Residents in the UAE will soon be able to pay rent monthly instead of handing over large upfront sums, as the country prepares to phase out the long-standing “one-to-four” cheque system. The shift, set to begin in early 2026, promises greater flexibility for tenants, steadier income for landlords, and a more efficient, digitally integrated rental process.
Rethinking the traditional cheque system
For decades, renting in the UAE has followed the “one-to-four” cheque model, where tenants are required to pay their entire annual rent upfront using one to four post-dated cheques. This system, long criticised for creating financial pressure, often limits housing choices and proves especially challenging for new residents.Keyper’s platform, now integrated with Property Finder, allows tenants to bypass this model entirely, replacing large lump-sum payments with monthly instalments via credit card or direct debit. The integration with digital wallets and banking apps is expected to make adoption seamless, easing the transition for residents accustomed to the old system.
How the new monthly rent system will work
The monthly payment system is set to debut in early 2026 on select Property Finder listings before expanding nationwide. Tenants will be able to:
- Pay rent through credit cards or direct debit on a month-to-month basis.
- Integrate payments with existing digital wallets and banking applications.
- Plan their budgets more effectively with predictable, smaller instalments.
According to Keyper, its platform already manages over Dh2 billion in rental demand, enabling thousands of tenants to move away from large upfront payments to predictable monthly schedules.
Benefits for tenants, landlords, and the market
The partnership promises wide-ranging advantages for all stakeholders:For tenants:
- Reduced financial pressure from large upfront payments.
- Ability to budget more effectively on a monthly basis.
- Easier access to rental options, particularly for newcomers.
For landlords:
- Steady and predictable income streams through digital payments.
- Lower default risk and reduced administrative work.
- Potentially higher occupancy rates due to greater tenant flexibility.
For agents and the broader market:
- Streamlined rental transactions and faster deal closures.
- Increased market mobility and reduced vacancy rates.
- Alignment with global rental standards, enhancing the UAE’s appeal as an international hub.
Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, stated:“By easing the financial burden of large upfront rental payments, we’re helping new residents establish themselves more easily and build long-term roots in the country.”Echoing this, Keyper CEO Omar Abu Innab said:“Monthly rent payments are the norm in major global cities, and the UAE is moving in that direction. This partnership offers renters flexibility and landlords certainty.”
