If you're an expatriate living in Dubai, you may have noticed an additional charge on your monthly DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bill. This charge is the Dubai Municipality Housing Fee, a service fee that helps fund essential public services like infrastructure, public cleaning, health services, and environmental management. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the housing fee, including how it's calculated, who needs to pay it, and how to check it on your DEWA bill.
What is the Dubai Housing Fee?
The Dubai Housing Fee is a charge imposed by the Dubai Municipality on expatriate residents. This fee is used to fund public services that are vital for daily life, including public cleaning, air quality control, health services, and other infrastructure-related needs.
Although the fee is collected by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), it’s important to understand that it’s separate from your regular utility charges for water and electricity. The housing fee is instead added as an extra charge to your monthly DEWA bill.
Who Needs to Pay the Housing Fee?
In general, all expatriates living in Dubai are required to pay the housing fee. This applies whether you're renting a property or own one. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- UAE Nationals – Citizens of the UAE are exempt from paying the housing fee.
- Commercial Units – Businesses or commercial properties do not have to pay.
- Government Entities – Consulates, consular missions, and specific government organizations are also exempt.
- Other Exemptions – Organizations like the Emirates General Petroleum Corporation and the Central Bank are not required to pay.
If you're a tenant or property owner (and you're not one of the exempted categories), you’re likely subject to the housing fee.
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How Is the Housing Fee Calculated?
The Dubai Municipality Housing Fee is 5% of the annual rent for those who are renting, or the estimated annual rent for property owners. Here’s how it works:
For Tenants:
If you’re renting a home in Dubai, the housing fee will be calculated based on the amount of rent you pay for the year.
Example 1:
- Mr. Rehan rents an apartment for AED 1,500 per month.
- His total annual rent would be AED 1,500 x 12 = AED 18,000.
- The housing fee is 5% of the annual rent: AED 18,000 x 5% = AED 900 per year.
So, Mr. Rehan would need to pay AED 900 annually as the housing fee.
For Property Owners:
If you own a property and live in it, the housing fee will be calculated based on the estimated annual rent of your property, as you do not pay rent directly.
Example 2:
- Ms. Mahek owns a flat, and the estimated annual rent for her property is AED 24,000.
- The housing fee is 5% of AED 24,000, which equals AED 1,200 per year.
Even though Ms. Mahek doesn't pay rent, she still needs to pay the housing fee based on the estimated rent value.
How Is the Housing Fee Paid?
The housing fee is collected monthly along with your regular DEWA bill. Since the fee is annual, it’s divided by 12 and added to your utility bill each month.
Example:
- If Mr. Rehan's annual housing fee is AED 900, this amount is divided by 12, which comes to AED 75 per month.
- This means Mr. Rehan will see an additional AED 75 charge on his DEWA bill every month as part of his housing fee.
It's important to remember that the housing fee will continue to be added to your bill until you notify the Dubai Municipality of any changes to your rental agreement or if you need an adjustment to the fee.
How to Check Your Housing Fee on the DEWA Bill
If you're wondering how to check your housing fee on your DEWA bill, it’s easy. The housing fee is clearly stated on your monthly DEWA statement. You’ll typically find it listed on the right side of the bill, under a section that details your various charges. This section will specify the monthly housing fee based on your annual rent or estimated rent, so you can easily track what you’re paying.
Can You Adjust Your Housing Fee?
Yes! If your rent increases or decreases, you’ll need to adjust the housing fee accordingly. To do this, you can apply for a housing fee adjustment via the Dubai Municipality website or the DubaiNow mobile app.
Steps to Adjust Your Housing Fee:
- Visit the Dubai Municipality Website (or use the DubaiNow app).
- Search for Housing Fee – Find the "Adjust Housing Fees" option.
- Submit Your Request – You’ll need to provide details like your tenancy contract, new rental amount, and other relevant information.
- Wait for Approval – The Dubai Municipality will review your request and respond within 3 working days.
- See the Change on Your DEWA Bill – If your request is approved, the new housing fee will appear on your next DEWA bill.
The Dubai Municipality Housing Fee is an essential charge for expatriate residents in Dubai, funding vital public services and infrastructure. Whether you’re renting or owning a property, this fee is added to your monthly DEWA bill, calculated based on your annual rent or estimated rent. Remember, it’s important to keep track of this fee and ensure that it’s adjusted if your rent changes. By understanding how the fee works and how to calculate and pay it, you can avoid any surprises and manage your finances better in Dubai
