Before you pay a deposit — whether you are renting or buying — it helps to know the person you are dealing with really owns the property, or is properly authorised by the owner.
What a title deed is
A title deed is the official document issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) that shows who owns a ready property. Today most title deeds are issued electronically and include details such as the owner's name, the property number, the area and size.
Title deed vs Oqood
Read [buying off-plan in Dubai](/blog/buying-off-plan-dubai-guide) for more on Oqood.
How to check ownership
When renting
The landlord (or their agent) should be able to show ownership proof. The Ejari registration also needs it. If someone says they are "the tenant renting it out", remember subletting needs the owner's written consent — see [subletting rules](/blog/subletting-rules-dubai).
When buying
The seller's title deed details go into the MOU (Form F), and ownership is transferred at a Registration Trustee office, where a new title deed is issued in your name. Read [buying property in Dubai as a foreigner](/blog/buying-property-dubai-guide-foreigners).
Warning signs
Read [how to check a Dubai property ad](/blog/how-to-check-dubai-property-ad-permit) and [how to avoid rental scams](/blog/avoid-rental-scams-dubai) for more checks.