A new digital service called Tenant Screening has been launched in Dubai, allowing private landlords to check the credit scores of prospective tenants before signing a rental agreement. The initiative was developed by Etihad Credit Bureau in partnership with the national digital platform UAE PASS.
The new system is already being viewed as an important step forward for the UAE real estate market and could significantly change the rental process for thousands of residents. Property owners can now officially request a tenant’s credit score; however, access to financial information is only possible after the tenant grants consent through UAE PASS.
How the New Tenant Screening System Works
The Tenant Screening service became available through the Etihad Credit Bureau mobile application following its presentation at the GITEX 2025 technology exhibition, organized with the participation of TDRA and Digital Dubai. The system is built on the principle of full user consent. A landlord may submit a request to access a tenant’s credit score, but the information is disclosed only after the tenant approves the request via UAE PASS, the UAE’s unified digital identity platform.
According to Etihad Credit Bureau CEO Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, the new service was developed through cooperation between government entities and the private sector to create practical and user-friendly digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of the real estate market.
Why the New System Is Important for the UAE Rental Market
Experts believe that the introduction of Tenant Screening will increase transparency in the rental market and help reduce the number of financial disputes between landlords and tenants. In recent years, the rental market in the United Arab Emirates has grown rapidly due to the increasing number of expatriates, investors, and international professionals relocating to the country. Growth has been particularly strong in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where demand for rental housing remains among the highest in the region. The new system will allow property owners to assess tenants’ financial reliability in advance and reduce the risks of late payments, disputes, and cheque-related issues.
What Will Change for Tenants and Property Owners
The introduction of Tenant Screening could change the overall approach to renting property in the UAE. Landlords are likely to conduct financial background checks more frequently before signing contracts, particularly in the premium property and long-term rental segments. For tenants, this means that credit history and financial discipline will become even more important factors when searching for accommodation.
Real estate experts believe that similar screening procedures may eventually become standard practice not only in Dubai but also in other emirates. In addition, Etihad Credit Bureau has already announced plans to further develop the platform and launch new digital services based on UAE PASS. UAE residents can currently access their credit score, credit report, Tenant Screening service, and cheque verification system through the bureau’s mobile application and official website.