‘If the landlord does not reduce my rent in July, I will move out’

Dubai

Lives in: Area: Rent:

1-bedroom Dubai Silicon Oasis Dh53,000 per annum “My sister and I have already asked our landlord for a reduction but he refused and said he would do something about it when the contract ends in July. Similar apartments in the area are Dh10,000 cheaper. for new renters. We have lived in this building for the last three years and the rents have been the same since we moved in. If the landlord does not reduce the rent in July, we will have to look for another apartment in the same area.”

Lives in: Area:

2-bedroom Karama “I will be renewing my rent on January 15 and I’m planning to ask for a reduction. I have been living here for almost five years. I’m hoping the landlord will agree because we have seen rents fall in many areas. If there is no reduction, at least the price should be the same. I’m not sure if new tenants are renting for lower. I know the rent for our area is high because we are in front of Zabeel Park which is somehow considered a strategic area.” Sharjah

Lives in: Area:

Studio apartment Al Taawun, Sharjah “I renewed my tenancy contract recently for the same rent amount. For two- or three-bedroom apartments, I see a decline in rents this year. But the rents for studio and one-bedroom flats, which are in demand, will remain the same. Landlords know that there are more people seeking one-bedroom and studio flats and there is no room for negotiation here.” Abu Dhabi

Egyptian, works in retail Admin assistant Indian, works for a PR firm Sri Lankan