In a major boost for UAE residents grappling with soaring living costs, real estate firms Keyper and Property Finder have joined forces to revolutionise the rental market by introducing monthly rent payment options, effectively dismantling the longstanding ‘one-to-four’ cheque cycle that demands massive upfront payments.
What is the ‘one-to-four’ cheque cycle?
In the UAE, landlords traditionally require tenants to pay the entire annual rent in advance using one to four post-dated cheques.
This system has been criticised for limiting housing choices and exacerbating budget pressures, especially for newcomers.
When will the monthly rent system be implemented?
The revamped rental process, which will now allow tenants to pay via credit card or direct debit on a month-by-month basis, will debut in early 2026, starting with select listings on Property Finder before a full nationwide rollout.
Integration with existing digital wallets and banking apps will further streamline adoption, Property Finder said.
“By easing the financial burden of large upfront payments, we’re helping new residents establish themselves more easily,” Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, said in a statement.
Echoing Lahyani, Omar Abu Innab, CEO of Keyper in a statement said, “Monthly rents are the global norm, and the UAE is catching up fast. This partnership offers renters flexibility and landlords certainty.”
Landlords also stand to benefit
While the move is a “game changer” for tenants, landlords also benefit from steady income streams and lower administrative hassles, while the broader market could see increased mobility and reduced vacancy rates.
In a city like Dubai, where rents have risen 20% year-on-year in prime areas, this could stabilise demand and foster a more inclusive housing ecosystem, as per reports.
Experts predict it will align the UAE closer to international standards, boosting its appeal as a global hub