How do we split rent and expenses when we own a property together?

Start from the title deed

In Dubai the DLD title deed or Oqood lists each owner and share; that is the only source of truth. An informal side agreement about shares cannot be enforced against the deed. Shares change by registering a transfer at DLD (4% transfer fee plus trustee fees), so decide the split before buying.

Choose a managing owner

One owner signs leases, deals with Ejari, collects rent and approves repairs; the others see everything. Agree a spend limit above which the others approve, where the tenant's deposit is held, and whether a property manager is appointed under a written mandate.

Split by share and by date

Rent: each instalment divided by the shares held on the payment date. Costs: service charges, DEWA for vacant periods, insurance, repairs — divided the same way, except costs one owner takes alone (charged to one owner). Returns: each owner's invested amount is their share of price and purchase costs; yield is net income over invested.

Put it in writing

A short co-ownership agreement: shares, roles, approvals, distributions timing, exit rules (right of first refusal, valuation method), and dispute steps. Keep it with the deed and the leases.

How Leasifys helps

The cap table comes from the deed; roles are derived from it; rent, costs and returns split automatically by share and date; share changes need the new deed and are reviewed; every action is audited. Use the rental-yield calculator to compare units before buying.

Sources

• DLD — Title deed and transfer