Can UAE Landlords Check a Tenant’s Credit Score?

In April 2026, AECB introduced its committed tenant screening services for users. This system allows the landlord to request the tenant’s credit score. AECB application allow landlord to request a new perspective that involves tenant consent using a digital platform.

It is the process that scrutinizes and verifies the tenant’s credit score before signing up the tenancy agreement in the UAE. It is done via Etihad Credit Bureau AECB which an operational government body in the UAE.

This sits with document-based vetting that has been used by landlords in the past. Documents such as Emirates ID and copies of Visas, salary slips, and bank statements are used during the process. Landlords and tenants involved in lease disagreements may consult Property Lawyers in Dubai regarding their contractual rights and available legal options

How Tenant Screening Helps UAE Landlords

The process involves the review and checking of official records related to the tenant. It is used mainly in finalizing the rental contract in the UAE. Landlord property owners can request to scrutinize the tenant’s financial reliability before signing up the agreement. Tenant Screening” is the new Etihad Credit Bureau service. Landlords may obtain professional legal services when preparing or reviewing a tenancy agreement.

How Does AECB Tenant Screening Work?

It is a formal process that is a consent-based service. It is used upon the landlord’s request who want to access the tenant’s AECB credit score. For this, the Etihad Credit Bureau application is used, and approvals and declines are requested through UAE PASS.

New Tenant Screening in the UAE gives the landlord the tenant’s credit score. However, it does not reveal the tenant’s credit history.  The Etihad Credit Bureau explicitly differentiates between Tenant Credit Scoring and Detailed Credit Report.

Document-Based Tenant Screening for UAE Landlords:

On the other hand, the Traditional Documentation review is a general method that has been followed over the years. They use legal papers such as the tenant’s Emirates ID, a copy of the passport and UAE visa, salary slips, or an employment letter, and the latest bank statements.

In recent times, property agents and landowners use the traditional method over the new method. They rely primarily on conventional tenant vetting methods. AECB is an additional method that is optional. It is not a replacement for the conventional method.

Usefulness of Tenant Credit Screening in the UAE Rental Market:

UAE emphasizes upfront payment methods, where most tenants pay rent for a year in small chunks during the year. The landlord trusts the cheques and clear then on a specific date and time.

The tenant cannot default or fail to pay during this time. If he doesn’t pay the rent to the landlord, the landlord can pursue unpaid rent via the Rental Disputes Centre RDC for Dubai properties.

RDC offers a smooth and quick procedure for unpaid rental recovery depending on the case and applicable procedures. There is a legal structure to resolve rental disputes in the UAE. The screening can assist in avoiding legal battles before signing up the tenancy agreement.

Furthermore, it helps in knowing the history of a series of cheques and the payments made and figuring out the loopholes.  Moreover, it also provides evidence in the form of salary certificates and bank statements that assist in better understanding the tenant’s future position before renewal.

How Etihad Credit Bureau’s Tenant Screening Service Works in the UAE?

The tenant will directly receive the OTP on their smartphone. Later, it can be approved or declined. If the tenant approves the request, the landlord will get the tenant’s credit score. Conversely, if the tenant declines, then no information is shared with the landlord. The payment made by the landlord is automatically refunded to him.

Using the system, the landlord can check the tenant’s credit score, and also Landlord can easily initiate the request over AECB using the application or website. The landlord needs to add the Emirates ID details of the tenants and pay for the screening. The tenant will receive an official notification through UAE PASS to review their past rental history. AECB reveals only the credit score. In addition, no landlord can force a tenant to check the score.

What is displayed in AECB Credit Score?

Usually, the AECB credit score is in numerical format. The credit score ranges from 300 to 900. It is generated via bank details, finance companies, financial institutions, telecom providers, and others who directly report to the Bureau.

It reflects payment history over credit cards, loans, and other credit facilities.  Credit utilization also tells about available credit to an individual. The Cheque Clearance Indicator is a separate Etihad Credit Bureau feature that estimates the likelihood of a cheque clearing. With this, the landlord can check the credit score, but full account history details are not available.

Credit Score:

Three numbers ranging from 300 to 900 represent the creditworthiness or the risk. It takes into account factors including repayment behavior, credit contracts, and credit utilization.

Credit Report:

Credit score differs from credit report. The report carries underlying details such as payment history, inquiries, credit accounts, and legal or court-related details. However, landlords do not receive the full screening of the tenant.

See also: Building a Digital Presence That Helps Local Businesses Win More Customers

What is the Difference between Credit Screening versus Traditional-Based Vetting?

AECB credit score shows payment behavior on formal credit products, such as loans, cards, cheques, and much more. Banks and financial institutions report to AECB over time, which assists in analysis.

How do I get a good credit score for Rent?

AECB has launched a standard credit score, but UAE banks and financial credit advisors describe the pattern as follows.

The advisors say that less than 500 is a poor credit rating. There is a high degree of risk involved in rental markets that makes it volatile for landlords.  A credit rating of 600 or more is termed average to mild. 700 and above is a good score that reveals the tenant is reliable and is a low-risk applicant.  For low-risk tenants, the landlord usually does not ask for a guarantor or heavy security deposits. A score rating of 780 to 900 is termed relatively low and an excellent score.

Outlook for Tenant Credit Screening in the UAE:

The results are private and are disclosed to the requesting landlord only after the tenant’s consent. There is no legal compulsion in the UAE. AECB is just an option available to facilitate the landlord, property agents, and real estate firms. However, it is not mandatory to check while renting a property in the UAE.