Dubai: Residents in the UAE will soon see property-related payments—such as rent, service charges, and off-plan commitments—factored into their credit scores, according to Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director-General of the Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB).
Currently, UAE credit scores are based primarily on an individual’s history with loan repayments, credit card bills, and timely payments to telecom providers and utility companies. With the upcoming changes, missed payments related to rental agreements and property ownership will also impact credit ratings.
“If someone isn’t making their service charge payments, it should reflect in their credit behavior,” Lutfi said. “This aligns the UAE with mature consumer credit markets.”
Collaboration with Land Departments Underway
To implement this shift, the ECB is working closely with land departments and regulatory authorities across all emirates. The data will be collected securely and analyzed to include:
- Rental payment history
- Service charge compliance for property owners
- Disputes taken to or by rental dispute resolution committees
Phased Rollout
The new system will be introduced in phases:
- Rental payments will be the first to be added to the credit score.
- Service charges for property owners will follow.
- Off-plan property payments will also be included eventually.
Why It Matters
This expansion is aimed at strengthening financial transparency and ensuring individuals stay aware of their obligations. Missed property-related payments will now carry direct credit consequences, potentially affecting a person’s eligibility for future loans or financial products.
“Tracking off-plan payments is especially important,” Lutfi added. “While developers can repossess properties in case of default, integrating these obligations into credit assessments helps prevent legal disputes and supports the broader economy.”
The initiative is part of a wider effort to enhance credit risk assessment, promote financial accountability, and align the UAE’s credit practices with international standards.
