If you are new to the country and uncertain about how to start your search for your first home, we are here to provide you with a straightforward guide to renting in Dubai.

Dubai is an attractive destination for sophisticated career-oriented individuals seeking a lavish lifestyle. The city has a significant expat community, with thousands moving here to pursue their dreams. Dubai offers a wide range of residential properties to cater to its growing population. If you’re new to the area and unsure about finding your first home, we can provide a comprehensive guide to renting in Dubai.

What documents do I need to rent a house in Dubai?

In order to establish a lease agreement with the landlord and/or real estate agent, the tenant needs to provide identifying documents, which include a copy of their passport, a valid resident visa, and an Emirates ID, along with post-dated cheques for the agreed-upon rent payments.

Is it within a landlord’s rights to request bank statements in Dubai?

In Dubai, most landlords will demand proof of income from you before renting a property. You must demonstrate a stable income source and your ability to pay the rent. Acceptable documents for proving your income include your employment contract, bank statements, and payslips.

How to make a payment if multiple cheques are agreed?

To make payments when multiple cheques are agreed upon, tenants typically issue post-dated cheques directly to the landlord. Management companies are prohibited from accepting rental cheques or payments in the company’s name; they must be made in the landlord’s name and before handing them over, request a copy of your landlord’s passport and title deed.

What is a security deposit?

In Dubai, landlords typically require tenants to pay a security deposit equal to 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished ones. The tenant pays this security deposit at the start of the tenancy, and it must be returned, either fully or partially, to the tenant upon moving out.

How frequently does the rental increase occur?

Under the current RERA rental increase law in Dubai, landlords can only initiate a rental price increase three months before the rental contract’s expiry date. Moreover, they can implement an increase if the rental price is at least 22% lower than the average market price of other similar property types in the area.

If I need to cancel my tenancy contract before its expiry, do I need to send a notice?

If there is no provision in your tenancy agreement for early termination, the landlord and tenant must discuss and agree on it. Otherwise, both parties should honour the contract’s terms.

Who is responsible for the maintenance in the property?

The landlord must take care of general wear and tear on the property as well as handle major replacements and repairs. The tenant must handle any breakages, minor replacements, and repairs, following the additional terms specified in the tenancy contract.

Every tenant in Dubai has the right to reside in a well-maintained home. The law and the contract require the landlord of the rental property to provide a habitable dwelling.

If a tenant wishes to make any alterations to the property, they must obtain prior approval from both the landlord and the relevant authorities in Dubai. Unless both parties mutually agree, the tenant is not allowed to remove any leasehold improvements when vacating the rented property.

About Eviction:

A tenant can face eviction before the expiration of the tenancy contract if they:

• Fail to pay the rent within 30 days after receiving written notice from the landlord.
• Illegally sublease the rented property.
• Engage in illegal or immoral activities within the rented property.
• Make alterations to the property that endanger its safety.
• Misuse the rented property by violating planning, construction, or land use regulations in Dubai.
• Fail to comply with the terms of the contract or the law.
• Necessitate the demolition or reconstruction of the property.
• In the case of commercial properties (e.g., offices), the landlord may request eviction if the renter closes business operations for 30 consecutive days or 90 consecutive days without providing valid reasons.

Upon the expiration of the tenancy contract, the landlord can request eviction if:

• The owner intends to demolish the rented property for reconstruction or to make additions that would hinder the tenant’s use of the property.
• The property’s condition necessitates demolition for rehabilitation.
• Extensive maintenance or renovation is required.
• The owner intends to sell the property, use it for personal purposes, or allocate it to first-degree relatives. However, the landlord must furnish the tenant with a 12-month written notice via registered mail or public notary.

In the UAE, utilities are usually not included in the rent.

One of your responsibilities as a tenant is to register and pay your utility bills in your name, which is fair since you are the one using these services. Typically, these utility services include:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas (if applicable)
• Air-conditioning (if the property is not chiller-free)
• Home internet.

Here are some RERA tenancy contract rules for tenants to remember when searching for properties for rent in Dubai:

Article 19: The tenant must make rental payments in Dubai on the due date. The tenant cannot perform any maintenance, restoration, or changes to the property unless the landlord permits.

Article 21: At the end of the lease agreement, it’s also incumbent upon the tenant to surrender the property in the same condition, except for ordinary wear and tear.

Article 22: Unless the landlord and tenant have agreed otherwise, the latter is responsible for paying necessary taxes and fees due to the relevant government departments.

Article 23: When vacating the property, the tenant must not remove any improvements made unless otherwise agreed upon between the parties.

Armed with the knowledge and insights from this guide, you’re well-prepared to embark on your exciting journey as a tenant in the vibrant city of Dubai. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 055-394-7515 or via email at hello@theurbannest.ae. We’re here to help!