Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I do to assist with the leasing process?
A: From experience within our leasing division, we have found that providing some of the following helps to lease a property quicker.

• Kitchen appliances (i.e. white goods)
• Landscaping to part or all of the garden area
• Rent-free period
• Direct payment of agency fee

Q: How much do appliances cost?

• Refrigerators (300 litre) from AED 900/- to AED 1500/-
• Dishwashers from AED 1500/- to AED 2000/-
• Electric 60cm oven from AED 1500/- to AED 2000/-
• Gas 60cm oven from AED 1200/- to AED 1600/-

Q: Am I required to fully furnish the property?
A: Fully furnishing the property is not necessary, however, landlords have found that by supplying some goods (listed above) helps to lease the property quicker.

Q: How much does landscaping cost?
A: Due to the large variation of plot sizes available within the development, we are unable to provide standard quotes for landscaping. For investors within The Meadows, you may wish to consider landscaping only the front area of the villa or alternatively you could do a total landscape of the property. For investors within The Springs, you could consider landscaping the rear courtyard. Only basic landscaping would need to be undertaken, such as grass and small shrubs. We can provide tailored quotations as part of our Property Management Service.

Q: If I put in a swimming pool, am able to charge the tenant a higher rent?
A: If the garden area is very large you could consider installing a swimming pool if a tenant specifically asks for a pool and a rent revision could then be negotiated with the tenant, however we do not recommend this as an option. However, owners should not assume that they would achieve a large rent increase with the addition of a pool. A small pool costs in the region of AED 40,000 /- and the additional rent achieved per annum could be AED 5,000/- to 7,000 /-. You should also consider that some tenants may be put off by the expense of maintaining a private swimming pool and you have to consider possible maintenance to the filtration equipment in the future.

Q: Are there any charges for Property Management while my property is vacant?
A: The fee is based on the rent received only, so if your property is vacant, there are no fees.

Q: Can you help me with the handover inspection?
A: As part of our Property Management Service, we assist with the handover inspection that is carried out with the developer, providing you have given written authorization to the developer appointing Better Homes as your representative. We continue to follow up on the rectification of the problems detected during the handover inspection, which can often take several inspections to resolve completely.

Q: Can you collect the keys on my behalf?
A: Yes, providing you have completed your final payment with the developer, have completed all of the necessary documentation and you have given written authorization to the developer appointing Better Homes as your representative, we collect the keys on your behalf.

Q: If the tenant has a maintenance problem or has problems with another tenant, whom do they call?
A: The tenant contacts us directly with their maintenance problem or any other query relating to the community or property. Our Property Administrators then follow up on any issues reported to ensure that the tenant remains satisfied with their tenancy in your property. We keep you informed of any major issues that occur in your property or with the tenancy itself.

Q: Does the tenant have my contact details?
A: Most clients request that their contact details are withheld from tenants leasing in their properties. We will only hand your contact details to your tenant/s with your prior approval, however we do not recommend that Landlord's give out their contact details when they have a management company appointed to look after their premises.

Q: Do I need to be present for the inspection or handover process?
A: Providing that authorization has been given to us in person, you do not need to be present for the inspection process.

Q: What information do you need from me in order to manage my property?
A: In order to manage your property, you need to provide the following to the Property Management division:

• A copy of the first page of your contract,
• A copy of your passport,
• Signed power of attorney
• Copy of agreement of sale
• Property completion certificate
• Owners contact details (e mail id, mobile no, tel no, fax no, PO box no)

• Receipts of payments made to owner including service charges
• Property layout
• DEWA Deposit and connection charges
• Petty cash float
• A copy of your management contract
• A cheque for the property management fees.

Q: Do I need to sign a new Property Management contract and Power of Authority every time I get a new tenant or if I leave the property vacant for too long?
A: Provided none of the details have changed, it is not necessary to provide new documents.

Q: Can you advise me on how much rent to charge?
A: Based on the current market, we provide details of what rent price is suitable. You need to provide the Property Management division with the following details:

• Property type
• Views
• Number of bedrooms
• Other features

Q: Can I alter the property?
A: Minor alterations usually do not require approval from the developer, however, we advise all property owners to seek advice directly from the developer to before beginning work to ensure that they were within the community rules.

Q: Am I able to increase the rent?
A: The Landlord is permitted to increase the rent as per the market conditions, however Dubai Law advises that the maximum rent increase is to be within 15% per year.

Q: If I want to sell my property but the tenant wants to stay, what happens?
A: The new owner must be willing to accept the tenant in place under the same terms and conditions.

Q: If I decide to sell my property, would you take care of the sale for me?
A: We have a very active and experienced sales division who can help you sell your property.

Q: If I am unhappy with the tenant, can I evict him?
A: If the tenant has breached their contract, action may be taken in extreme circumstances.

Q: If I am not happy with the condition of my property before handover, can I request the developer to do extra work?
A: If the property has not been built to the required standard and there are quality defects, you are entitled to ask the developer to rectify.