Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there different procedures for renting a villa or renting an apartment?
A: No, the same procedures apply for leasing apartments and leasing villas.

Q: How long does a lease last?
A: Leases are usually for one year, so be certain that you have chosen somewhere that you would like to live for the duration of the lease.

Q: How do I lease in my name?
A: If you wish to lease in your own name, you need copies of the following for the landlord / estate agent:

Passport
Residency visa
Security deposit
Rent cheque (cheques) in advance in the name of the landlord for the duration of the lease
Service fee in favour of Better Homes

Q: How do I lease through the name of the company I work for?
A: If you wish to lease through your company, you need copies of the following for the landlord / estate agent:

Copy of the company’s trade licence
Copy of the tenant’s passport and visa page
Security deposit
Rent cheque (cheques) in advance in the name of the landlord for the duration of the lease
Service fee in favour of Better Homes

Q: Are villas in Dubai equipped with appliances?
A: Seldom. 98% of the villas are not equipped.

Q: How do I connect electricity and water?
A: To connect your DEWA, Better Homes have the facility to do it on your behalf provided a fee of AED 200/- is paid in cash to the agent, otherwise your company could do this service by visiting any DEWA branch with the following documentation:

i. Apartment in an individual’s name

AED 1,000/- security deposit refundable upon vacating and paying the final bill
AED 60/- for reconnection fee
Copy of the passport and visa page
Copy of the leasing agreement

ii. Apartment in the company’s name

All of the above documentation
Copy of the trade licence

iii. Villa in an individual’s name

AED 2,000/- security deposit refundable upon vacating and paying the final bill
AED 60/- for reconnection fee
Copy of the passport and visa page
Copy of the leasing agreement

Q: What is the commission when I lease through Better Homes?
A: Better Homes charges 5% of the annual rental value.

Q: Do I need a security deposit?
A: Yes, it is usually between AED 2000/- and AED 5000/-. This security deposit is fully refundable on the condition that the landlord receives the property in the condition in which it was let.

Q: Are there maintenance charges?
A: If living in a Better Homes property managed building, this is already included / reflected in the rental fee. If living in a property leased through Better Homes, the maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility at all times (stated in every contract).

Q: Are there additional water charges for a villa?
A: Speak with your leasing agent to discuss full details and options available to you.

Q: If I lease a villa with a private pool and garden who maintains both?
A: The tenant has the sole responsibility for private pools, i.e. cleaning, putting of chlorine and adding water. The landlord has the responsibility for the engine and the pump.

Q: What happens if I need to break the lease?
A: Speak with your leasing agent to discuss full details and options available to you.

Q: Who pays the service fee to Better Homes?
A: In Dubai, the fee is paid by the tenant only.

Q: Are there any extra fees to be paid for compounds with facilities?
A: No. It is all included in the annual rent.

Q: If maintenance problems occur, should I contact the agent or the landlord?
A: After receiving the keys of the property from the agent, report maintenance problems to the landlord or his/her representative (contact numbers mentioned in contracts). If you are living in a property managed by Better Homes, contact Better Homes (contact numbers mentioned in contracts).

Q: Can the landlord increase the rent, next year?
A: The Government of Dubai recently imposed a rental cap law, allowing landlords to increase rents by a maximum of 15% each year.

Q: Is the tenant allowed to alter the structure of the property?
A: The tenant is not allowed to make changes without express permission from the landlord. This may include painting. Always check with your landlord if you are unsure.

Q: Do I need to keep any paperwork?
A: We recommend that you keep a copy of all paperwork related to your lease.