This is it!
You have finally arrived on the shores of our beautiful city of Dubai and now that the visa issues are sorted and you are slowly getting used to the heat, you are faced with the mammoth task of finding a place to live.
Renting a property in Dubai for the first time can be exciting, but it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities before signing a Dubai tenancy agreement or handing over any money.
Here are a few important points to bear in mind during your search.
1. Are You Dealing with the Landlord?
This sounds like a given, but a number of people, including me, have fallen foul of the “nice and genuine-looking” individual who is ready to let you have an apartment on the cheap, just because they “like” you. This mistake cost me over AED 30,000.00.
Therefore, do not be fooled. Insist on seeing the Title Deeds of the property you are about to rent and check that the person offering the property is actually authorised to rent it to you. If the name of the owner does not match that of the person who is renting you the property, you should investigate the position carefully before proceeding.
If you are dealing with a Dubai real estate agent, you should also ensure that the agent is properly authorised and that the relevant documentation is provided before making any payment.
Never rush into paying a deposit or signing a tenancy agreement simply because you are being offered a property at a particularly attractive price.
2. Are You Being Overcharged for Your Rent?
Due to the high demand for properties in the city, the disparity and increase in rents can be significant.
The Government of Dubai has introduced a rental increase calculator, allowing landlords and tenants to assess whether a proposed rent increase falls within the applicable parameters and to compare rental values for similar properties in the relevant area.
Therefore, before agreeing to a new rental price or accepting a proposed rent increase in Dubai, it is sensible to check the applicable rental information.
You can use the Dubai Land Department’s rental calculator here:
Dubai Land Department – Rental Increase Calculator
3. How Will You Pay Your Rent?
In general, rent in Dubai has traditionally been paid by cheques, which are exchanged with the landlord or the agency at the time of signing the rental contract. Some landlords may request that the annual rent is paid by one, two, three or four cheques, although payment arrangements can vary.
It is important to understand the payment terms agreed in your Dubai rental contract and ensure that you have sufficient funds available when any cheque is due to be presented.
Due to the strict banking and financial laws in place in the UAE, you should take particular care when issuing rental cheques and ensure that they are properly funded. Problems with cheques can have serious legal consequences.
If you are unable to make a rental payment when it is due, do not simply ignore the situation. Seek legal advice and communicate with your landlord as soon as possible to understand your options.
4. What Is EJARI?
Once you have signed your rental contract and provided your payment to the landlord, it is important to establish who will be responsible for registering the tenancy agreement with EJARI.
EJARI, which means “my rent” in Arabic, is a system through which a landlord and tenant register their rental agreement with the Dubai Land Department.
EJARI registration is an important part of renting a property in Dubai, and the registered tenancy agreement may be required when dealing with various utility and government services.
Utility providers such as DEWA, du and Etisalat may require evidence of your tenancy and property details before connecting the relevant services.
5. Check Your Dubai Tenancy Agreement Carefully
Before signing, make sure that you understand the terms of your tenancy contract in Dubai. In particular, you should check the rent, payment schedule, security deposit, maintenance responsibilities, notice requirements, renewal provisions and the circumstances in which the tenancy can be terminated.
It is also sensible to keep copies of the signed tenancy agreement, payment records, correspondence with the landlord or agent and any other relevant documents.
Taking the time to check your rental agreement before signing can help prevent disagreements with your landlord later.
Renting a Property in Dubai – Get Legal Advice
Dubai’s rental market can be fast-moving, but this does not mean that you should overlook the legal aspects of renting a property.
Whether you are renting an apartment in Dubai for the first time, negotiating a tenancy agreement, dealing with a landlord or facing a rental dispute, obtaining legal advice for real property at an early stage can help you understand your rights and obligations.
If you need advice regarding Dubai rental laws, tenancy agreements, EJARI registration, rent increases or landlord and tenant disputes, please contact James Berry & Associates to discuss your circumstances.