The Ultimate Checklist for Renting an Apartment or Villa in Dubai

If you're renting a villa or apartment in Dubai for the first time as an expatriate, here’s a helpful checklist to go through, including what to watch out for and hidden costs.

The Ultimate Checklist for Renting an Apartment in Dubai

If you want to avoid surprises after signing on the dotted line, keep in mind our first-time Dubai apartment or villa renter's guide!

Finding a new home in Dubai is one of the most important decisions you have to make once you're here. Since Dubai apartment and villa rental prices will be one of your biggest expenses, you want to make sure you're getting your dirhams' worth and that you'll be happy with the place you choose.

It can sometimes get overwhelming and some things get overlooked. So to make sure you don't miss anything, we've put together a list of things you need to keep in mind as you go through the process of renting a new apartment or villa in Dubai.

1. Where to search for an apartment or villa listing in Dubai?

There are many Dubai websites to help you in your search for apartment listings, including Property Finder and Dubizzle. Alternatively, you can seek out a real estate agent to help you with your search.

You should determine what you’re looking for so you can customise your search and adjust your budget range. You should decide on the following house-hunting factors:

Budget.
Desired number of cheques.
Location.
Number of rooms.
Furnished or unfurnished.

Mistakes to avoid when renting a Dubai apartment

2. Apartment or villa viewing in Dubai

Seeing the apartment or villa in person is absolutely necessary. Once there, you should take note of the following:

Parking facilities or access to public transport if you don’t drive
Construction in the area
Facilities (pool, gym, community park, etc.)
Proximity to services (supermarkets, malls, shops, restaurants, etc.)

Keep in mind that real estate agents in Dubai might be somewhat different from back home. Don't be surprised if they don't show up to a viewing and simply tell you to go see it yourself.

3. The costs of renting a home in Dubai

When deciding on your budget, there are many things to take into account other than the annual rental price.

There are fees and hidden costs that can quickly add up and you can end up realising you can’t actually afford what you thought you can. Keep in mind that rent here is usually paid in 1-4 cheques for the entire year.

Ensure that you calculate all of the following as part of your budget:

Agency fees: Real estate agents usually take around 5% of the annual rent price.
Security deposit: It’s usually equal to one month’s rent and it’s refundable at the end of your contract.
DEWA deposit: This is charged by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and it’s mandatory. For apartments, the deposit is AED 2,000 and for villas, it’s is AED 4,000. The deposit is refundable once you leave. There’s also an additional non-refundable connection fee of AED 110.
Housing fee: Also referred to as the Dubai Municipality fee. It's 5% of your property's annual rental value and it will be added to your DEWA monthly bill. If your rent increases the next year, so will your housing fee.
Ejari fees: This is for the tenancy Contract. It’s a one-time fee of AED 206 (plus VAT). For renewing, it'll be AED 120 for the Ejari renewal fee (base fee).
Chiller deposit, gas deposit: This will depend on your place and the provider if applicable.

Dubai Expat Resident Guide to Renting a Residential Property

4. The tenancy contract

As with any other contract, you will need to carefully read it and make sure you agree with every clause and that it complies with the tenancy laws in Dubai. Contracts are usually for one year.

Both you and the landlord need to sign the contract and each of you gets a copy. Once you hand over the cheques, always make sure you get a receipt.

5. Mistakes to avoid before renting a residential property in Dubai

Be sure to verify that your real estate agent is registered with the Dubai Land Department - Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). You should be able to get their broker's number.
Always write the rent cheques to the landlord and no one else. Beforehand, ask to see the title deed and get a copy of their passport to ensure the name matches.
Make sure that there are no outstanding bills (i.e DEWA or chiller) as these must be paid off before you can set up your account.
Verify if there are any maintenance issues in the apartment/villa and request that they get fixed before you move in.