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How to Start a Self-Owned Property Leasing & Management Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Self-owned property leasing and management is one of the most commercially significant activities in the UAE real estate sector. Dubai's rental market is one of the world's most active: the emirate recorded 2.78 million real estate procedures in 2024, including both transactions and rental agreements, the highest in its history, a 17% increase on 2023.[1] Average rental yields in Dubai stand at 6.4%, with studio apartments reaching 7.58%, among the highest in the world for a major city.[2] The RERA Smart Rental Index, updated on 1 March 2024, provides a transparent market-based tool for rental adjustments, and the Ejari tenancy registration system ensures all rental contracts are formally registered. Individuals and entities that own property in Dubai and seek to lease and manage those assets professionally are required to hold this licence, establishing a formal framework for the management of self-owned property that ensures compliance with RERA rental regulations, Ejari requirements, and Dubai tenancy law.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Individual and Family Property Portfolio Owners | Individual investors, HNWIs, and family offices that own residential or commercial property in Dubai and require a licensed framework to formally lease and manage those assets in compliance with RERA regulations and Ejari tenancy requirements. |
| Corporate and Institutional Property Owners | Companies and institutions that hold self-owned property assets in Dubai and seek to operate a formal, RERA-compliant leasing and property management function for their owned portfolio. |
6820.96 - Self-Owned Property Leasing & Management Services
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Residential property leasing | Sourcing and placing tenants for self-owned residential apartments, villas, and townhouses, including lease preparation, Ejari registration, and tenancy management. |
| Commercial property leasing | Leasing of self-owned office space, retail units, warehouses, and commercial properties to business tenants under formal RERA-compliant lease agreements. |
| Rent collection and arrears management | Systematic rent collection from tenants of self-owned properties, including cheque management, online payment processing, and arrears resolution. |
| Property maintenance coordination | Coordination of maintenance, repairs, and service management for self-owned leased properties to maintain asset condition and tenant satisfaction. |
| Lease renewal and portfolio management | Management of lease renewals, RERA Smart Rental Index application, vacancy management, and operational oversight of a self-owned property portfolio. |
Activity 6820.96 covers self-owned property leasing and management services, interpreted within the management of real estate on a fee or contract basis. This activity specifically covers the leasing and management of property that is owned by the licence holder itself. This encompasses tenant sourcing and lease execution for self-owned assets, Ejari tenancy contract registration, rent collection, maintenance coordination, lease renewal management, and all operational management functions relating to self-owned property held by the business.
Activity 6820.96 covers leasing and management of property that is owned by the licence holder. Management of third-party owned properties falls under 6820.97 Real Estate Management Supervision Services. Buying and selling of property requires a separate licence under 6810.99.
In short: if you own property in Dubai and are formally leasing and managing those self-owned assets, you are in following RERA pre-approval. Managing property owned by others requires a separate licence under 6820.97.
Third-Party Approval
This activity requires pre-approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone. This licence cannot be combined with other activities outside RERA Activity Group 2.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is subject to AML compliance requirements. Self-owned property leasing activities in the UAE are designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) under the UAE AML framework. Licence holders must implement a compliant AML/CFT programme, conduct customer due diligence, maintain records, and file suspicious transaction reports as required by UAE Federal Law.
References
- ¹ Dubai Land Department. (2025). Dubai Real Estate Sector Records AED761 Billion in Transactions in 2024. dubailand.gov.ae
- ² Better Homes / RERA. (2025). Dubai Rental Yields 2024. bhomes.com
