RERA compliance
- Prompt tenant placement
- Maintenance updates
- Quarterly inspections
- A dedicated manager
FAQs: Property Management Fees in Dubai
Q: Is there a law that caps property management fees in Dubai?
A: No, RERA does not regulate property management fees.
Q: Can I manage my property myself and avoid fees?
A: Yes, but it requires time and expertise.
Q: Should I choose a company with a lower fee?
A: Not always. Focus on value over price.
Q: What should I do if my manager isn’t providing agreed services?
A: Raise concerns in writing and refer to your contract. Switch if needed.
Final Thought: Your Investment Deserves Better
As a property owner in Dubai, every dirham counts. If you’re overpaying or receiving subpar service, you’re not just losing money, you’re losing opportunity.
Take control of your investment today. Choose a partner who prioritizes your success.
Get a Free Fee Audit Today
Are you paying too much for too little? Let’s find out.
Call us at +971 50 123 4567
Visit: www.cordovaproperty.com
