The UAE rental market is becoming more transparent as landlords gain access to new tools that help them assess potential tenants before signing a lease. One of the latest developments is the introduction of tenant credit screening through the Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), allowing landlords to review a prospective tenant’s credit score—but only with the tenant’s consent. This has raised an important question: Can landlords legally refuse tenants based on their credit history?

According to legal experts, UAE tenancy laws do not require landlords to accept every rental application. Property owners have the legal right to choose who they rent their property to and may decline applicants if they believe there is a financial risk. A low credit score or poor credit history can therefore be considered when deciding whether to approve a tenant. However, this decision is made before the tenancy agreement is signed and does not involve any new rental regulations.

The new tenant screening service introduced by the Etihad Credit Bureau enables landlords to request a tenant’s credit score through UAE PASS. The process is entirely consent-based, meaning tenants must approve the request before any information is shared. If a tenant refuses to provide consent, their credit details remain private, giving them full control over their personal financial information.

For landlords, this service offers an additional layer of protection against potential payment defaults. By reviewing a tenant’s financial reliability before signing a contract, landlords can make more informed leasing decisions and reduce the risk of rental disputes. At the same time, the system promotes greater transparency within the UAE’s growing real estate sector.

For tenants, maintaining a healthy credit profile is becoming increasingly important. Timely payments of loans, credit cards, utility bills, and other financial obligations can improve credit scores and increase the likelihood of securing rental properties, especially in competitive markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It is equally important to understand that a tenant’s credit score cannot be used as a reason for eviction after a tenancy contract has been signed. UAE tenancy laws clearly define the legal grounds for eviction, such as non-payment of rent, unauthorized subletting, illegal use of the property, or landlord requirements under specific legal conditions. A decline in a tenant’s credit score after moving in does not give landlords the right to terminate the lease.

The introduction of tenant credit screening reflects the UAE’s continued focus on digital transformation and secure data sharing. While landlords can now make more informed rental decisions, tenants continue to benefit from strong privacy protections through a consent-based process. As the UAE real estate market evolves, understanding these new rules will help both landlords and tenants navigate rental agreements with greater confidence.