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How to rent in Dubai

How to rent in Dubai

A step-by-step guide to help you rent with confidence in Dubai.

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Dubai's vibrant rental market offers a wide range of properties, from luxury high-rises to cosy family villas. However, for new residents, and even seasoned renters, navigating the rental process is often a muddle of confusion and mixed messages.

We’ve stripped back the information overwhelm to create a step-by-step guide to make your renting experience straightforward. Learn how to rent an apartment in Dubai now!
Set a budget & choose a location
Setting a budget is critical when leasing property in Dubai. Your monthly rent payments need to be affordable. Make sure to factor in monthly running costs such as water, electricity, internet and service charges. You should also set aside funds to cover your moving costs, including a security deposit, upfront rent payment, utility connection costs, removal services and agent commission. Dubai's rents also vary significantly depending on location, property type, and amenities. Research areas within your budget online to estimate rental costs before deciding on the location. When setting your budget, you also need to think about whether you want a furnished or unfurnished property as this will affect the rental price, as well as the security deposit to be paid (5% of the annual rent amount for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished properties).
Find the right real estate agent in Dubai
Finding a reputable real estate broker takes a whole load of stress off your shoulders, especially in a competitive rental market. A great broker will keep you updated on new and upcoming listings that meet your criteria and is your intermediary regarding lease negotiations. Ensure they are fully RERA qualified and have in-depth knowledge of the areas you are looking at. Your broker should also be there for every viewing and follow up on any maintenance issues you may have spotted, which need to be sorted out before you move in.
Secure the property & sign the contract
You’ve found the perfect property and have made an offer. The next step is to provide scans of your Emirates ID and residency visa, along with three cheques: one for the security deposit, one for the first rental payment, and one for the broker’s commission. The first two cheques should be in the name of the landlord and the third in the name of your broker’s company. Once you’ve agreed on the terms and conditions of the lease, your broker will draw up an agreement under the Ejari contract system. Any points agreed with the landlord not included in the contract cannot be enforced at a later date. After both parties have signed and the cheques have cleared, you can move in.
Register your Ejari
After signing the tenancy agreement, you must register the tenancy with Ejari. Normally, the tenant does this, but if your property is managed by Betterhomes, our property management team will take care of it for you. You can register online at dubailand.gov.ae, where you need to upload certain documents and pay a fee. Alternatively, you can visit one of the Ejari centres dotted around the city to complete the process in person. To register Ejari, you will need a copy of your tenancy contract, a copy of your landlord’s ID and your passport copy/visa details.
Get a thorough move-in inspection
Before actually moving into your property, a move-in inspection needs to be completed. You should document any damage present to the property, and take note of the condition of all items in the flat or villa. This inspection will help you ensure that repairs are done before moving in and it will protect your security deposit when moving out as you will not be responsible for existing damage. Tips for a Smooth Move-In Inspection: Use a Checklist: Make a list of all items and areas in your new property that need to be inspected. Take Photos and Videos: Document any pre-existing damages with clear photos and videos, including close-ups and wide shots for context. Be Meticulous: Don't just scan the property; open drawers and cabinets, turn on appliances, and test fixtures to ensure everything functions properly. Note Everything: On the inspection report or a separate document, clearly describe any damages you find, including their location and severity. Get Written Confirmation: Once you and the landlord (or their representative) have completed the inspection, ensure you both sign a copy of the report with documented pre-existing damages.
Connect your utilities
Your Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) connection is linked to the Ejari system, so you can’t connect the supply until your Ejari is registered. Activating your account can be done online (dewa.gov.ae) or at one of the self-service kiosks at any DEWA Customer Happiness Centre. You will need your Ejari number, tenancy contract, Emirates ID and passport copy, your DEWA number (if an existing customer), and nine-digit premises number (which is located on a mounted wall plate next to your front door). A refundable DEWA security deposit of AED 4000 for a villa and AED 2000 for an apartment also applies. You also need to make sure other utilities are connected like your gas connection and your AC connection. Your landlord or real estate agent will likely have all the information you need for setting up these connections. Need more help learning how to rent an apartment in Dubai? Schedule a call with one of our qualified property consultants today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need property management?+

Property management takes the weight off your shoulders. We act as a point of contact for tenants, handling payment collection, repairs and maintenance, not to mention the paperwork involved. This is especially helpful if you do not have previous property experience or have a busy schedule.

