Townhouses for rent in Abu Dhabi

A townhouse in Abu Dhabi is typically a multi-story home that shares side walls with adjacent units. They usually feature private entrances, small private outdoor areas (like gardens or terraces), and are often part of larger, master-planned communities that offer shared amenities such as pools, gyms, and parks. They bridge the gap between apartments and standalone villas.

Renting a townhouse offers several benefits:

• More Space: Generally larger than apartments, providing multiple levels and distinct living areas.
• Privacy: Offers more privacy than apartments, with your own entrance and often a private garden.
• Community Amenities: Access to shared facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and play areas within the community.
• Reduced Maintenance: External maintenance is often managed by the community, lessening the tenant’s burden compared to a standalone villa.
• Family-Friendly: Ideal for families due to space and community features.

Popular communities for renting townhouses include:

• Yas Island (e.g., Noya, Yas Acres): Modern, family-friendly, close to entertainment.
• Al Raha Gardens / Al Raha Beach: Established, green communities with traditional and contemporary designs.
• Al Reef Villas: A popular and often more affordable choice for families, known for its distinct styles.
• Bloom Living (Zayed City): A newer, growing development offering various townhouse layouts.
• Masdar City: For those seeking eco-friendly and sustainable living options.
• Al Reem Island (e.g., Reem Hills): Offers modern townhouses with waterfront views and urban convenience.

The average annual rent for a townhouse in Abu Dhabi is approximately AED 188,000 (as of early June 2025). This can vary significantly based on size (number of bedrooms), community, amenities, and condition. For example:

• 2-bedroom townhouses: From AED 90,000 to AED 165,000+ per year.
• 3-bedroom townhouses: From AED 110,000 to AED 240,000+ per year.
• 4-bedroom townhouses: From AED 170,000 to AED 350,000+ per year.

Beyond the annual rent, common costs include:

• Security Deposit: Usually 5% of the annual rent (refundable).
• Real Estate Agent Commission: Typically 2% of the annual rent + 5% VAT on the commission.
• Tawtheeq Registration Fee: Mandatory registration of the tenancy contract (often 1% of the first year’s rent).
• Utilities (ADDC): Deposits and monthly bills for electricity and water.
• District Cooling: Separate bills for AC in communities with centralized cooling.
• Housing Fee: A municipal fee, usually 5% of the annual rent, added to your ADDC bill.
• Garden/Pool Maintenance: If a private garden or pool is included, its maintenance might be an additional cost for the tenant, depending on the contract.

Expats typically require:

• Valid Emirates ID (or residence visa and passport copy).
• Passport Copy.
• Salary Certificate / Employment Letter or proof of income.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
• Recent Bank Statements.
• Post-dated cheques for rent payments.

Rent for townhouses is generally paid annually using post-dated cheques. The most common payment structures range from 1 to 4 cheques per year (e.g., one lump sum, bi-annual, or quarterly payments).

Yes, Tawtheeq is crucial. It’s the mandatory online system for registering tenancy contracts with the Abu Dhabi Municipality. A Tawtheeq-registered contract is legally binding, necessary for utility connections (ADDC), and essential for resolving any rental disputes officially.

Yes, landlords can increase rent upon renewal, generally by a maximum of 5% annually for existing contracts. They must provide at least two months’ notice before the contract’s expiry date for any proposed rent adjustments.

• Lease Duration: Typically one year, renewable annually.
• Notice Period: Both tenants and landlords usually need to provide at least two months’ written notice before the contract expiry if they intend to terminate or not renew the lease.
• Maintenance: Tenants are generally responsible for minor repairs, while landlords cover major structural issues, unless specified otherwise. Private garden and pool maintenance are often a tenant responsibility for townhouses.