Things to know before renting a property in Dubai
Renting property in Dubai can be a big commitment – with a rent cheque system often requiring you to pay a substantial proportion of your rent upfront. Therefore, you must be sure before you make the move. There are several things to know before renting a property in Dubai, and we’ve rounded them up for you. Our guide will help you be sure that the property you are signing up for is the right fit for you.
REVIEW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE RENTING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI
Here’s a list of things you must consider before renting a Dubai property:
CHOOSE THE LOCATION CAREFULLY
Location is one of the most important things to check before renting a property in Dubai. Finding a flat or villa somewhere closer to your work and other required amenities, like schools, grocery stores, clinics, etc, is best. Here’s all you need to find the perfect rental location in Dubai.
Life will be much nicer if you do not spend all your hours commuting, sitting in traffic to get to work or school. And if you don’t drive, make sure to check apartments for rent near Dubai Metro stations.
LOOK FOR AMPLE PARKING SPACE
Another important aspect – check the parking situation at your chosen locality before renting a property in Dubai. Many apartment blocks only allocate one parking space per property, so if you have two or more cars, you need to check if your chosen property has sufficient parking spaces.
CONSIDER THE COMMUNITY – IS IT FAMILY FRIENDLY OR HAS AN ACTIVE NIGHTLIFE?
If you are a party animal, it is unlikely that you will gel with the neighbours if they are all families with young children, as they are liable to complain if you have regular noisy gatherings and wake up their sleeping children.
Conversely, if you like peace, a property under the airport flight path or above a busy strip of restaurants and closer to night spots is unlikely to be a good fit for you. If it’s family areas you are interested in, our guide to top residential places in Dubai for families will give you a head start.
CHECK IF THE PROPERTY OFFERS MAINTENANCE
Some landlords and tenants have different ideas about tenants’ rights in Dubai regarding who should be responsible for property upkeep. Ensure your tenancy agreement tells you precisely what you are liable for.
Some landlords add clauses that say that any maintenance jobs under AED 500 are the tenants’ responsibility. However, Article 16 of the RERA Property Rent Law implies that the landlord is responsible for maintenance, repair, and restoration work at the property unless otherwise agreed.
Read your Dubai tenancy contract carefully before signing it to make sure you know when to call in the landlord or property management company. Also, look around the communal areas of your building or property to assess the cleanliness and state of repair.
If you see a bit of a scruffy mess and obvious maintenance issues, it suggests a poor level of management, and it may be better to strike the property off your list.
WHAT’S THE PET POLICY?
If you are a pet parent, you must ensure your landlord will happily host your furry friend. Ensure that the community or building where the property is has no pet-free policy.
DON’T FORGET TO CONSIDER YOUR RENTAL BUDGET
Your budget is one of the most important things to consider when renting a property in Dubai. Make sure you consider the hidden cost of house rentals in Dubai.
Also, ensure your selected property falls within your allocated budget limit. Don’t forget that landlords can raise rents in line with the market conditions provided they abide by RERA rules. If you are lucky enough to receive a housing allowance, ensure you have 5 to 10% of the amount left at the top of your budget to manage any rent increases in future years.
You can also check out the essential costs of living in Dubai, which break down the essential expenses for residents, such as housing, utilities, groceries, leisure and more.
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
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- 397 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 951 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 836 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
- |
- 3160 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 885 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
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- 804 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
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- 1929 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 1 BATH
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- 653 SQFT
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
The rent may be within your budget, but what will your additional costs be? Air conditioning costs are usually in addition to your DEWA (water and electricity) bill, and they can be high in summer. If you are renting a two or three-bedroom unit, see if your agent can give you an investment and try to establish what your utility bills are likely to be.
If you rent a large space, see how well-insulated it is and factor the possible cost into your living expenses. Also, private pools and natural grass lawns are lovely but expensive. So don’t forget to ask your agent if they can get you an estimate for how much the upkeep will cost you each month.
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES IN THE AREA
Last but not least, those looking for a villa or flat for rent in Dubai should consider the practicalities of the area. Are there any nearby places to buy everyday groceries? Is it accessible for important things like sports facilities or gyms?
If you don’t drive, having a minimart in your building or community can be a convenience for which you will be eternally grateful, particularly during the hot summer. So, don’t forget to check your preferred area’s surroundings before making the final call.
FAQS ABOUT RENTING PROPERTY DUBAI CHECKLIST
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A PROPERTY IN DUBAI?
Renting in Dubai for many starts with a quick online search. You can check out Bayut to identify properties for rent in Dubai that suit your preferences and budget.
WHAT ARE THE AFFORDABLE RENTAL PLACES IN DUBAI?
Some popular areas with cheap apartments for rent in Dubai include Muhaisnah, Al Warsan and Dubai Industrial Park. Are you looking for something more spacious and not too heavy in your pocket? Explore popular neighbourhoods offering cheap villas for rent in Dubai.
- 4 BEDS
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- 6 BATHS
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- 1398 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
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- 5 BATHS
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- 11038 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
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- 4873 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1991 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
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- 6 BATHS
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- 1679 SQFT
I EARN BETWEEN AED 8K TO AED 12K. WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE TO RENT A PROPERTY IN DUBAI?
If you have a pay grade anywhere between AED 8k to AED 12k, you can rent a flat in JVC, Dubai Marina or JLT. You must also try to find the best areas to rent an apartment in Dubai based on your salary.
CAN MY LANDLORD RE-LET MT APARTMENT/VILLA AFTER EVICTING ME?
This depends on the reason given at the time of eviction.
- If the reason for eviction is selling the property, moving in themselves or next of kin of first degree, the landlord cannot rent it again for at least two years.
- A landlord cannot evict a tenant to re-let the property to someone else for a higher rent. If they do this, a penalty will be imposed (unless the previous tenant signs an NOC).
And with that, we wrap our guide to things to know before renting a property in Dubai. We hope this blog helps you navigate the world of property rentals in Dubai.
Looking for the best areas to rent apartments in Dubai? Our guide lists the affordable and luxury flats in the city. For more insights, check out the Dubai property rental transactions over the past 12 months.
Want to buy instead? First, look at the reasons for investing in off-plan properties in Dubai.
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Worth reading,good material to know about places 🙂
Thanks Yasir for you kind words. We hope you enjoy the rest of the blog!