Key tips to navigate the ins and outs of renting a property in Dubai

Renting a property in Dubai can be an intimidating prospect, especially for those who have just arrived in the emirate for the first time. The bureaucracy involved can confuse even long-time residents, so here is a guide to everything you need to know about the process.

Q How do I find the right property?

A The amount of apartments available to rent is so vast that it can be bewildering and time consuming to find the right one online. Sites such as dubizzle.com and propertyfinder.com are among the most popular and reputable for browsing what is available. It helps if you have done homework on the type of area you would like to live in. Perhaps the most important aspect to be aware of, after the price, is the number of cheques required a year. It used to be the case that landlords insisted on one cheque up front for the entire year but that is less common now. Many property owners are happy to take up to four post-dated cheques. It is also important to take a look at other properties for rent in that building or area as a comparison before signing.

What is the average cost of renting a Dubai property? Rent varies depending on the size of the property and the location. A one-bedroom apartment in Palm Jumeirah will cost on average Dh110,000 a year. A two-bedroom apartment is Dh155,000 and for three bedrooms you can expect to pay Dh200,000. Of course there are more affordable areas in Dubai, such as Deira, with prices starting from Dh50,000 a year for a one-bed.

What other costs do I need to consider?

If you seek assistance from an estate agent, which is common, a fee of 5 per cent of the annual rent price is applicable. A deposit must also be paid to the landlord, which is 5 per cent of the annual rental for unfurnished properties and 10 per cent for furnished.

What documents do I need? You will need to provide the agent or landlord with copies of your visa and passport. If you have not received a visa yet, you must provide a letter from your employer stating the process is under way. A chequebook in your own name is also required to make the payments.

The contract has been agreed to. What should I do before signing?

It is important that you identify any maintenance issues and have the agent or landlord resolve them before you sign the contract and move in. Check that all the facilities are in good working order and take pictures of the apartment before you move in to avoid possible problems when reclaiming your deposit at the end of the stay. You should also request a copy of the landlord’s documents to ensure they match the details on the contract.

What do I need to do once the contract has been signed?

A rental agreement in Dubai is not legal until it has been registered with Ejari. This costs Dh195 and you will need to provide a copy of the title deed from the landlord, the tenancy contract, your Emirates ID and copies of your and the landlord’s passports. When you have registered, you will need to activate the water and electricity through the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority. You will again need passport copies and a copy of your Emirates ID. You need to provide Dewa with the number of your property. A deposit of Dh2,000 for apartments and Dh4,000 for villas is required, and handling fees of Dh110 plus VAT. Once you have registered the deposit, you will be able to move in to the property within 24 hours.

Can you cancel your contract early?

If you cancel early, the landlord is entitled to seek two months’ rent as a penalty. In some cases, the landlord will waive this if you are able to find someone to rent the property in your place. If your contract is up and you are not going to renew, you must give the landlord 90 days’ notice that you are planning to leave.