In Your Own Little Corner, You Can Be Whatever You Want to Be

A first apartment move is one of life’s most thrilling experiences. When you move into a new place, whether it’s a rented apartment or a house you’ve purchased, you have the opportunity to make it a reflection of who you are. Yet, before you start packing, you should know that moving into your first apartment is a huge life change, particularly if you’re relocating to a state where the Emirs rule. More specifically, if you intend to settle in the United Arab Emirates. 

Dubai is a popular destination for intellectuals seeking lucrative employment prospects and comfortable living. Lots of expats relocate to Dubai in search of an improved life. As a result, the thriving city boasts a diverse range of residential properties to support its expanding population. If you’re new to the city and don’t know where to start looking for your first dwelling, international mover’s experts affiliated with Sirwiss, got you covered. 

If you’re looking to rent a property in Dubai, then it is recommended that you continue reading. 

Beginners’ Guide to Renting in Dubai 

So, you’ve landed a job in Dubai; now it’s time to hunt for a place to live. A suitable living quarters. Depending on your tastes and budget, you may live in a villa or an apartment in the United Arab Emirates. If you’re looking to rent a home in Dubai, this guide will help you locate the perfect place for you and your family. 

1. Search and Shortlist Property Listings 

Most people looking for a rental in Dubai start their search online. In Dubai, you may locate a variety of residential options online. 

1.1 Apartments 

1.2 Townhouses 

1.3 Residential Plots 

1.4 Villas 

1.5 Penthouses 

1.6 Hotel apartments 

Viewing a property’s description allows you to learn more about its features. Specifically, this includes, but is not limited to the following details: 

1.7 Annual rent of the property 

1.8 Location of the apartment or villa for rent in Dubai 

1.9 Number of rooms and baths 

1.10 Furnished or unfurnished 

1.11 Comprehensive list of amenities 

1.12 Nearby schools, parks, hospitals and restaurants 

Before commencing the search, it is advisable to have a general idea of the sort of property you are seeking. You may narrow your search results for villas and apartments for rent in Dubai by budget, property type, location, and number of bedrooms to ensure that you only view relevant listings. While renting an apartment in Dubai, you may choose units ranging from cozy studios to spacious 3-bedroom apartments, with certain residential neighborhoods even providing bigger 4- and 5-bedroom apartments. There are a range of villas available for rent in Dubai, ranging from smaller 2-bedroom homes to magnificent residences with over 11 bedrooms! 

You may explore current postings on the internet and create a shortlist based on your unique requirements. Choose the ones that are most intriguing to you based on the photos, yearly rent, amenities, and location. Contact the point person (often an agency or the landlord) and arrange a viewing of the possible new residence. It is also possible to save searches and return to them later. This is a very nice option, since you may like to see many houses before contacting the agent.  

In addition, it is essential to validate the agency’s rental commission. Average agency fees range from 2 to 5 percent of the yearly rent. Yet, it is usually preferable to have clarification before entering into a contract. 

2. Visit the Property 

Set up a time to meet with the agent in person, and when that time comes, pay a visit to the location while keeping a list of questions handy. Go there early if you can, and take the opportunity to scope out the area. Allow yourself as much time you require for looking over the property, and feel free to schedule a second viewing at a different time to get a better feel for what it might be like to call this place home.  

Just make sure you’ve included everything that’s essential to you before signing the lease. 

1. A Few Factors to Consider When Looking at Property for Rent in Dubai 

For your unit: 

1.1. Does the apartment or villa get enough natural light? 

1.2 Do you like the view? 

1.3 Are the rooms spacious enough? 

1.4 Are the fixtures and fittings in good condition? 

1.5 Does it need repainting? 

1.6 Is the plumbing working? 

1.7 Are the electrical outlets in the right spot? 

1.8 Do tenants get a designated parking spot? 

1.9 Is the building equipped with security measures such as cameras, a security guard and an intercom? 

1.10 Are there any facilities such as gym and swimming pool? 

Before signing a lease, renters may ask the landlord to fix any maintenance problems, or they can include terms in the lease to that effect. 

About the neighborhood: 

1.11 Is the neighborhood noisy? 

1.12 Are there any construction sites nearby? 

1.13 Is it in close or manageable proximity to your workplace? 

1.14 Is it well-connected by public transport? (See apartments for rent near Dubai metro stations) 

1.15 Are there any community areas, supermarkets, laundry services, and pharmacies nearby? 

1. 16 Is it family-friendly?  

1.17 What is the parking situation around the neighborhood? 

During your search for a home in Dubai, if you happen to stumble into any current tenants, it might be wise to ask them about life in the complex or the surrounding area. It is recommended that prospective tenants see many villas and apartments before deciding on one. While most leases in Dubai are for a single year, prospective tenants should take their time to investigate the property, the building, and the neighborhood before making an offer. 

