Still have questions about renting, find the answers in this FAQs blog post!
Can I rent the day I arrive?
When first arriving, if your employer has not already sorted your accommodation, you will need to find a hotel or look for a short-term rental whilst you prepare your documents. A great place to start is Airbnb.
What documents do I need to rent long term?
You will need your passport, visa and Emirates ID, as well as your personal email address and contact number.
What are the steps for renting?
Can I start looking if I don’t have my documents?
Yes of course, it is a good idea to find the right location and what you can rent within your budget. However, if you find your dream home, be prepared that another person with their documents ready could rent it first.
What if I don’t have my documents yet?
It can take a few weeks to get your visa and Emirates ID when you arrive, but it can be done.
EID – if your employer is in the process of preparing this, you can ask them for a proof of application and ID number, and you can share this with the agent and landlord until the ID arrives.
Chequebook – you can pay cash or send a bank transfer if both parties agree, a cheque is advised as it gives a little more security.
Tip: make sure you always get a confirmation of receipt from the agent for any cash or cheques handed over, and save copies of any bank transfers.
What are the fees involved?
Deposit – When making an offer, to secure the property you will need to pay a deposit of 5% for unfurnished, and 10% for furnished. This deposit is non-refundable once paid if you change your mind, but it will be refunded at the end of your tenancy, providing you return the property in the same condition.
Agency Fee – This is paid to your agent and their company, this is 5% of the property, or a flat AED 5000 for rentals under AED 100,000.
Rent – This is the big one so check your budget and figure out which area works for you. Rental values can vary depending on the location, age of the property, whether it is upgraded, furnishings, the view and even the floor level.
What about bills and registration fees?
There are multiple registration fees involved, such as Ejari and DEWA. Internet is optional and some buildings require gas and air-conditioning to be connected, check with your agent if this applies to your rental:
Ejari: AED 220
DEWA: AED 2000dhs deposit, AED 130 activation
Air conditioning & Gas: Between AED 1000-1500 each (depending on company)
Move in permit: FREE
TV/Internet: depends on the company and the package you opt for.
How quickly can I rent and move in?
If you have everything ready and you have viewed a vacant property, the quickest you can be in your property is between 24-48 hours, providing everything runs smoothly.
Tip: It depends how quickly all parties move, but it is better to be on the safe side and give yourself at least one week.
The property is tenanted, how long do I need to wait?
This depends on when the tenant’s contract ends, some properties listed online may not be vacant for a few weeks. Once the previous tenant has moved out, the property must be presented to you in a good condition, and so it is a good idea to allow a couple of days to ensure the property has been deep cleaned and repainted before moving in.
Tip: painting and cleaning is the responsibility of the previous tenant and the landlord.
Why do I need to pay cheques?
It is important to know that in the UAE, many landlords will ask for 1-2 cheques, which means you will need to pay your rent upfront rather than monthly. For example, if you pay in 2 cheques, this will be two 6 month payments, 4 cheques is 3 months each time. The cheques will be written out and post-dated, then given to the landlord at the start of the tenancy.
Tip: ensure the money is in your account, if the cheque bounces AED 1000 can be deducted from your refundable deposit.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes you can, providing this is agreed with the landlord, but be aware that options may be limited.
Tip: ask the agent before viewing the property first and look for listings online that are advertised as pay monthly.
How long does my contract last?
A tenancy contract is signed for one year, but you can ask for a longer period if the landlord agrees.
What is an addendum?
An addendum is the second part of the agreement which provides expectations of both the landlord and tenant throughout the rental period to protect both parties. Here are some examples of clauses:
1. Major maintenance above AED500 is the responsibility of the Landlord.
2. Prior to the start of the lease the apartment will be painted, deep cleaned (floor & AC) and any needed maintenance will be completed.
3. It is the Tenant’s responsibility to connect utilities (DEWA, Chiller (Zenner), Gas and Internet).
4. It is the Tenant’s responsibility to register the property with Ejari and pay for the registration before the contract start date.
5. Minor maintenance AED 500 and below are the responsibility of the Tenant.
What is Ejari?
EJARI means ‘My Rent’ in Arabic and is a system that provides a full portfolio of services beyond registering the initial lease agreement. Renewals, cancellations, transfers and terminations can all be logged. Ejari will ensure rental agreements are fair and transparent to the parties involved and that their terms and conditions are given full weight.
Once you have signed the contract you can register for Ejari. This must be registered for one year the first time, but can be renewed six monthly after that.
What is DEWA?
DEWA stands for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Once you have registered for Ejari, you will receive an email from DEWA to set your electricity and water up.
Tip: Download the DEWA app to make paying your bills easy.
Why do I need a move in permit?
This helps with a smooth moving in process. Security personnel can get to know you and gather your emergency contact information. It also helps building management become aware of when you might require the service elevator for moving furniture or when moving vans need to be on-site. There may also be selected ‘move-in times’ depending on the building to limit disruption to current residents. Permits are free and concierge will be able to help you access this.
Can the landlord increase my rent?
The landlord can only increase the rent when you renew the contract if the market has increased, and they must give a minimum of 90 days’ notice before the end. Rental increases are also capped at a certain percentage.
Can I be evicted?
The landlord has the right to evict for three reasons only:
1. They are selling the property.
2. They are moving into the property.
3. They are making upgrades to the property.
An eviction notice is an official document served by the Dubai Land Department via Aramex, and gives the tenant one years notice.
An email from the landlord is not official notice, and after this notice is served, the landlord should not rent the property again for a minimum of two years.
What changes can I make to the property?
This can depend on what is stated in your addendum. No structural changes can be made, but you may be allowed to paint and make small holes for hanging pictures. If the property is furnished, you should not remove any items, unless agreed by the landlord. The property must be returned to its original state before you vacate.
What happens if something in the property needs repairing?
As stated in the addendum, there is a clause between the landlord and tenant stating the minimum maintenance fees. For example, lightbulbs, door handles, minor wear and tear should be fixed by the tenant. Anything major such as replacement of a large appliance, is the responsibility of the landlord. The tenant and landlord should communicate between each other to resolve any maintenance issues.
What happens when I need to renew?
Your landlord may reach out to you to renew, but if you do not hear from them 90 days before your contract, you can reach out and inform the landlord that you would like to renew. The renewal can be organised through the agent again as a new contract will need to be written. The renewal admin fee is AED 1000, and you will need to renew your Ejari too.
What should I do when I move out?
To ensure you receive your full deposit back, you should return the property back to the landlord in the condition it was presented to you. This means anything broken should be fixed, holes filles and walls repainted, and a deep clean carried out.
You should also check with building management if a move out permit is needed.
Should I rent long term or short term?
It is better to rent long term once you have your documents. If you rent short-term properties, you can be asked to vacate on short notice and it can also be more expensive. Short term is fine if you are flexible and do not plan on being here for the year.
What if I am having maintenance issues and the landlord is not responding?
Your agent is always there to help you and will continue communication with the landlord. If you cannot reach either, you can contact the Rental Dispute Centre.
If you have any other questions we have not answered, leave us a comment below and we can help!
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