How to Rent a Property in Dubai

1Work out how much you can afford and what you need.

In Dubai, you are required to pay your rent in post-dated cheques for the contract term. Between 1-12 cheques are the industry practice, with usually better deals for renters who are prepared to pay in fewer cheques. You will also require a passport copy, a resident visa copy, Emirates ID (front and back), and a checkbook to rent in Dubai. Do not forget to budget these additional costs: - Ejari fees: (AED 220) - Security deposit: 5% to 10% of rent - Moving fees: dependent on property and bedroom type, and varies by moving agency - Agency fee: usually between 5% to 8% of first annual rent - DEWA fees: AED 130 non-refundable connection (activation fee), along with a refundable deposit (AED 2,000 for apartment / AED 4,000 for villas). If your residency visa is not yet issued, you can approach the agent and provide them with a letter from your company confirming that your visa is under process. So the agent can convey the same to the landlord.

2Search for the right home.

Speak with friends, family, and colleagues and search online. There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing the right property, and that includes community, property type, location, and connectivity. Find an experienced agent to work with you to understand your budget, wants, and requirements, to provide a selection of properties for you to view. Going through an agency also means that the landlord has been vetted and that you will have an industry expert explaining all the laws and procedures when it comes to tenancy, ensuring a smooth transition process when moving into your new home. READ GOOGLE REVIEWS. Make sure you ask who is managing the property in terms of future maintenance. Pay attention to the fact that agents are not necessarily property managers. Some properties are managed directly by landlords. In general, it is always better to rent a property that is managed by a reputable Property Manager because it makes your life easier if any maintenance-related issues arise in the future. It is important to understand all your rights and obligations, as well as the processes involved, shall any maintenance-related issues arise in the future.

3Schedule property viewings with your agent.

As a property consultant, your agent will highlight communities and properties that match your budget and requirements. Arrange appointments to view several options until you find what you are looking for. Make sure that you avoid viewing the same property with different brokers, because when several brokers connect with the same landlord, it may cause a fake demand and probably push the landlord's expectations higher in terms of the rent they expect.

4Making an offer

Once you find the right home. You will make an offer. At this time both parties (tenant and landlord) will enter a negotiation that will be facilitated by your agent. You will offer on price, amount of cheques you will pay in, contract start date and duration, and the deposit amount. These are the key conditions to agree upon. Other conditions could include decoration, pets, furnishing, garden, etc. Sometimes a landlord will agree to reduce the total rental amount if the number of cheques is reduced.

5Agree on the terms of rent.

Once you both agree, the terms of the tenancy contract will need to be drafted. These must fully comply with tenancy laws in Dubai to be a valid contract, which your RERA registered agent will ensure and take care of. 5% Security deposit is placed for unfurnished properties and 10% security deposit is placed for furnished properties.

6Signing the contracts.

Once all parties are happy with the contracts, both will be required to sign. At this time, you will hand over the rent cheques as per the terms of rent, along with the agency commission. Keys and access cards are handed over once the cheques are cleared or the payment is made in cash.. Both parties will receive a copy of the contract. Always make sure that the rental cheques are issued to the exact same landlord name stated on the title deed of the property. The cheques can be issued to the holder of the Power of Attorney as long as it is verified that it is issued from Dubai Court and POA states that POA is authorised to receive payments under his name. You can also check the authenticity of property title deeds on the official website of RERA or on Dubai Rest App

7Ejari Registration

Registering with Ejari is required, and you will find that you need a copy of your Ejari Certificate for visa renewals, etc. while living and working in Dubai. The following documents are needed to complete Ejari registration: - Original tenancy contract - Title deed - Copy of passports (tenant and landlord) - Copy of Emirates ID. Remember, that EJARI is required for so many other things that you may need, such as the issuance of residency visas for other fämily members or even for a housemaid.

8Connecting DEWA

You will need to submit the following documents to DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) in order to get connected - DEWA number (found on the property’s side entrance) - Passport copies (tenant and landlord) - DEWA form - Title Deed - Setup fee: (AED 130) - Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 / 4,000 depending on property type Activation is within 24hours of completing the registration and payment.

9Prepare to move in.

There are developers that will require tenants to submit a NOC in order to move into the property. This can be obtained with the following: - Ejari Certificate - Tenant passport and visa copies - Copy of Tenancy Contract - Move-in Form Before you schedule a time to move in with your preferred moving company, ensure that you are aware of any restrictions with regards to the date and time (As an example, some buildings will not allow tenants to move in on a Friday). Final things to consider: - Check for any issues with the property, and take photos to share with your agent and landlord to prove that they were not caused by you. - Resolve any maintenance issues. - Ask for the property to be cleaned if it hasn’t been already. Remember, a property must be handed over to you in a habitable condition before you move in.