RENTAL GUIDE

Here's a step by step guide to take you through the process...

1. Determine your affordability and requirements.

In Dubai, rental payments are typically made with post-dated cheques covering the contract period. It's common for 1-12 cheques to be used, with better deals often available to renters who make fewer payments. To rent, you'll need a copy of your passport, resident visa, Emirates ID (front and back), and a checkbook. Don't overlook these additional expenses: - Ejari fees: (AED 220) - Security deposit: 5% to 10% of the rent - Relocation fees: depends on property and bedroom type, and varies by moving agency - Agency fee: usually 5% to 8% of the first year's rent - DEWA fees: AED 130 non-refundable connection (activation fee), plus a refundable deposit (AED 2,000 for an apartment / AED 4,000 for villas). If your residency visa hasn't yet been issued, you can get a letter from your employer stating that it's in process and provide this to the agent to inform the landlord.

2. Hunt for your ideal home.

Ask advice from friends, family, and co-workers and conduct online searches. Choosing the right property involves considering aspects such as the community, property type, location, and connectivity. Partner with an experienced agent who understands your budget, needs, and preferences, and can provide a range of properties for you to tour. Using an agency means the landlord is pre-screened and you benefit from expert guidance on tenancy laws and procedures, ensuring a streamlined move into your new home. CHECK GOOGLE REVIEWS. Find out who will be handling property maintenance in the future. Agents are not always property managers. Some properties are directly managed by landlords. Generally, it's preferable to rent a property managed by a reputable Property Manager to ensure easy handling of any future maintenance issues. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, as well as the relevant processes, is crucial should any maintenance problems occur.

3. Arrange property viewings with your agent.

Your agent, acting as a property consultant, will showcase communities and properties that fit your budget and needs. Schedule visits to multiple options until you find the right one. Avoid visiting the same property with different brokers to prevent creating artificial demand, which could elevate the landlord's rent expectations.

4. Proposing an offer.

Once you've found your perfect home, it's time to make an offer. This initiates a negotiation phase between you (the tenant) and the landlord, facilitated by your agent. You will propose terms on the price, number of cheques, contract start date and length, and deposit amount. Other conditions might include decor, pets, furnishings, gardens, etc. Landlords may sometimes be willing to lower the total rent if fewer cheques are involved.

5. Settle on rental terms.

After agreement is reached, the tenancy contract should be drafted. It must adhere to Dubai's tenancy laws to be valid, an aspect your RERA registered agent will ensure. Copies of your passport and visa pages, along with a 5% security deposit, will be needed to secure the property.

6. Finalizing the contracts.

Once all parties are satisfied with the contracts, they can be signed. You will provide the rental cheques according to the agreed rental terms, along with the agency commission. After signing and transferring cheques, you'll receive the keys and access cards. Both parties receive a copy of the contract. Always ensure rental cheques are issued to the landlord whose name is on the property's title deed. Don't issue cheques to third parties, even if they have authorization letters. You can verify the authenticity of property title deeds on the official RERA website or the Dubai Rest App.

7. Registration with Ejari.

Ejari registration is mandatory, and you'll need your Ejari Certificate for purposes like visa renewals during your stay in Dubai. Ejari registration requires: - Original tenancy contract - Title deed - Passport copies (tenant and landlord) - Copy of Emirates ID. Take note, EJARI is necessary for various other things such as issuing residency visas for family members or a housemaid.

8. DEWA Connection.

To get connected with DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority), submit the following documents: - 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 takes place within 24 hours of completing the registration and payment.

9. Get ready to move in.

Some developers require tenants to submit a NOC (No Objection Certificate) before moving in. To obtain this, provide an Ejari Certificate, passport/visa copies, tenancy contract, and move-in form. Be aware of any move-in restrictions, such as not moving in on a Friday. Before moving, inspect the property, take photos, address maintenance issues, and ensure the property is cleaned if necessary. The property must be habitable before you move in.