The Japan Times - Dubai Residential Partners with Rentify to Allow Split Rent Payments

Dubai Residential, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Asset Management, has announced a partnership with UAE-based fintech platform Rentify to introduce a new payment option for tenants across its portfolio of 22 residential communities. The scheme allows eligible residents to split their annual rent instalments into smaller amounts, providing an alternative to the conventional requirement of paying large sums upfront.

The arrangement is available to both eligible new tenants signing initial contracts and existing residents renewing their leases. It applies to Dubai Residential’s portfolio, which includes premium developments such as Bluewaters and City Walk, family-oriented neighbourhoods like Nad Al Sheba Villas and The Gardens, and more affordable housing options including Garden View Villas, Remraam, Layan, Ghoroob, and Shorooq. These communities are home to more than 146,000 residents.

For tenants currently paying their annual rent in four equal instalments, the service permits the division of the first instalment into smaller payments. Under standard terms, a tenant paying Dh80,000 annually would typically remit Dh20,000 at each scheduled payment date. The new option allows eligible individuals to break down that initial Dh20,000 obligation.

Dubai Residential has not disclosed the specific number of smaller payments tenants can make, the total repayment period, or the exact charges involved. The service will be accessible via credit cards issued by select banks, with rates and eligibility conditions applying. The company has not identified the participating financial institutions or provided a detailed fee structure.

The option complements Dubai Residential’s existing payment methods rather than replacing them. While the payment feature extends across the entire portfolio, access depends on individual eligibility requirements. The companies have not specified whether every tenant qualifies or if different terms will apply across communities.

Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Residential, stated that the partnership aims to simplify the rental journey and provide residents with greater control over payment arrangements. "Partnering with Rentify reflects our commitment to making the rental journey simpler, more flexible and increasingly digital, while responding to the evolving needs of our residents," Al Suwaidi said.

The initiative aligns with Dubai Residential’s broader efforts to digitize rental services. Through its existing mobile application, residents can already renew contracts, make payments, request maintenance, arrange move-in and move-out services, and manage personal information.

Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentify, noted that tenant expectations regarding renting are shifting. "Expectations around renting are changing, with residents increasingly looking for greater choice and flexibility in how they manage their payments," he said.

Tenants considering the scheme are advised to review applicable charges and repayment conditions before signing up. The announcement references competitive rates but does not provide specific costs or explain whether fees vary based on the credit card used. It also does not specify when the service will become available to individual tenants or detail the application process.

The companies stated that the arrangement is designed to give eligible residents greater choice in managing rental payments while expanding digital services across Dubai Residential’s communities. For tenants, the immediate benefit is the possibility of breaking down a large instalment, though the actual cost and repayment schedule will depend on the terms offered through Rentify.

T.Ueda--JT