FAQ's on Leasing Residential Property in the Northern Emirates

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How do I secure a property?
How much is the security deposit?
What is the term of the Tenancy Contract?
How do I secure a Tenancy Contract in my own name?
How do I secure a Tenancy Contract in the name of the company I work for?
How do I pay the rent?
Can the landlord increase the rent, next year?
How do I connect electricity and water?
Are properties in the Northern Emirates equipped with appliances?
Do I have to pay any maintenance charges?
Are there any extra fees to be paid for compounds with facilities?
What about municipality taxes?
If I lease a villa with a private pool and garden, who maintains both?
If maintenance problems occur, should I contact the consultant or the landlord?
Can I alter the structure of the property?
What happens if I need to break the lease agreement?
Who pays the service fee to Better Homes?

How do I secure a property?

Generally you can secure the property by paying the security deposit. Once the landlord has accepted the deposit the property will be secure.

How much is the security deposit?

That would depend upon the rental value of the property. Usually, it would cost anything from *AED 5,000 upwards for villas and from *AED 2,000 for apartments. This deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tenancy Contract.

What is the term of the Tenancy Contract?

Tenancy Contracts are usually for one year and renewable thereafter.

How do I secure a Tenancy Contract in my own name?

Copies of the following documents re required for the landlord / estate agent:

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

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How do I secure a Tenancy Contract in the name of the company I work for?

If you wish to lease through your company, the following documentation is required for the landlord / estate agent:

Company’s trade license
Occupant’s passport and residency visa
Security deposit
Rent cheque (cheques) in advance in the name of the landlord
Service fee in favour of Better Homes

How do I pay the rent?

The rent is paid in full, in advance by means of post dated cheques. The number of cheques is a negotiation between the landlord and tenant.

Can the landlord increase the rent, next year?

Rental increases are governed by the prevailing municipal laws. Please check with our leasing consultant on the current conditions.

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How do I connect electricity and water?

Better Homes offers to do it on your behalf provided a fee of AED 200 is paid in cash to the consultant. Else, your company can do this service by visiting the respective branch.

Are properties in the Northern Emirates equipped with appliances?

Unfortunately, about 85% of the properties are not equipped.

Do I have to pay any maintenance charges?

No, the maintenance of the property is the responsibility of the landlord. A clause stipulating this should be stated in the contract.

Are there any extra fees to be paid for compounds with facilities?

Yes, *AED 100 for the gas connection.

What about municipality taxes?

It is normally *2% of the annual rent and is paid at the time of registering the contract.

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If I lease a villa with a private pool and garden, who maintains both?

The tenant has the responsibility for the cleaning and adding of chlorine and water to private pools. The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the engine and the pump.

If maintenance problems occur, should I contact the consultant or the landlord?

After receiving the keys of the property from the agent, any maintenance problems should be reported to the landlord or a representative.

Can I alter the structure of the property?

No, the tenant is not allowed to make changes without written permission from the landlord. This may include painting. Always check with your landlord if you are unsure.

What happens if I need to break the lease agreement?

Speak with our leasing consultant to discuss full details and options available to you. Usually, on breaking the lease agreement, you lose 2 months rent and the rest can be refunded to you.

Who pays the service fee to Better Homes?

In the Northern Emirates, the fee is paid by the tenant only.

**Amounts may vary and are subject to confirmation.

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