Short-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Rentals in Dubai, UAE

Short Term Rentals Vs Long Term Rentals

Dubai has a mix of different kinds of accommodation options. You can rent these properties either through short-term rentals or with long-term rentals if you plan on staying for a long time. Before you get into renting in UAE, you must consider the preferred mode of rental payments and for how long you want to get into the rental agreement. This blog weighs up short-term rentals vs long-term rentals in Dubai to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive into them!.

Why Should One Get a House on Rent in UAE?

Renting in the UAE is quite popular and is a preferred choice for most people who stay in the country. UAE is one of the most common work destinations for ex-pats. Hence, there is a major population of ex-pats who are always on the lookout for rental options in the UAE.

Here are a few reasons why renting is one of the best options for taking a house in UAE:

    • In most rental homes, the cost of repairs and maintaining the house is taken care of by the owner of the property. Hence, you do not have to shell out money on the upkeep of the house.
    • If you have a transferrable job, you can move to a new city without any hassle.
    • You do not have to bear the burden of real estate taxes as it is taken care of by the owner of the property. 

What Are the Different Types of Renting Options in Dubai, UAE?

Dubai, UAE offers two types of rental options : Short-Term Rentals and Long-Term Rentals. Let us take a look at both these options and know about short-term rentals vs long-term rentals in detail.

  • Short-Term Rental

As the name suggests, Short-term Rentals are only applicable for a short period. The period of the short-term rentals is mutually decided by the owner and the tenant. In most cases, these rentals are valid for less than a year. The payment for a short-term rental can be charged daily, monthly or weekly. Short-term rentals are popular in hotels and holiday homes.

  • Long-term Rental

Long-term rentals are valid for more than a year. However, if you opt for long-term rentals, you need to get the contract authorised by a government authority. You can make payments towards a long-term rental either at once or via multiple cheques.

How Are the Payments for Long-Term Rentals Made in Dubai, UAE?

How Are the Payments for Long-Term Rentals Made in UAE

Long-term rentals in the UAE are typically paid with a single check however, you can still choose that option if you want to use multiple cheques to make payments at fixed intervals. However, it should be kept in mind that if you choose the single check option, you must pay the entire rental cost for the entire calendar year in advance.

Additionally, landlords now provide a variety of (quarterly) payment alternatives, which is more practical for many individuals if the accommodation they choose is out of their price range.

Additionally, since the initial payments will be split, you won’t have to make them all simultaneously. However, this choice could be more expensive than the one that requires a single payment.

Short-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Rentals in Dubai, UAE

Let us know about short-term rentals vs long-term rentals. First, learn the pros and cons of short-term and long-term rentals.

  • Understanding the Pros and Cons of Short-term Rentals in Dubai, UAE

There are different pros and cons of short-term apartment rentals. Let’s have a look at a few of them:

    • Pros : Short-term Rentals

The pros of short-term rentals are listed below:

      • Flexibility : Short-term rentals give you the flexibility to change your accommodation or location anytime.
      • No Additional Cost : In the case of short-term rentals, the cost of the utilities is borne by the property owner.
      • Hassle-Free : The properties given out as short-term rentals are usually fully furnished. Hence, there is no hassle in arranging the furniture.
    • Cons : Short-term Rentals 

There are a few cons of short-term rentals. Some of them are listed below:

      • Expensive: Short-term rentals can turn out to be expensive at times as they come with all the amenities.
      • Sharing of a Home: In most cases, short-term rental homes are shared by two or more people. Hence, privacy can become a concern at times.
      • Limited Options: There are a few housing options available when it comes to short-term rentals.
  • Understanding the Pros and Cons of Long-term Rentals in Dubai, UAE

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Long-term Rentals in UAE

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of long-term rentals.

    • Pros : Long-term Rentals

The pros of long-term rentals are as follows:

      • Stability : Long-term rentals are a better option if you are interested in a long-term stay arrangement.
      • No Price Fluctuations : The annual rentals remain the same and are not prone to a sudden rise.
      • Privacy : In the case of a long-term rental, more often than not, you have the entire house to yourself. Hence, there are minimal privacy concerns.
      • Customisable : Long-term rentals allow you to customise your home without any restrictions.
    • Cons : Long-term Rentals

Listed below are a few cons of long-term rentals: 

      • Lack of Flexibility : Once you get into a long-term rental agreement, it becomes difficult to change your house frequently or at short notice. Hence, you have to stay committed to a single place.
      • Extra Fees : You need to pay for the utilities. Hence, there is an extra cost that gets incurred.
      • Moving : In most cases, the units are not furnished. Hence, you will have to arrange for furniture, appliances, etc.

