Rental Guide

Renting real estate in Dubai can be a mind field. It’s one of the most important things you will do as a new resident. It doesn’t matter if you are new to Dubai or are an experienced expatriate it’s always better to ensure that you follow the proper channels for renting a house in Dubai.

Laws and regulations regarding renting a property in Dubai can change from time to time, therefore let us at SZZ Properties guide you and ensure you are fully prepared as to the steps required to rent a house in Dubai.

There are many real estate marketing portals in the UAE and Dubai. They all provide an online search facility whereby you can search for your property requirements and then in turn either call or email the respective property agents.

There are many houses and apartments listed for rent in Dubai. On each website you can find listings sometimes the same listings across different websites. Many people get frustrated and confused while trying to make a decision because there are so many listings available.

Rather than focusing on these marketing portals we would suggest that you find an agent who you know or who has been referred to you. That way you have trust with the agent and it makes the whole process of finding a house and fulfilling the complete legal requirements much simpler and smoother.

Once you choose your agent start with some viewings. Keep your options open by partaking in multiple visits to show apartments and open houses. You don’t need an agent to do this for you, but it is a must in your house hunting. It not only gives you a chance to check out the property but also to familiarize yourself with the community as well.

Once you decide on the community you can engage with the agent to show you some suitable properties which meet your requirements. Do not shy away from asking your agent questions regardless of how minute they may seem. Also ensure you always give your honest feedback that way the agent can act in your best interest. Ensure the agent has a good relationship with the landlord.

Once you find your perfect property you will be ready to make an offer. The Dubai real estate market is extremely fast paced so if you don’t move quickly enough you might end up losing out on your dream house. Be ready to give a deposit. Deposits are usually 5% of the annual rental amount. The deposit amount is usually paid via a holding cheque. Please do not pay cash to an agent. If you need to close the transaction quickly and they insist on cash, please visit the real estate office and ensure they are RERA regulated before handing over any funds.

Documentation

Once the landlord accepts the offer, you need to provide the following documents to create a legal contract.

• Passport Copy
• Residency Visa
• Emirates ID
• Security Deposit - 5% Deposit cheque of the rental value (if unfurnished) 10% Deposit cheque of the rental value (if furnished)
• Agency Fees 5% of the rental value or a minimum fee as agreed

As an example, if you rent an unfurnished villa in Dubai that costs AED 150,000 per annum, you will then need to pay AED 7,500 security deposit and AED 7,500 as agency fees.

Once the above documentation has been received your agent will be able to prepare and draft a tenancy contract and send this to you for final approval.
The tenancy contract will generally come as a standard unified government issue tenancy contract along with an addendum which is an additional agreement between the tenant and the landlord which will cover all additional clauses.

Once you and the landlord sign the tenancy contract you will then need to register your lease with Ejari and also connect your DEWA (Dubai electricity and water authority) DEWA deposits will vary according to the type of house you have chosen. For example, if you are renting an apartment in Dubai, then the deposit will be AED 2,000. However, if you decide to rent a villa in Dubai, then the deposit will be AED 4,000.

Ejari Fees are AED 220.

Please note there may be additional deposits for cooling charges, DU, Etisitlat etc.