Why starting in leasing is the smartest first step in Dubai real estate

Dubai’s population is growing fast. With millions more residents expected over the next decade, one thing is certain: people will need places to live. And that means demand for rental properties isn’t going anywhere. If you’re considering a move to Dubai or looking for a way into the real estate industry, leasing offers the perfect launchpad. It’s fast-paced, high turnover and far more accessible than sales, making it the smartest first step for ambitious agents ready to build a career and start earning from day one.

Read on to learn what is a leasing agent, the skills that set top agents apart and how to get started in Dubai’s most accessible real estate role.

What is a leasing agent?

A leasing agent works on behalf of the landlord to secure the right tenant for a residential or commercial property, while also supporting tenants as they navigate the rental market to find a home that fits their needs. Behind the scenes, agents spend a lot of time connecting with landlords to get properties listed — a process that often involves plenty of phone calls, follow-ups and handling rejection. Once a property is secured, agents guide landlords through the listing process and then work to match the property with a suitable tenant.

Once a listing is secured, leasing agent responsibilities include several key tasks to ensure a smooth rental process for both landlord and tenant:

• Viewings: Agents coordinate and conduct property viewings, giving prospective tenants the opportunity to explore the space and ask questions before making a decision.
   
• Managing contracts: An agent is responsible for collecting the required documents from both the landlord and tenant, preparing the tenancy contract and ensuring it is properly registered with Ejari - Dubai’s official tenancy registration system.
   
• Client communication: Acting as a liaison between landlord and tenant, the agent handles contract negotiations, manages expectations on both sides and works to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

Key leasing agent skills and qualifications

While formal qualifications are minimal, leasing agent skills and qualifications often include a combination of natural strengths and practical capabilities. Here’s what makes a difference:

• Interpersonal skills: Leasing is people-first. Being approachable, a good listener and clear communicator helps build trust with both tenants and landlords.
   
• Time management: Agents often juggle multiple listings, client calls and viewings each day. Staying organised and responsive is essential.
   
• Negotiation: A key part of the job is managing expectations and securing agreements that work for both parties. Confidence, clarity and fairness go a long way.
   
• Persistence and resilience: Rejection is common, especially when prospecting or matching tenants. The ability to stay positive and keep moving is vital.
   
• Local knowledge: A solid understanding of Dubai’s rental communities, property types and pricing trends adds credibility and builds client trust.
   
• Language skills (optional): While not required, being multilingual can be a huge advantage when dealing with Dubai’s diverse tenant base.

Why start as a leasing agent in Dubai real estate?

Jumping straight into sales might sound exciting, but starting in leasing is often the smarter, more sustainable route for new agents in Dubai.

For one, leasing is faster. You do a viewing, draft the contract and the deal is often signed within days. In sales, that same process can take weeks — or even months — especially when you factor in negotiations, mortgage approvals and conveyancing.

In a commission-only industry, that delay can be overwhelming, particularly for agents who are new to Dubai and just getting settled. Leasing gives you quicker wins and a faster commission cycle, allowing you to build momentum early without the same financial pressure.

It’s also a better learning environment. With more lead volume and shorter deal cycles, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your negotiation skills and gain valuable experience, fast. It’s a great first step for anyone asking how to be a successful leasing agent.

Leasing agent vs sales agent: Which is right for new agents?

If you're just starting out, leasing offers a lower barrier to entry. You’re typically earning faster and you don’t need months of savings to survive while waiting for your first sale to close.

Leasing also toughens you up in the best way. You’ll deal with last-minute cancellations, unexpected client shifts and the emotional highs and lows of the job. But with that comes resilience, focus and the ability to bounce back quickly.

And when you're ready to move into sales? You’ll already have a strong foundation: market knowledge, a growing network and the confidence that comes from real experience. Many of our top-performing agents at haus & haus began in leasing and never looked back.

Becoming RERA-certified in Dubai

To work legally as a leasing agent in Dubai, you must hold a valid Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) certificate. Here at haus & haus, we offer full support with training and licensing during onboarding, including guidance through the RERA certification process.

Before applying, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 21 years old.
   
   
• Residency status: You must hold a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID (usually arranged through your employer).
   
• Sponsorship: You must be employed by a licensed real estate brokerage registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Once these criteria are met, you’ll complete a certified training course through the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), followed by a multiple-choice exam. After passing, you’ll receive your RERA license, which legally permits you to act on behalf of clients in property leasing and sales.

The training covers Dubai’s real estate laws, leasing regulations, ethics and industry best practices, equipping you with the knowledge to begin your career confidently and compliantly.

How to be a successful leasing agent in Dubai

Dubai is a fast-growing city, with new communities and developments launching regularly. That’s why at haus & haus, each leasing agent is assigned a specific area to focus on.

Unlike other countries where agents may cover entire cities, Dubai’s scale and pace make that unrealistic and specialising by area gives our agents a major advantage. It allows them to truly understand what makes a community desirable, from school access and transport links to amenities and property types.

Equally important is building strong relationships with both landlords and tenants and being highly responsive to their needs. Success in leasing often comes down to how well you know your area and how quickly you can act when opportunity knocks.
 

How to find leasing agent jobs in Dubai

Before becoming a leasing agent in Dubai, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including completing RERA certification and training through a licensed brokerage. (If you haven’t yet, scroll up to read about the full process.)

Once you’re ready to apply, the most important decision is choosing the right company to start with. Look for a brokerage that offers more than just a desk. You want in-depth training, hands-on support, real leads and a leadership team that invests in your development.

haus & haus – Your ideal starting point in Dubai real estate

At haus & haus, we know Dubai. Dubai is where we started and it’s where we’ve grown into one of the city’s most respected real estate agencies, with a team of over 450 people.

We offer hands-on support from day one. Our in-haus training is second to none, starting with a dedicated onboarding week and ongoing access to experienced trainers who are always on hand to help. Many of our leaders began in leasing themselves so they understand the journey and are always open to offering guidance.

With multiple departments and a growing team, there’s plenty of room to progress, whether that’s building a long term leasing career or transitioning into sales when you’re ready.

Ready to take the first step? Explore more at haus & haus careers.