Choosing between Short-Term Rentals and Long-Term Rentals 

Choosing between Short-Term Rentals and Long-Term Rentals 

Let’s check out the facts of short-term rentals vs long-term rentals so you can choose one that best suits your budget and meets your requirements.

  • Ideal Case Scenarios for Short-Term Rentals:

    • Ideal for tourists who do not want to take a hotel.
    • If someone travels to UAE for a certain period and wants a home-like stay.
    • People who have a job where the location keeps on changing
    • Ex-pats who do not have the bandwidth to make a one-time payment for long-term rentals.
  • Ideal Case Scenarios Long-Term Rentals: 

    • If someone relocates to UAE and plans to stay there indefinitely.
    • If you have a long-term job in UAE.

If you are looking for accommodation for a longer duration, short-term rentals are a more affordable option. 

Types of Rental Units in Dubai

Dubai, UAE offers different types of short-term and long-term staying arrangements to those seeking a house for rent. Some popular short-term and long-term rentals are listed below for your reference.

  • Short Term

If you are interested in short-term rentals, you can choose from any of the options below:

    • Hotels

Hotels in dubai

A hotel is an establishment that provides accommodation, meals and other services to people who visit a particular city. Hotels are ideal for people who are travelling for a period ranging from 1 day to 2 months.

    • Hotel Apartments

A hotel apartment is a serviced apartment that uses a hotel-style booking system. The entire process is similar to renting an apartment, but the renter can leave the place anytime.

    • Studios

Studios are large rooms with no division of rooms except for an enclosed washroom. These have become highly popular as they are compact and cost-friendly. This is ideal for people who have started their careers and are looking for an accommodation option for a year or two.

    • Villas 

Villas are huge bungalows that have modern architecture. They have all the luxuries built in under a single roof. You can get a villa leased short-term to host a party or organise a function.

  • Long Term

Long Term rental

If you prefer long-term rentals, here are a few options that you can choose from:

    • Studios

Studios are ideal for both the short-term and long-term. You can get a studio apartment for the long term if you plan on staying alone for a while.

    • Apartments

Apartments are the best choice when it comes to long-term rentals. These properties are usually a part of a complex or a society that offers long-term staying arrangements.

    • Townhouses

A townhouse, often known as a townhome, is typically a single dwelling with at least two stories connected to neighbouring dwellings on one or both sides by a wall. Although it usually has its own entrance, it can also share other characteristics like yards and facilities.

    • Penthouses

Penthouses are luxurious flats that occupy the highest floors of an apartment building and are known for their luxury.

    • Villas 

Villas are lavish bungalows that offer a luxury lifestyle. These are ideal for people who move into the city with their families.

Conclusion 

Now that you have a clear comparison of short-term rentals vs long-term rentals related to the pros and cons of each, you can make a better and more informed choice that best suits your needs. The first step in this decision-making process can be to consider your staying period, decide on a budget and list your requirements to narrow down a few options in an ocean of available choices.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What is the difference between long-term and short-term rentals?

In the case of short-term rentals, you get a house for less than a year. However, in the case of long-term rent, the house or the accommodation is usually given for more than a year.

Why are short-term rentals better than long-term?

Short-term rentals are better than long-term rentals because they are cheaper, and you don’t have to make a single, one-time payment for the accommodation.

What is a long stay vs a short stay?

A long stay is when you stay in a particular accommodation for a longer period, like more than a year. In case of a short stay, you generally stay at a place for less than a year.

What is the meaning of short-term rental?

A short-term rental is an accommodation arrangement that allows the tenant to stay at a place for not more than a year.

Krittika Barua
Krittika Barua Organized, vocal and everything in between. Krittika is an editor at Square Yards, passionate about weaving words with simplicity. She’s a dog lover obsessed with Microsoft Excel. Donuts cheer her up.
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