The Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Tenant Inquiry’ service, a digital leap designed to fundamentally transform the transparency and security of the UAE’s real estate rental market. Released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the service is integrated into the federal entity’s mobile application and offers landlords a secure, consent-based platform to evaluate the creditworthiness of prospective tenants. This initiative represents a milestone in the digitalization of property management, moving away from traditional, opaque vetting processes toward a data-driven ecosystem.
The core of the service relies on the UAE PASS digital identity platform to ensure the highest standards of security and privacy. Property owners and real estate agents can request access to a tenant’s credit rating, but the information is only released once the tenant provides explicit approval through their UAE PASS account. This streamlined process eliminates the need for extensive paperwork and reduces the administrative bureaucracy that has historically slowed down the rental journey for both parties.
The ‘Tenant Inquiry’ service was first conceptualized during GITEX 2025 as a joint venture between Dubai Digital and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Its rollout follows the successful implementation of the ‘Check Collection Index,’ which utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to assess the likelihood of payment fulfillment based on past financial behaviors. By providing a reliable credit score, the ECB aims to lower the risk of rental defaults and foster a more stable investment environment for local and international property owners.
According to official statements, the service is expected to significantly impact the mid-to-high-end rental sectors, where financial stability is a key concern for institutional landlords. The integration of credit ratings into the rental process aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a seamless, paperless digital economy. Industry experts suggest that this tool will lead to a more professionalized market, encouraging tenants to maintain healthy credit profiles to secure the most desirable residential units in competitive hubs like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
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