When you decide to rent a property in Dubai, one of the first things that you do is to search online. But to make things easier for you, we have complied a complete guide for renting a property in Dubai.
Search and shortlist your property
The first step is to know your requirements in terms of the type of property you are looking for. Do you want a small flat, an independent villa, a small apartment, or an entire floor. Decide this based on the number of members in your family, your overall requirements, and not to forget your budget. Some of the types of residential properties in Dubai that you can find on the website include –
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Residential Plots
- Villas
- Penthouses
- Hotel apartments
You should also consider the area of Dubai you want to live in. Do you want a rented property that’s close to your workspace or are you shifting to a rented property that’s close enough for your child’s educational institute? Do you need a furnished or an unfurnished property, check the comprehensive list of amenities provided, go through the annual rent and maintenance fee (if any). Answer all these questions, and then proceed cautiously. The top 10 areas to rent property in Dubai are –
- Al Barari
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Za’abeel
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- Palm Jumeirah Apartments
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- City Walk
If you are renting a property in Dubai, you can opt for a cosy three-bedroom apartment which would be ideal for a newly married couple or a nuclear family. You can also opt for penthouses if you like open spaces and if you have that kind of budget, or go for palatial villas and experience opulence and royal living at its best in Dubai.
Visit the property
Once you have answered all the questions regarding – what and why, the next step should be to visit the shortlisted properties and see them for yourself. You cannot judge the property just by looking at it online, so don’t make this mistake.
Here are some things you should keep in mind.
For the property –
- Does the property get enough natural light?
- Does it need repainting?
- Are the rooms spacious enough?
- Are plumbing works and electrical fittings in place?
- Do tenants get a designated parking spot?
- Is the building equipped with security measures such as cameras, a security guard and an intercom?
- Are there any facilities such as gym and swimming pool?
For the neighbourhood –
- Is the neighbourhood too noisy?
- Is the area safe?
- Are there any constructions going on which might cause disturbance?
- Is it a family-friendly and pet-friendly neighbourhood?
- Is it well connected to public transport?
- It is in close proximity to your workplace?
Understand the terms and conditions and reserve the property
If you like any one of the properties that you’ve shortlisted and want to go ahead with renting it, you need to reserve it. There are two types of rentals in Dubai – short-term rentals and long-term rentals. You can talk to your agent about these and understand which of these would be most suitable for you.
To reserve the property, you will need to pay a refundable security deposit (one month’s rent or 5% of the rent) to your landlord. If you’re going through a real estate agent, he/she will usually hold onto this amount until the deal is finalised. Make sure you get a receipt when you submit the deposit cheque (or cash).
Review and sign the tenancy agreement
Once you pay the security deposit, your agent shares the tenancy contract with you. The contract must be in accordance with tenancy laws in Dubai. It’s also vital that you understand what tenants in Dubai are entitled to before formalising a contract. Make sure to go through tenant laws online before you make your final move.
Both parties can add special clauses as long as there is a mutual agreement on the same. Make sure you go over the contract, suggest any changes if required, and understand all the mentioned terms and conditions.
Once you are sure, sign and submit the tenancy contract along with rent cheques and the agency commission to the agent. Ask for receipts for each payment that you make. The agent will then get the tenancy contract signed by the landlord and hand over the rent cheques given by you. Make sure you keep a copy of the contract and an acknowledgement receipt with you. One copy of the contract is usually handed to the landlord and one is given to the tenant.
Tenant Laws
Some of the most common tenant laws that you should be aware of are –
- The tenant needs to carefully scrutinize the papers before signing. Remember: if you have signed on the dotted line, you cannot renege on any of the clauses, even if they seem unfair to you.
- At the end of 12 months, the tenant is under no obligation to renew the contract if he/she isn’t agreeable with the revised asking rate.
- Tenants can only alter fixtures and fittings, or carry out any other form of alteration, with the consent of the landlord; this is something which the contract should stipulate.
- The tenant will have to pay a penalty in case he or she breaks the contract and leaves early; this is usually two months’ rent.
- Sub-letting or flat-sharing is legally unauthorized unless the tenant has the landlord’s express and written consent.
- In buildings with apartments, there is usually a garbage disposal chute on every floor; it’s the responsibility of the tenant to dispose of trash into the chute. There shouldn’t be any remnants of trash lying on the floor or in any common area. In villas, maintenance workers will collect your garbage. If you live in a standalone villa, you will have to use the services of local municipality garbage collectors, and pay them the standard rates.
- The tenant needs to maintain the property well. If at the end of the term, there are any damages, the cost of fixing them will come from the security deposit.
Documents needed to rent a property in Dubai
Dubai real estate is highly in demand and people and expats from all over the world are moving their base to this wonderful city in search of new opportunities. If you are also looking to rent a property in Dubai, then you need to have this document checklist in mind.
- Passport copy
- Resident visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Agency fee cheque (it is typically 5% of the annual rental amount)
- Security deposit cheque (it is typically 5% of the annual rental amount for unfurnished and 10% for furnished properties)
Important things to know
- Tenancy contracts in the UAE are annual.
- It takes four to five working days for the contract to be drawn out. The paperwork is done by the agent in consultation with the landlord.
- Contracts are binding for a year, so if you leave out of turn, you will need to pay a penalty; usually two months’ rent, and you also have to give two months’ notice.
- Rents are mostly paid quarterly, but some landlords may ask for three checks instead of four. You might actually get a better deal if you decide to give two checks.
- If you use an agent’s services, you can pay the commission in cash or by check. It is usually 5% of the rental value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it easy to rent out property in Dubai?
The process of renting a property in Dubai is fairly simple and straightforward. RERA laws have been simplified to make the entire process hassle free and less time consuming.
Can I pay rent monthly in Dubai?
Yes, you can pay monthly rent in Dubai. It is a more convenient option, but it comes at a premium. You usually end up paying higher in the long run as compared to what you would otherwise be paying in a single cheque.
Are bills included in the rent in Dubai?
In the emirate of Dubai, a housing fee applies for your water and electricity bill; this is the equivalent of 5% of your monthly rent.
What can I do if I have any disputes?
All emirates have rental disputes resolution committees. In Dubai, for instance, there is the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, at Dubai Land Department’s head office in Deira.