Dubai stands out as a prime destination in the UAE, offering a blend of luxury, diverse cuisine, thrilling attractions, and top-tier education. With numerous residential options across budgets, it caters to the growing population and the influx of expats wanting to make Dubai their home. As Dubai's population grows, so does its housing options. And if you are looking for places to rent in Dubai, Connector is here with its extensive guide for those considering renting in Dubai, offering insights into the rental process.
Start With The Basic Research
To kickstart your search in Dubai, begin by conducting basic research online. Consider areas that match your lifestyle preferences and prioritise factors like proximity to schools if you have children. Determine your budget and explore properties that align with your financial plan. Utilise online platforms to filter options based on criteria such as annual rent, location, number of rooms and bathrooms, furnished or unfurnished status, amenities offered, and nearby facilities like schools, parks, hospitals, and restaurants. Whether you're searching for apartments, villas, or penthouses, you'll find a comprehensive range of options available for browsing online.
Explore platforms such as Bayut, Dubizzle and Property Finder, as well as others from established real estate brokers, to discover homes that meet your criteria.
Understand The Rental Process In Dubai
After completing your research and selecting a few properties, it's essential to understand the rental process in Dubai. Rental transactions in Dubai are regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), ensuring transparency in pricing. There are two rental options: short-term and long-term. Short-term rentals involve daily, weekly, or monthly payments, ideal for tourists or business travellers. On the other hand, long-term rentals are for contracts exceeding six months and require Ejari registration. Ejari is a program that mandates the registration of all rental contracts. This standardised process aims to protect the interests of both tenants and landlords. Unlike short-term rentals, long-term agreements must be registered.
Start The Property Visit
Now that you've identified the type of home you need and understand the rental process, it's time for an in-person visit to the property to see if it meets your requirements. When setting the visit date with the agent, prepare a list of questions to ask. Here are some factors to consider:
- Get to know the amenities available in the residential area.
- Check if the view is satisfactory and enquire about any maintenance needs like repainting or plumbing.
- Ask about the availability of designated parking spots for tenants.
- Enquire about security measures such as cameras, security guards, and intercom systems in the building.
- Find out about the noise level in the neighbourhood.
- Consider the proximity to your workplace and how manageable the commute would be.
- Assess if the area is suitable for your and your families needs.
Bid For The Property And Make An Offer
After visiting the properties you're interested in, it's time to finalise the deal by making an offer. When negotiating with the landlord or property management company, discuss rental payment methods, such as bi-annual or quarterly payments via post-dated cheques. Landlords often agree to lower annual rent if paid in fewer cheques, but be sure you're ready for a longer commitment. If unsure about the unit or neighbourhood, consider short-term rentals for flexibility. Before proceeding, ensure your real estate agent is RERA-registered by asking for their broker number.
Reserve The Property
After making an offer, reserve the property by paying a refundable security deposit (typically one month’s rent or 5% of the rent) to the landlord. Ensure you get a receipt when submitting the deposit, and take photos of the property for a complete refund of the security deposit in Dubai. Before renting, ask for the landlord’s ID copy and title deed to prevent rental scams.
Documents you need for this process are:
- Passport copy
- Residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
Sign The Tenancy Agreement
This step is crucial, so be cautious when signing the rental agreement. Ensure the contract follows Dubai's tenancy laws. Understand your rights as a tenant before finalising the contract. Review the terms carefully, suggest changes if needed, and ensure you're comfortable with everything. After confirming, sign and submit the tenancy contract and rent cheques, and ask for receipts for each payment you make. Here are some other basic things to know.
Basic Rules For Tenants:
- Pay rent on time and seek landlord approval for property changes.
- Return the property to its original condition, minus normal wear and tear.
- Cover necessary taxes and fees unless agreed otherwise.
- Leave improvements unless agreed otherwise upon vacating.
Register Your Tenancy Contract
Once all the paperwork is signed, it's time to register your lease agreement on the Ejari portal. Ensure that the contract duration, rent amounts, and deposits are mentioned in your Ejari registration. To register on the Ejari portal in Dubai, you'll need the original tenancy contract, the title deed (provided by the landlord), copies of both the tenant's and landlord's passports, and a copy of the tenant's Emirates ID to register on the Ejari portal in Dubai.
Register With DEWA
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the primary utility service provider in the Emirate. When renting in Dubai, registering with DEWA is essential. Tenants need to apply for a connection with DEWA. The online DEWA application is swift, involving filling out a form with the Ejari number, Emirates ID, and passport number. Pay the deposit through DEWA’s online gateway, and service activation occurs within 24 hours of registration and payment.
Documents Required For A New Connection
- DEWA premise number
- Ejari number
- Landlord’s passport copy
- Your passport copy and Emirates ID
- Completed DEWA form
- Payment of the security deposit
You must also note that DEWA bills can be paid online. And in addition to utility bills, the Dubai Municipality Housing fee is included in the DEWA bill. This fee amounts to 5% of the annual rent. Tenants have the option to pay this fee in monthly instalments.
Fill The Move-In Form
Not all tenants, but some may need to complete a move-in form. Certain sought-after communities in Dubai mandate tenants to obtain a move-in permit before moving into their desired property. These permits are typically accessible on the developer’s website and take around five days to process. To prevent any delays, ensure you enquire with your real estate agent or landlord about this requirement and submit the permit application promptly.
Move-In
Once you've completed all the steps mentioned above, you're ready to move in and begin a new chapter in Dubai. While these steps may seem daunting and time-consuming, Connector's guide makes renting in Dubai quite clear. Be sure to follow these steps, visit government portals, and conduct thorough research before finalising your dream home in Dubai.