Things to know when renting an apartment in Dubai
While looking at your accommodation options in Dubai, you will see that the city has everything on offer from a luxury villa to a high-rise apartment to meet your individual lifestyle and budget choices. You will also notice that housing in Dubai is expensive when compared to other cities like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Al Ain. The majority of the expats spend nearly half of their salary on rent alone. While, Dubai is a hub for international business, conferences, and sporting events offering great career opportunities, it is also home to high-end hotels, luxury real estate, malls, and entertainment zones. So even if the housing part is expensive, it promises a convenient and fulfilling lifestyle.
Different types of housing
The housing costs may seem expensive and unaffordable, but you will be amazed to see the different housing options available. From apartments to gated communities, extravagant villas to beautiful townhouses, the city offers specific housing options for everyone’s taste and budget. Most of the rental contracts typically last one year and requires at least three months in advance. It’s really surprising to see that some of the apartments offer one-month free ren, no commission rates or hidden charges and other benefits to encourage people to occupy the vacant apartments.
Here are some of the basic things you need to consider regardless of the type of housing you choose to rent.
∙ The requirement of any pre-dated checks, necessary documents, or letters
∙ Upfront deposit if any and how many rent’s advance
∙ Travel distance between your workplace and apartment, and transportation options
∙ Facilities available in the apartment complex or the communities, like shared gym/pool, parks etc.
∙ Availability of amenities near the property like malls, schools, hospitals.
∙ Understand the rent and lease negotiation options, and other details in the tenancy contract
Even though you are just renting an apartment don’t ignore important aspects of the house like plumbing, electrical, or other issues such as structural damages, pest infestation, and so on. Before signing your lease, inspect the property and go through every detail possible. This will prevent unnecessary hassles and expenses during your renting tenure.
Things to do
Read you leasing contract: The three most important things to do before signing your tenancy contract is to read, read, and read again the contract. The contract always includes clauses and terms that you should be aware of. It is necessary that you understand each of them or else you might have to pay a hefty fine while leaving. For example, in some contracts, the tenants are not allowed to change the paint of the house, and in case you overlooked this and ended up painting the apartment a color of your choice, you may have to re-paint or pay a fee while vacating the property. Also, some contract requires the tenants to pay for all the maintenance and repair costs. We can’t stress enough how important it is to read and understand the tenancy contract fully.
Check for damages: You may not have the knowledge or experience to notice damaged walls, structures, or floors. However, with a little bit of homework and online research, you can inspect the building, and inform the landowner about the existing damages, leaks, minor or major issues that need to be repaired before you move-in.
Additional facilities: Some apartments and communities come with shared gym and pools, which can be accessed and used by the tenants. Most of the properties provide extra services such as security, centralized gas, playground for your added comfort. In some cases, certain facilities cost additional charges, be aware of this. Before signing the contract check for common facilities such as:
- Furnished Kitchen
- Built-in wardrobes
- Centralized AC
- 24/7 security
- Pest control
Now that you know the things you need to consider before renting an apartment in Dubai, you should be careful not to do this one thing. Get scammed! In the daunting process of property hunting, don’t be victims of real estate frauds. Rely on a dependable and reputable real estate company in Dubai.
Elite Living Dubai offers great property listings online, and our reliable agents will guide you throughout the renting process.