Dubai Renting Guide – News

Here is a list of the best communities, documents needed and fees to pay

Jumeirah Beach Residence is one of the top communities in Dubai. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. — KT file

1. Which neighborhoods in Dubai are the best for renting?

With so many neighborhoods to choose from, the best choice will depend entirely on your lifestyle and budget.

If you want to be near the beach or the ocean, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), and Palm Jumeirah are good choices. They offer stunning views, waterfront living and many amenities. If city centers are more your thing, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are great options, with their towering skyscrapers and easy access to transport, shopping and dining. They are also ideal for professionals who want to be close to the workplace. However, these areas are all very popular, so rents are much higher than in other parts of the city.

If you have kids, proximity to good schools can be a big factor, along with amenities like parks and pools. There are many great family-oriented townhouse and villa communities in Dubai such as Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate and Emirates Living.

One consideration should be whether you are driving or using public transportation. Driving gives you more flexibility in where you choose to live, and you should look for neighborhoods with ample parking and easy access to major highways. If you use public transportation, consider neighborhoods near subway stations for easy, low-cost travel around the city.

While some parts of Dubai may be out of your budget, there are many more affordable neighborhoods. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) offer a range of affordable apartments, townhouses and villas. If you’re driving, Dubai Sports City is another great option for budget apartments, or if you want to use the metro, you might consider Al Furjan or Discovery Gardens. If you don’t mind being out of town, Damac Hills 2 is a great choice of affordable townhouses and villas.

Nia Gaskin, senior leasing consultant for Betterhomes. – Photos provided

Choosing where to live is a big decision, so don’t be too quick to commit to a rental property. Make sure you first take the time to research the different areas and experience them by checking out local amenities and testing transport links. You should also speak to a reputable realtor and let them know exactly what you are looking for so they can help you find the perfect neighborhood.

2. What documents are required for renting a house?

To rent an apartment in Dubai, you will need to provide a copy of your passport, residence visa and Emirates ID. Without these documents, you will not be able to register your rental contract with Ejari. This is required to provide you with legal protection and to activate your Dewa (Electricity and Water). You will also need a UAE bank account with a check book to pay your rent, deposit and agency fees. If you are new to Dubai, you can use short-term accommodation until you have obtained the required documents for a long-term rental property.

3. What are the costs associated with renting an apartment in Dubai?

There are some fees to pay when renting an apartment. The first is an agency fee of 5% of the annual rent. You should also pay a security deposit of 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished properties. This deposit will be refunded at the end of the rental period, less any damages. To register your rental contract, an Ejari fee of approximately Dh220 is required.

To activate your Dewa in the apartment, a refundable deposit of AED 2000 and a non-refundable connection fee of AED 100 are required. For villas, the refundable deposit is Dh4000 and the connection fee is Dh300. Depending on the property, you may also have to pay a deposit and activation fee for air conditioning and gas. All tenants (except UAE nationals) are also required to pay Dubai Municipality Fee which is 5% of the annual rent. This will be added to your Dewa bill and paid in 12 installments.

4. Is subletting safe?

Subletting may seem tempting if you want to save money or don’t have the proper documents to rent out your property. However, subletting is illegal unless the tenancy agreement allows it, or there is written permission from the landlord. Your rights will be extremely limited and you could be evicted at any time. If you legally sublet with your landlord’s permission, then you have the same rights as the original tenant. However, without this permit, you should avoid subletting and consider other options, such as short-term accommodation.

The author is a senior rental consultant for Betterhomes.