Dubai Announces Monthly Rent Payment System: End of the One-to-Four Cheque Era

In a groundbreaking announcement that has left Dubai residents hopeful, Property Finder and Keyper have partnered to revolutionize the UAE's rental market by introducing monthly rent payment options, effectively dismantling decades of financial strain caused by the archaic "one-to-four" cheque system.​

The End of an Era: What's Changing

For decades, renting in the UAE has followed an outdated model where tenants must pay their entire annual rent upfront using one to four post-dated cheques. This system has been criticized for creating severe financial pressure on residents, particularly newcomers, and for limiting housing choices across the market.​

Starting in early 2026, residents will finally have the option to pay rent monthly through credit cards or direct debit, integrating seamlessly with existing digital wallets and banking applications. The integrated rent-in-installments feature will go live on the Property Finder platform in the first half of 2026, with a full nationwide rollout planned.​

How the New System Works

Under the new partnership, Keyper's platform—which currently manages over Dh2 billion in rental demand—will be embedded directly within Property Finder's app and website. Tenants will be able to convert annual rental payments into 12 monthly installments via card or direct debit, rather than handing over massive lump sums upfront.​

The process is streamlined for all parties: tenants gain predictable monthly payments, agents can close deals faster without upfront payment fall-throughs, and landlords receive consistent digital payments with lower default risk.​

Who Benefits Most?

For Tenants

The relief is substantial. New arrivals to Dubai will no longer face the crushing burden of saving massive sums before securing housing. Instead of scraping together four to six months of rent immediately, residents can budget on a month-by-month basis, allowing them to allocate funds to moving costs, furniture, and emergency savings.​

"By easing the financial burden of large upfront payments, we're helping new residents establish themselves more easily and build long-term roots in the country," said Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder.​

For Landlords

Property owners benefit from steady, predictable income streams through automated digital payments, eliminating manual cheque management and reducing the risk of bounced payments. Lower default rates and easier administrative processes make property ownership more attractive.​

For the Broader Market

In a city like Dubai, where rents have risen 20% year-on-year in prime areas, this flexibility could stabilize demand and foster a more inclusive housing ecosystem. The change aligns the UAE with international rental standards, positioning the nation as a more competitive global hub for expatriates and international investors.​

Addressing the Criticism

The announcement has generated overwhelmingly positive responses on social media, though some concerns persist. Reddit users and Instagram commenters have praised the move as "about time," with many noting that Germany implemented digital rental payments over 30 years ago.​

However, a few skeptics raised questions about potential service fees and whether landlords would still accept the traditional cheque option if offered. Keyper has clarified that tenants can typically move to monthly payment options with minimal additional costs, though a small service fee applies depending on individual circumstances.​

Timeline and Implementation

While Property Finder's integration will debut in early 2026, Keyper's technology is already operational and has enabled thousands of tenants to move away from lump-sum payments. The rollout will prioritize select Property Finder listings before expanding nationwide, ensuring a smooth transition for both landlords and tenants unfamiliar with the new system.​

The Bigger Picture

This announcement represents more than a payment convenience—it's a signal that Dubai is modernizing its real estate infrastructure. The shift aligns with the Dubai 10X initiative and the government's broader vision of creating paperless, digitally integrated ecosystems.​

For residents tired of the financial strain and stress of the one-to-four cheque cycle, early 2026 cannot come soon enough.