3. Make an Offer 

The second stage in renting in Dubai is to finalize the offer once you’ve looked around and chosen on an apartment or villa. Although most contracts require quarterly or bi-annual payments, landlords will frequently agree to cut the yearly rent if you can pay in fewer instalments. But, before committing to a single-cheque agreement, be sure you’re willing to remain in the residence for an extended period of time; otherwise, you may suffer losses. If you’re uncertain about the apartment or the area, or just need a little more flexibility, you might pick short-term rentals instead.  

Tip: If you’re ready to rent an apartment or villa in Dubai, now is the time to make sure your real estate agent is RERA-registered. This is a standard procedure in Dubai, so make sure you have your agent’s broker number. 

4. Reserve the Property 

Landlords often want a security deposit equal to one month’s rent or five percent of the rent to hold a property for a tenant. If you’re working with a real estate agent, he or she will likely keep onto this sum until the sale is finalized. Get a receipt once you drop off the deposit check (or cash). In the event that you decide to cancel the lease, the broker will hand over to the landlord the security deposit. 

The documents required for this process: 

4.1 Passport copy 

4.2 Residence visa copy (or an official document from your employer or sponsor stating that your visa is being processed) 

Tip: Rent checks should be made out to the property owner. If you can, get a copy of your landlord’s passport and title deed before you give up the originals. 

5. Review and Sign the Tenancy Agreement 

After receiving the security deposit, your agent provides you the tenancy contract. Dubai tenancy regulations apply to the contract. Before signing, you should know what Dubai renters are entitled to. Both parties may introduce unique provisions if they agree. Check the contract, propose revisions, and make sure you agree to the terms and conditions. If you have questions, ask your agent. Sign and provide the agent the tenancy contract, rent payments, and agency commission. Request receipts for all payments. The agent will execute the tenancy contract with the landlord and provide you the rent payments. Keep a contract and acknowledgment receipt. The landlord receives one copy of the contract, and the renter receives one. You get the keys and access cards after signing an acknowledgment form. Handover contracts are also signed. 

6. Register Tenancy Contract With Ejari 

When the contract has been signed, you or your agent must register it with Ejari. This is the third most crucial stage in your guide to renting in Dubai, as it ensures that the contract will be recognized as valid in the emirate’s courts. The sign-up procedure for Ejari is simple. Go to a local typing service or use the internet to type up your documents. See to ensure that your Ejari specifies the security deposits, lease term, and monthly rent in detail. 

The documents required for registration: 

6.1 Original tenancy contract 

6.2 Title deed (from landlord) 

6.3 Tenant and landlord’s passport copies 

6.4 Copy of tenant’s Emirates ID 

7. DEWA 

The next step after signing a lease in Dubai is to arrange for utilities to be connected. Tenants in Dubai need to apply for a water and power connection with the Dubai Water & Electricity Authority in order to do this. What follows is what is required to establish a new connection. 

7.1 DEWA premise number (usually on the side of the property building) 

7.2 Ejari number 

7.3 Landlord’s passport copy 

7.4 Your passport copy & Emirates ID 

7.5 Completed DEWA form (collected at DEWA) 

7.6 Security deposit payment 

Online DEWA applications are faster and need the Ejari number, Emirates ID number, and passport number. DEWA’s online payment portal activates the service within 24 hours of registration and deposit payment. A refundable security deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas is also required. Small meters cost AED 100 and large meters AED 300 to activate. Registration, knowledge, and invention costs AED 30.  

Tip: Remember to check for outstanding DEWA or air-conditioning bills for the apartment or villa. Your agent can find this out and make sure it is paid before you set up your own DEWA account. 

8. Move-in Form 

Tenants in some of Dubai’s most desirable neighborhoods need a special authorization before they can move into their new home. They may be obtained through the developer’s website and often take up to 5 days to complete. Get the necessary information from your landlord or real estate agent as soon as possible and submit your application on time if this is needed. Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, and The Greens are just few of the areas that have strict residency requirements. In case you are relocating to one of Emaar’s developments, you may want to check out the guide to obtaining an Emaar relocation permit. 

You may require the following documents for the process: 

8.1 Passport Copy / Emirates ID 

8.2 Certificate of Completion of Payment 

8.3 Copy of the Tenancy Contract 

8.3 Copy of the unit’s most recent Service Charge Receipt (by the landlord) 

9. Moving In 

Your move-in permit allows you to move into your property and start a new life in Dubai. Following the steps above makes renting in Dubai easy. Know what you want and deal with a knowledgeable real estate agent.