Real Estate Guide: How To Rent In Dubai

by Hayley Alexander

Real Estate Guide: How To Rent In Dubai

15 Apr 2024

Living in Dubai is like being in a whirlwind romance when it comes to real estate. There are so many brilliant areas to choose from, each with its own unique charm and vibe. But just like any relationship, finding the perfect rental involves a bit of trial and error. I have had my fair share of adventures in house-hunting and let me tell you, it has been quite the ride.

Endless scrolling on property websites, numerous WhatsApp messages and calls, each promising to be the one. But then, disappointment hits when the view isn't quite what you imagined. You know when you have those non-negotiables: a beach view or open-plan kitchen. For me, it is all about that natural light flooding in, as I work from home most days the natural lighting is a winner for me.

Here are some of my other non-negotiables in finding my dream home:

Location: Not too far from the action, yet not too close. While I am a city girl through and through, I didn’t want to live amidst towering blocks. After eight years in Dubai, having lived in Marina and Business Bay, settling in JVC was perfect — 15 minutes away from Marina and Downtown. Despite being just off a main road, I am surrounded by open space, and my Marina skyline view? Pretty spectacular — day or night.

Photo: Waqas Sultan

Balcony with a view: Having a balcony and a view in your Dubai property is more than just about aesthetics. It is about creating a space where you can unwind and soak in the stunning skyline or serene waterfront views that Dubai has to offer. My balcony adds an extra dimension to my living space, perfect for enjoying morning tea or occasionally sunset dinners.

Space: Many properties tend to be on the compact side in Dubai. Having space in your rental not only allows for greater comfort and flexibility but also provides room to personalise and make the space your own. I live in a one-bed, and it is not huge, but creating a dedicated workspace is so important to me, for some it might be setting up a cosy reading nook, or entertaining guests. Additionally, extra storage space can help keep clutter at bay, unfortunately my apartment isn’t amazing for extra storage — you have got to get creative.

Navigating the Dubai rental market needn't feel like a rollercoaster ride. Whether you are new to Dubai or new to renting in the city, let me walk you through the ins and outs of finding your dream rental.

First things first, let's talk about location. Dubai boasts a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant energy of Downtown or the serene waterfront views of Palm Jumeirah, understanding what area suits your lifestyle is paramount. Consider factors like proximity to work, supermarket and delivery options and lifestyle, what end of town do you spend most of your time? Are you a bustling Downtown babe, or prefer the more open spaces offered in lowrise areas such as The Greens — there are so many areas to consider.

Photo: Aboodi Vesakaran

Next up, budget. Dubai may be known for luxury living, but there are rental options to suit every budget. Set a realistic budget that includes not just rent, but also additional costs like utility bills and maintenance fees. Most apartments come with parking, gym access, and a pool area — factors worth considering unless poolside sunbathing is a non-negotiable.

Once your list of locations is set, it is time to search for your ideal apartment on platforms like Property Finder or Beyute. Get ready to sift through listings, bookmarking those that catch your eye and scheduling viewings like a pro.

Ah, the viewings — like speed dating for apartments. Trekking from one end of the city to the other, evaluating each potential match with a critical eye. This time round I visited fifteen apartments across two days. Both after work viewings, around 6pm. They were all in the same area as to where I was living, The Greens, so it was walkable. Some of the properties seemed quite expensive for quite dated apartments, so I threw a wild card in the mix — and headed to JVC. And area I’d never thought to live in. It was a stunning new building and security was friendly and helpful, this is a nice touch for a building.

I then planned viewings in the JVC area, and here was my personal checklist: Is the layout functional? Does it have enough storage space? And most importantly, does it feel like home? Trust me, when you walk into ‘the one’, you will know it. And I certainly did, it was the lighting, the view and whilst an open kitchen was on my list as a must, the others exceeded and sometimes some things have to give.

Photo: Alim Djln

But hold your horses before signing on the dotted line. Have a list of questions ready to ask the real estate agent: consider the terms of the lease, including duration, renewal options, and clauses regarding maintenance or repairs. Inquire about amenities like gym access, parking facilities, and security measures.

And don't forget the dreaded security deposit. While standard practice in Dubai, ensure you understand the terms and conditions surrounding it, including how it will be refunded at the end of your tenancy. A cheque with a security deposit 5% of your total annual rent is common.

Don't be afraid to negotiate. Rental prices in Dubai can be flexible, especially in a competitive market. If you have found your dream rental but the price is steep, try negotiating with the landlord or real estate agent. A little haggling might save you a few dirhams. I also believe that the time of year you rent affects the pricing. I have been fortunate enough to rent in July–August, where Dubai is a little quieter. Some leases are up, such as teachers, or if you have decided to leave, summer always seems like a good time to move back to your home country, before the heat kicks in and the new season begins.

You have found your dream property, you have slept on it and decided it is the one. Contact the real estate agent and ensure you have the following documents. These documents are a standard requirement for renting any property in the emirate of Dubai:

A copy of your passport
A copy of your residence visa, you cannot rent a property if you are not a resident of the UAE
A copy of your Emirates ID
Your cheque book: including the security deposit and number of cheques that you agreed with the landlord, splitting the yearly total.

Photo: Sophie Gerasimenko

Good real estate agents will guide you through the process. Most Dubai properties still handle cheques, with some offering monthly payments and others requiring a few cheques. The real estate agent will collect all cheques and the deposit as a security measure. Once agreed upon, you will receive the keys and relevant documents which you will need to register your tenancy contract with Ejari, connect your DEWA, air conditioning services and the internet — either through DU or Etisalat. Most buildings require a moving permit to move furniture, so speak with security to discuss their procedure, it changes from building-to-building.

So there you have it, fellow renters. With patience, perseverance, and a sprinkle of luck, you will soon be settling into your dream rental. Happy house hunting!

by Hayley Alexander