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Tenant's Guide: Know How to Rent a Property in UAE

A Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Property in the UAE

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The rental process can be confusing and full of conflicting information for newcomers and seasoned tenants. But when renting a housing property in Dubai, be ready to be inundated with options. Tenants in one of the wealthiest nations in the world can live luxuriously without sacrificing comfort thanks to the variety of communities and property types available.

We've cut through the clutter of information to produce a step-by-step manual that will simplify the rental process.

Decide the Locality

First, you must decide in what locality or residential development you wish to reside. Renting close to your place of employment, your children's school, or your family and friends could all have a major impact on your choice. You may also prefer to live in a locality that is near recreational and sporting opportunities or enjoy the view of the sea as you take your morning sip.

Decide the Locality
Set a Budget

Set a Budget and Standard

When renting for the first time or deciding to move from an apartment to a villa, it is essential to establish a budget. You must be able to afford your rent payments each month. Be sure to account for regular expenses like water, electricity, internet, and service fees. Additionally, you should set aside money to pay for your moving expenses, which may include a deposit, a straightforward rent payment, utility connection fees, moving services, and an agent commission.

Keep Your Documents Handy

You will require your passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID to sign a tenancy agreement. Your chances of finding your dream home will increase if you have these things prepared and the necessary funds. A passport copy, a residence visa copy, an Emirates ID copy, a security deposit check typically 5% of the amount of your annual rental for unfurnished properties or 10% for furnished ones and a cheque for the agency fee typically 5% of the annual rental amount are some basic documents that a renter must have.

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Hire a Broker

Hire a Broker

Finding a trustworthy real estate broker relieves a great deal of your stress, especially in a tight rental market. An excellent real estate agent will inform you of new and upcoming properties that fit your criteria and act as your representative during lease negotiations. Make sure they are entirely RERA qualified and have a thorough understanding of the areas you are considering. Additionally, your broker ought to be present at each showing and check up on any maintenance problems you may have noticed that need to be resolved prior to your move-in.

Plan Your Visit

After you and the agent agree on a time for an in-person meeting, go to the location with a list of inquiries in mind. In an effort to arrive a little early, take your time arriving and scanning the area. To get a better sense of what it might be like to live there, inspect the property as extensively as you like and schedule a second visit for a different time.

Simply check the boxes next to the items that are important to you before you make the decision if you want to sign the rental agreement or not.

Plan Your Visit
Seal the Deal

Seal the Deal

You've made an offer on the ideal property you've found. The next step is to send scanned copies of your residency permit and Emirates ID along with three checks: one for the down payment, one for the first rental instalment, and one for the broker's fee. The names of the landlord and your broker's company should appear on the first two checks.

Accepting to Rent

You must give your landlord a refundable security deposit (one month's rent or 5% of the rent) to hold the property. If you're working with a real estate agent, they'll typically keep this money on hand until the transaction is complete. When you hand in the deposit check, be sure to obtain a receipt (or cash). The agent will pay your landlord the amount of the security deposit if you decide to withdraw from the agreement for any reason.

Accepting Rent
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Rental Agreement and Deposit

Your real estate broker will make an Ejari contract once you and the landlord have reached an agreement on the lease's terms and conditions. No agreements made with the landlord that are not written into the contract can be applied later. You could move in once the documents have been signed by both parties and the checks have cleared.

Signing Tenancy Agreement

Read through your tenancy agreement's terms and conditions very thoroughly. Make sure the agreement includes everything you and the landlord have agreed upon. The tenancy must be registered with Ejari, a system created to control and facilitate Dubai's rental market, after both parties have signed the tenancy agreement. This is available at facilities all over Dubai, including the Al Manara Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. Bring the title deed, your tenancy agreement, and identification from your landlord.

Tenancy Agreement

Move Into New Home

You are prepared to move into your residence and begin a new chapter in your life in Dubai once your move-in permit has been granted.

Although it might seem difficult, if you follow the above steps, renting in Dubai is actually fairly easy. Have a clear idea of what you want, and work with a real estate professional who is knowledgeable about the area and can assist you at every stage.

Move Into New Home

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is qualified to rent a house?

Any person of any nationality who has a valid residence visa for the United Arab Emirates and a current bank account with a personal cheque book is eligible to rent a property in Dubai.

2. What documents are needed?

An individual will require both a passport and a residency visa. If you are applying as a company, you will also need the tenant's passport, the company owner's passport, and proof of the tenant's residency.

3. When are the forms for tenancy contracts due?

Typically, tenancy agreements last for one year and are then renewable.

4. What are the landlord's terms for payment?

Landlords in Dubai will accept checks drawn on either a personal or business UAE bank account as payment for the rental of a property. Payment terms vary depending on the landlord but can be as little as one check for the entire tenancy or as many as twelve checks. In either case, all checks must be provided at the time the tenancy contract is signed. As a security deposit, the landlord must hold the initial 5% of the tenancy contract's value.

5. Are there any additional service fees?

There are no service fees because the landlord is in charge of taking care of that; however, there is a 5% municipality tax on the annual rent that is noted separately on your electricity bill. Additionally, a 5% agency fee, which cannot be less than AED 4,000, is levied by West Gate Real Estate in addition to the tenancy contract amount.

6. How Can I Lease a Property?

We'll work to find you a home that perfectly satisfies your needs and criteria. A security deposit of 5% is necessitated at the time of the tenancy contract's contract signing and is due for payment to the landlord once we locate the property you're searching for and a price has been agreed upon with the landlord. West Gate Real Estate will give you the keys after you and the landlord have both signed the tenancy agreement and made sure the DEWA connection is complete. Following the completion of the aforementioned steps, West Gate Real Estate must receive AED 500 for DEWA authentication and the service fee for Ejari registration in addition to the agency fee of 5%.

7. Could I sublet the property?

You cannot sublet the property, sorry. The UAE laws forbid doing this.

8. How can I get my water and electricity connection?

Obtaining the water and electricity connection is the next step after signing your lease in Dubai. A Dubai Water & Electricity Authority connection must be requested for this purpose by tenants in Dubai.

9. Are pets allowed?

They are permitted at the landlord's or developer's discretion, but some communities forbid pets, as stated in the community rules.

10. Are there appliances in properties?

The vast majority of properties in Dubai lack appliances.

11. Can I change the property's structure?

Without the landlord's express written consent, you are not permitted to make changes. Painting and furnishings are included in this.

12. The following year, can the landlord raise the rent?

The Rental Index released by RERA controls rental prices. To inquire about the current circumstances, kindly contact your leasing consultant.

13. How to verify a POA is still in effect or has been revoked

On www.dubaicourts.gov.ae, you can search through all POAs registered with Dubai Courts.

14. What documents must be submitted in order to register with Ejari?

You will need an initial unified tenancy agreement, a title deed and/or a plan of affection, the Emirates ID of the tenant and a copy of their passport, a copy of a trade licence, or initial DED approval in the case of a commercial tenancy agreement to register with Ejari.