Finding an apartment in Dubai is no less than finding a needle in sea waters!
There are different viewpoints from people having different experiences when they did an apartment hunt. Some suggest looking at online property finders and some prefer meeting local property agents. Then, there’s a class of tenants that prefers going building to building to locate an ideal apartment in Dubai.
From ambitious expats ready to board the plane to those recently landed here, the question remains a mystery.
How to find apartment in Dubai as an expat?
So, we jotted down some crucial steps for making this painstaking process as easy as we can, below.
Tip #1: Start with Figuring Out Your Budget
You’ll find various renting options ranging from high-end apartments to cost saving residential buildings. But before you start looking for an apartment in Dubai, its crucial to assess your budget. Pay attention on these aspects while calculating your budget:
- Decide whether you prefer monthly payments or annual renting structure.
- Calculate security deposit (2.5% to 5%) in your rental expenses.
- Include DEWA chargers in your monthly rental expenses, too.
- Make sure your rental expenses shouldn’t exceed from 30% of your total monthly income.
You’ll find it easier to locate an apartment in Dubai after having a monthly budget clarity.
Tip #2: Select an Ideal Location
As you already have assessed your budget, the next step would appear rather easier for you – selecting a location!
Narrow down a few locations to start with and ask these questions:
- Do you want to stay closer to your workplace?
- Are you seeking a luxury apartment in areas like Downtown or Palm Jumeirah?
- Are you seeking a family-oriented residential building for your apartment?
- Or maybe cost is your main priority when looking for an apartment in UAE?
These questions will help you navigate through different locations. For example, you’ll find Arabian Ranches or Midrif ideal if you’re moving to Dubai with family. Similarly, Al Nahda or JVC offer low-cost apartments in Dubai. The idea is to consider each location according to your key needs via these questions.
Tip #3: Check UAE’s Rental Laws
To make your apartment hunt successful, you must know the rental laws of UAE!
In Dubai, RERA governs the rental rules for property owners and tenants. Here are some key rules that you should know as a tenant:
- Dubai Land Department has devised Ejari system to register your tenancy contract.
- Your landlord must notify about rental increment 90 days in advance as per RERA’s rental index.
- You must be notified about eviction 12 months in advance by your landlord under certain conditions. (major renovation, sale of property, personal use etc)
- Your security deposit (5-10% of total rent) is refundable if there is no damage of property that’s beyond repair.
- You must notify the landlord 60-90 days in advance if you wish to vacate the apartment.
These laws prove helpful in understanding your rights and duties as a tenant. Plus, you can plan everything with a clearer approach when you’re aware of current rental laws.
Tip #4: Compare Facilities & Run Apartment Inspection
Next, you must seek what facilities will you be getting once you have a few options in mind. Start with calculating basic amenities that your prospective apartment has. This includes:
- Parking lot
- Security measures (CCTV, guards, gated entry etc)
- Chiller-free cooling system
Also, look for additional facilities if you’re expecting above average apartment in Dubai such as:
- Swimming pool
- Community club
- Sports club
Along with spotting these facilities, you must check the facts with an in-person visit. Listing various amenities in the ad is easy but you must verify if the apartment has what you’ve been promised?
Tip #5: Negotiate Rent & Finalise Tenancy Agreement
As an ultimate step (once you locate an ideal apartment in Dubai) you must negotiate the rent. Follow these steps to negotiate rent and decide tenancy agreement terms:
- Research about rents using online portals such as Dubizzle or Property Finder.
- Keep cheques to minimum for getting a discount by your future landlord.
- Share your tenancy history, job, and long-term tenancy terms with the landlord.
After following these steps, you must read the tenancy agreement carefully. Check if everything transparent and does not have any hidden clause. Also, decide payment terms with your landlord. Usually, rent is paid via post-dated cheques unless you agree to make cash payments.
Conclusion
These are some of the essential tips that will help you in locating the best apartment in Dubai!
Just make sure to:
- Assess your budget before starting apartment hunt
- Decide where do you want to live and search the location accordingly
- Develop an understanding with DLD’s rental regulations
- Note down the amenities of your potential new apartment
- Check tenancy agreement before signing
And if you need to hire a moving company in Dubai, The Move It is here to make everything easier for you. Dial 800 668348 to schedule an appointment with our moving experts, today!
