The process of renting a property in Dubai may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes more straightforward. Initially, it is essential to assess your budget and requirements. In Dubai, rental payments are made through post-dated checks for the contractual term, typically between 1-12 checks as standard industry practice.
Copies of your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID (front and back), and a checkbook will be required to rent a property. Additionally, consider extra costs such as Ejari registration fees, security deposit, moving expenses, agency commission, and DEWA fees (source NYToday.co).
Finding the Right Property
Determine Your Budget
After determining your budget, start searching for the right property. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues, search online, and find an experienced real estate agent to help you identify various options. Avoid viewing the same property with different agents as it may create false demand and raise the landlord’s expectations.
Schedule Visits with Your Agent
A real estate consultant will show you communities and properties that meet your budget and requirements. Arrange appointments to view various options until you find the perfect one.
Submit an Offer
Once you find the right property, you will need to make an offer, which will be negotiated between the tenant and landlord with the agent’s support. After agreeing on the terms, tenancy contracts will be drafted, ensuring compliance with Dubai’s rental laws.
Signing the Contracts
After the terms are agreed upon, both parties will sign the contracts, and the rent checks will be handed over as per the agreed terms. You must register with Ejari and connect with DEWA to complete the necessary steps before moving in.
Preparing to Move
Before moving in, address maintenance issues, request property cleaning, and gather all required documents. Once all steps are complete and the keys are handed over, it’s time to move into your new home.
Registering with Ejari and Connecting to DEWA
Ensure to register with Ejari and connect to DEWA before moving in to avoid future inconveniences. Coordinate with the relevant authorities and fulfill all required steps for a smooth transition to your new property.
Conclusion
Once all steps are completed and the tenancy contracts are signed, you are ready to move into your new home in Dubai. Make sure to adhere to all contract terms and enjoy your new residence.
Budgeting and Payment Practices
Rental Payment in Dubai
In Dubai, rent is paid via post-dated checks for the contract term. Between 1-12 checks are common in the industry, with better offers available for those willing to pay fewer checks. Additionally, you will need a copy of your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID (front and back), and a checkbook to rent a property.
Don’t forget to budget for these additional costs:
- Ejari Fees: AED 220
- Security Deposit: 5%-10% of the rent
- Moving Costs: Depend on property type and number of rooms
- Agency Commission: Typically 5%-8% of the first annual rent
- DEWA Fees: AED 130 for activation and a refundable deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments / AED 4,000 for villas)
If your residence visa is still under process, you can provide a letter from your employer confirming the visa status, which the agent can communicate to the landlord.
Additional Costs to Consider
Once you find the right property, you will make an offer. Both the tenant and landlord will negotiate, facilitated by your agent. Agree on price, number of checks, start date, contract duration, and deposit amount. Other conditions may include decorations, pets, furnishing, garden, etc.
Landlords might reduce the total rent if fewer checks are provided. After reaching an agreement, tenancy contract terms must be drafted and fully comply with Dubai’s rental laws to be valid. Your RERA-registered agent will handle this.
Finalizing the Agreement
Signing the Contracts
Once all parties are satisfied with the contracts, both will sign them. The tenant will provide rent checks as per the agreed terms and pay the agency commission. Keys and access cards are handed over once the checks are cleared or payment is made in cash. Ensure checks are issued in the exact name of the landlord as stated on the property title deed.
Verify Authenticity
Checks can also be issued to a Power of Attorney holder if verified by Dubai Courts and authorized to receive payments on behalf of the landlord. You can verify property title deed authenticity on the official RERA website or the Dubai Rest app.