CONNECTOR.AE 46 CONNECTOR.AE 47 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE Smart Tips Before You Sign • Clarify all inclusions and exclusions in your rental agreement before signing. • Inspect the property thoroughly and document any issues with photos. • Ask about cooling fees, maintenance responsibilities, and parking facilities. • Go over your tenancy contract carefully and prepare a budget for all the initial additional costs as well as long term expenditures. Renting in Dubai offers flexibility and variety, but it pays to read between the lines. By being aware of these costs and planning ahead, you can enjoy your new home without any unwelcome financial surprises. 9. Parking And Access Cards While many residential units include one parking space, some may charge extra for an additional spot or for access cards to the building and parking area. Replacing lost cards can also come with a fee. 10. Pest Control Or Deep Cleaning Typically, prior to moving in to a new place, the property has to go through professional deep cleaning or pest control. However, in case this wasn’t done beforehand or you prefer for your own peace of mind to do it yourself, you may need to factor in the additional expense for deep cleaning into your budget. Costs for pest control and deep cleaning vary depending on the size of the accommodation. 7. Municipality Housing Fee Dubai Municipality charges tenants a housing fee equal to five percent of the annual rent. This is paid inmonthly instalments through your DEWA bill. For example, if your annual rent is Dhs 60,000, you’ll pay Dhs 3,000 a year, or Dhs 250 per month, on top of your utility bills. 8. Moving Costs Hiring movers and packers is often essential when relocating, especially if you’re moving to or from a larger home or require additional services like unpacking, storage, or insurance. Depending on the size of your home and the services you choose, moving costs in Dubai can range from a few hundred to several thousand Dirhams. It’s wise to get quotes from multiple companies and clarify what’s included in their pricing. 5. Chiller Charges (If Applicable) Some buildings include chiller or air conditioning costs in the rent, while others charge separately. This can be a fixed monthly fee or vary depending on usage. Make sure to check if the cooling charges are included in your rent or billed separately through providers. Some landlords may let you pay the chiller costs while reducing the annual rent. Make sure you check with the landlord prior to signing the contract. 6. Maintenance And Repairs Many tenants assume the landlord will cover all repair costs. In reality, most contracts in Dubai include a maintenance clause where tenants are responsible for minor repairs up to a certain amount, typically Dhs 500. Anything beyond that is the landlord’s responsibility, but read the fine print. If your AC breaks down or plumbing leaks, you may find yourself footing the bill for unexpected repairs.
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