As a multi-cultural hub of commercial activity, Dubai is a favorite amongst those looking for lucrative career opportunities and the ‘good’ life. With thousands of expats moving to Dubai and building new lives here, the vibrant city is positively bursting with residential properties to accommodate its growing population. So, if you are new to town and not sure where to start on finding your first home, Source Properties have got you covered! Here is a step-by-step guide for renting in Dubai for expats.
A Renting in Dubai guide for beginners
Whether you are looking for an apartment or villa for rent in Dubai, here is a list of everything you will need to do. This guide will ensure you have a smooth process when renting in Dubai.
Shortlist Property Listings
When you contact Source Properties we’ll ask some questions such as below,
- Annual rent of the property
- Number of cheques
- Location of the apartment or the villa for rent in Dubai
- Number of rooms
- Furnished or unfurnished
- Amenities
Visit the Property
We’ll offer you some properties as per your requirements, we can send you photos and movies of these offered properties, once you like one of them, and then we’ll arrange a viewing to head out to the area and keep a list of factors to consider with you. Try to reach a little early and spend some time scanning the neighborhood.
Make an Offer
The second step in your guide to renting a home in Dubai, once you’ve looked around, done your research, and decided on an apartment or villa, is to finalize the offer. Landlords usually agree on lowering the annual rent if you can pay the amount in fewer cheques. However, before committing to a single-cheque arrangement, make sure you’re prepared to stay in the house for a while; otherwise, you could incur losses.
Tip: If you’re ready to go ahead with renting the apartment or villa in Dubai, this is a good time to make sure that your real estate agent is RERA-registered. This is common practice in Dubai, so ask for your agent’s broker number to be certain.
Reserve the Property
To reserve the property, you will need to pay a refundable security deposit (5% of annual rental amount) written out to your landlord name. Should you wish to back out of the deal for any reason, the agent will hand over this the security deposit amount to your landlord.
Documents required:
- Passport copy & Emirates ID
- Residence Visa copy (or an official document from your employer or sponsor stating that your visa is being processed)
Fee:
- Agency commission - 5% of annual rental amount
Tip: Rent cheques need to be made directly to the landlord name. Ask for a copy of your landlord’s passport and title deed (if possible), before handing them over.
Following the security deposit payment, we will share the tenancy contract with you. This is in accordance with Dubai tenancy law. Go over the contract; suggest changes if required and make sure you are comfortable with the stated terms and conditions. We’ll help you out if have any concerns or questions.
Once you are sure, sign and submit the tenancy contract along with rent cheques and the agency commission to Brokerage Company. We’ll give you receipts for each payment that you make. Then will get the tenancy contract signed by the landlord and hand over rent cheques, procuring a copy of the contract and an acknowledgement receipt for you. We’ll then hands over the keys and access cards to you after you sign an acknowledgement form clearly listing everything you’ve received.
Register Tenancy Contract with Ejari
Once you have signed the contract, we’ll help you to register your tenancy contract with Ejari, as the third most important step in your guide to renting a home in Dubai, in order for it to be legal in the emirate. For this, you’ll need to head to any typing centre with your documents or you can do it online. Make sure the deposits, contract duration and rent amounts are clearly stated in your Ejari.
Required documents:
- Original tenancy contract
- Title deed (from landlord)
- Tenant and landlord’s passport copies
- Copy of tenant’s Emirates ID
Ejari Fees: AED 195
Activate Water & Electricity through DEWA
So you finally took the plunge and signed your tenancy contract in Dubai. Next up – water and electricity. For this, tenants in Dubai have to apply for a connection through Dubai Water & Electricity Authority (DEWA).
Here’s what you need to apply for a DEWA connection:
- DEWA premise number (usually on the side of the property building)
- Ejari number
- Landlord’s passport copy
- Your passport copy & Emirates ID
- Completed DEWA form (collected at DEWA)
- Security deposit payment
Online DEWA application is a faster route and involves filling up the form stating Ejari number, Emirates ID number, and your passport copy. Pay the deposit amount through DEWA’s online payment gateway and the service will be activated within 24 hours of registration and payment.
DEWA Fees: AED 110 plus VAT
Refundable DEWA Deposit: AED 2000 for apartments, AED 4000 for villas
Move-In Form
Some popular communities in Dubai require tenants to procure a move-in permit before they occupy the apartment or villa. These are generally taken up to 2 days process.
Depending on the developer, you may need to provide the following documents:
- Passport Copy / Emirates ID
- Certificate of Completion of Payment
- Copy of the Tenancy Contract
- Copy of the unit’s most recent Service Charge Receipt (by landlord)
Move into Your Dream Home in Dubai!
**As of January 2018, fees are subject to 5% VAT.
Call us today to speak with an experienced agent! +97144541041.
