How it works

When you sign a lease, you hand the landlord all the rent cheques for the year at once, each dated for when that payment is due. The landlord cashes them one by one. You also give a separate security deposit cheque, usually about 5% of the annual rent for an unfurnished home, which should be returned when you leave.

1, 2, 4 or 12 cheques?

Add the deposit, agency fee (about 5%) and utility deposit on top of the first cheque. On an AED 80,000 flat paid in four cheques, you can easily need AED 30,000 or more on signing day.

If a cheque bounces

Since January 2022, a cheque that bounces for lack of funds is generally treated as a civil matter rather than a crime. The landlord can still go to court to collect, and you may face fees, a poor credit record and possible eviction. Never write a rent cheque you are not sure you can cover on its date.

Tips

• Ask for more cheques. Many landlords accept 4 or 6 if you ask.
• If you can pay in 1 or 2 cheques, negotiate a lower rent.
• Keep a copy of every cheque number and date.
• Monthly payment apps exist, but compare their fees.