How involved do I need to be?+

As property managers, our goal is to make your life as easy as possible by keeping your involvement to a bare minimum. But, this does depend slightly on the package you select. With the Silver package, you will be slightly more involved because you will be responsible for coordinating any maintenance. The Gold and Platinum packages will require very minimal involvement from you as betterhomes will coordinate with all third-party contractors.

What management options do you offer?+

betterhomes Property Management is a bespoke service, so the exact management option can be tailored to meet your exact needs. But, we offer 3 main packages, Silver, Gold and Platinum, allowing you to choose the package that meets your requirement. Silver: includes the listing of your property, leasing, drawing tenancy contracts, Ejari registration, collection and depositing of rental payments, move-in and move-out inspections and the renewal process. Silver does not include any maintenance coordination. Gold: our fast-moving and favourite package. In the gold package, we take care of everything including arranging maintenance on behalf of landlords and paying service charges and utility bills. Platinum: this is the package that we strongly recommend for anyone who owns a 3-bedroom plus apartment or villa. The Platinum package includes a basic annual maintenance package which includes 2 AC services per year, 1 electrical check and 1 plumbing check. The tenant also gets unlimited callouts and a faster response time in case of an emergency outside working hours.

How do you handle maintenance requests?+

All maintenance requests are managed by the betterhomes Customer Care team to ensure that they are recorded, actioned and followed up on. Betterhomes will also soon be releasing an app for tenants which will allow them to log any maintenance requests instantly via the app.

Do you use the cheapest contractors available?+

As a landlord, you probably don't want expensive repair bills. But, it's important that a job gets done right, so the cheapest option is not always the best. We at betterhomes understand this and therefore have a systematic way of shortlisting service providers. We have a service level agreement that includes the prices of services and the parts, negotiated and pre-agreed. This way we are assured that our landlords get a competitive price without compromising on the service.

How do you make sure the tenant is taking good care of my home?+

betterhomes Property Management carries out periodic inspections, usually at the time of the contract renewal to ensure that all damages are reported and the property is not being misused like sharing or sub-leasing.

What types of property do you manage?+

betterhomes Property Management manages all types of property in the UAE. This includes residential properties like apartments, townhouses in villas in both leasehold and freehold areas. We also manage commercial properties like offices, retail units, and warehouses.

What happens if a tenant does damage?+

Damages to the property will be deducted from the security deposit. If the security deposit does not cover the damages, the tenant must pay the remaining amount. In case of disputes, it can be referred to the rental dispute center.

How are rent collection and bills handled?+

Rent can be deposited directly into your local bank account. Alternatively, it can be deposited into our company account and transferred to you minus any expenses like utility bills, maintenance charges and service fees.

Can a property manager help me avoid bad tenants?+

Although we cannot guarantee that you will avoid bad tenants, we do our due diligence to significantly reduce the risk. This includes thorough background checks through proper documentation as well as periodic inspections to identify or preempt any bad tenants.

What happens when a tenant vacates a property?+

When a tenant vacates a property, we carry out end-of-lease evaluations. If any repairs are required, we will share a report with both parties to determine who will bear the costs. Once this is settled, repair and maintenance work is initiated followed by property remarketing.

How do property inspections work?+

For single units, we conduct check-in and check-out inspections. We also conduct a routine inspection upon lease renewal. In the case of building management, we conduct quarterly fire audits and building inspections, and detailed annual inspections with repair and upgrade recommendations.

What does your tenant screening entail?+

We verify a tenant’s work-related details and collect valid proof of identification, including passport, visa, and Emirates ID copies. If required, we may request supporting documents, e.g. salary certificate.

What services do you offer and how much does it cost?+

We offer full-service management. This can include marketing and leasing, tenant screening, documentation, accounting and reporting, inspection and maintenance, and handling disputes. Depending on the package, the cost ranges from 5-10% of the total lease value. We can also tailor-make a package to suit your requirements.

How do you handle security deposits?+

Most of the time, security deposits are held by betterhomes. After a tenant vacates a property, repair costs attributed to the tenant are deducted from the security deposit and the balance is refunded accordingly.

What is property snagging?+

Property snagging is a detailed inspection process carried out before taking possession of a property. It involves identifying any defects, imperfections, or unfinished elements within the property. These issues, known as "snags," can range from minor cosmetic flaws to significant structural concerns.

Why is it important to snag a property before taking possession?+

Snagging a property before handover is crucial to ensure that any defects or issues are identified early. This allows the developer or seller to rectify them before you move in, saving you time, money, and potential inconvenience in the future.