Renting Procedures: Where Can I Find Housing in Dubai?

How to find a place to live in Dubai?

1. KT Buzzon, getthat.com, dubizzle, propertyfinder.ae, JustProperty.com, and bayut are a few websites where you can look for apartment listings in step one. Based on your needs, you can filter the listings by the number of rooms, the size of the area, whether it is furnished or not, etc. Typically, the advertiser makes the following points very clear:
   • Rent in dollars
   • Amount of checks issued during a rental year
   • Security deposit, which is typically 5% of the rent.
   • Fully or partially equipped
   • When can I view the unit?
   • The preferred start date
   • Additional conditions
2. Call the contact number shown in the ad for the agent or landlord, and then choose a few flats that fit your criteria. It’s a good idea to make a strategy and decide on your top options for places three months in advance. If you can move in within a month, the landlord or agent is typically more likely to be interested in you.
3. Look at the unit: This makes sense as the next move. When you visit, be sure to note every little feature and, if necessary, take pictures. Here are some things to remember:
   • Access to and from the bus stop or metro station if you don’t own a car
   • Protection
   • Closeness to your place of employment
   • Localized noise
   • If at all feasible, talk to your neighbors to find out if they have any problems.
   • Amenities like a fitness center or pool
   • Parking options
4. Making a proposal: You could wish to haggle over the rental cost if you decide to take the unit. The most typical approach to this is to haggle about the quantity of checks. Sometimes the landlord will accept fewer checks in exchange for a lower overall rent payment. Don’t forget to spell out other details like the start date, end date, and amount of the deposit.

   

5. Make a reservation for the space: Deposit. Typically, it is 5% of the monthly rent.
   The agent holds the money or check, which is made payable to the landlord, until the transaction is complete. Don’t forget to get a receipt for the deposit. The agent will properly provide the landlord the check if you later decide to back out of the agreement. At this time, you must also give the agent the following information:
   • The Passport
   • A copy of your residence visa (or an authentic letter from your sponsor or business confirming that your visa is being processed).
6. Drafting the contract: The agent will next send the Tenancy Contract, which will contain all the pertinent information about the rental (including any unique terms that both parties have agreed upon). Go over everything in detail and, if required, offer revisions. Make sure it is expressed explicitly, for example, if you want the property to have new paint applied. The lease must abide by Dubai’s tenancy regulations.
7. Signing the contract: You can sign the agreement, submit it, and hand over the rent checks and the agency commission whenever you’re satisfied with it. Make sure you get the related bills. The agent will then have the landlord sign the contract and give him the checks after having him acknowledge receipt of them.One of the signed contracts will be retained by the landlord, while the renter may keep the other signed contract. The keys and access cards will be delivered to the tenant. Additionally, the renter will verify on a handover form that they are receiving ‘x’ number of keys, access cards, parking spaces, etc.
8. Connecting to DEWA: The tenant must provide DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) with the following paperwork:
   • DEWA number, which may be seen on the side of the building’s door.
   • A copy of both the landlord’s and tenant’s passports
   • Form DEWA
   • Title deed (if the property is freehold or an SPA if it was purchased from a reputable developer). or a romantic scheme
   • A refundable deposit of Dh2,000 (for apartments) or Dh4,000 (for villas), as well as Dh110 for setup fees
   • Within 24 hours of registration and security deposit payment, the supply is activated.
9. Online Procedure:
   • submitting an application online Complete the online application form with the necessary details.
   • Tenancy Agreement, Passport with Valid Visa Page, and Trade License are essential attachments. You must use ePay to pay the security deposit online. (Details from the DEWA website)
10. Ejari Registration: The following documents are required:
    • Original tenancy contract
    • Original receipt of DEWA connection in the tenant’s name
    • Title deed (for freehold property or SPA if it has been bought from a reputable developer) or affection plan
    • Copy of the tenant’s and landlord’s passport
    • Copy of Emirates ID
11. Move-in form: Some developers want a NOC from the tenants before they can occupy the space. The following records are necessary:
    • Certificate from EJARI
    • A copy of the tenant’s passport and visa.
    • A copy of the lease agreement
    • Moving-in formFor example, the building’s security may be such that tenants are not permitted to move in on Fridays. These queries must be brought up in advance with the landlord by the renter.

NOTICE: The rents may be subject to a set contract, typically lasting one year, or they may not. Short-term rental contracts are those that last shorter than a year. The Dubai Tourism Board is in charge of the laws.

Beware of these 6 unexpected expenses

1. Agency costs, which are typically 2 to 5% of the initial rent.
2. For all types of properties, Ejari fees are Dh195.
3. Housing fee: DEWA bills are increased by 5% of annual rent.
4. Refundable security deposit typically equal to one month’s rent
5. DEWA deposit.

Apartment
Dh2,000 (deposit – refund on leaving)
Dh110 (connection, non refundable)

Villa
Dh4,000 (deposit – refund on leaving)
Dh110 (connection, non refundable)
6. Chiller deposit/ gas deposit: Varies according to the provider

10 things to keep in mind before signing anything

1. Verify the Rera registration of your real estate agent. You should be able to get their broker number from them.
2. Make checks payable to the landlord directly. Request a copy of your landlord’s passport and, if feasible, the title deeds before giving them over.
3. Request in writing, if at all possible, that your agent confirm that the landlord has paid all servicing fees.
4. Request that your agent investigate to see if Dewa or the chiller (air conditioning) have any unpaid invoices. If they are, you must settle them before opening an account.
5. Make sure to take care of any maintenance concerns that need to be fixed before you move in.
6. Recognize the number of parking spots you have. It is not unusual for a husband and wife to split the one available resource. Find out if there is a visitors’ parking area as well as where to go to get there.
7. Understand how to enter every area of the structure. Door keys and swipe cards are frequently required to enter your property.
8. Request that the property be cleaned before you move in if it is not already clean. An asset should be delivered in livable condition.
9. Document any problems you uncover with the flat with pictures and inform your agent and landlord. When you try to show that they were there before, this will help you avoid problems.
10. Register for Ejari once you receive your tenancy agreement.

How do you tell if your landlord can raise the rent?

You should monitor market circumstances to see whether rents are going to increase. You can use the rental increase calculator offered by Dubai Lands Department to determine your rent increase. You may find out if your landlord can raise your rent by going to this page, entering your contract expiration date, location, property type, the number of bedrooms, and your current annual rent.

According to propertyfinder.ae, the ‘Rent Index of the Emirate of Dubai’ certified by RERA should be used to calculate the average/similar rent value of a property. To find out the average rent for your property, go to the RERA website, as this index is updated every three months.

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