Property for rent in Dubai - Accommodation Search

Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating, and finding the best place to rent can be daunting. Dubai's expat population is constantly increasing and the demand for rental properties is high. Unfortunately for tenants, this has resulted in skyrocketing rents. About half of UAE residents spend around 30% or more of their salary on accommodation expenses. Despite the costs, most expatriates, mainly in the UAE for short-term employment contracts, choose to lease rather than invest in the property market. To the relief of many of those seeking to rent properties in Dubai, the government has imposed legislation that stipulates that any rent increase will not exceed 5% of the annual rental price. There are also several new real estate developments underway that should take some pressure off the market in the near future. Housing allowances are generally part of the expat package. Although in the past companies covered the bill for the full amount of rent, the trend now is for expatriates to be allocated a certain percentage of the total annual cost of accommodation, and the rest is paid with their salary.


Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating, and finding the best place to rent can be daunting. Dubai's expat population is constantly increasing and the demand for rental properties is high. Unfortunately for tenants, this has resulted in skyrocketing rents. About half of UAE residents spend around 30% or more of their salary on accommodation expenses. Despite the costs, most expatriates, mainly in the UAE for short-term employment contracts, choose to lease rather than invest in the property market. To the relief of many of those seeking to rent properties in Dubai, the government has imposed legislation that stipulates that any rent increase will not exceed 5% of the annual rental price. There are also several new real estate developments underway that should take some pressure off the market in the near future.

Housing allowances are generally part of the expat package. Although in the past companies covered the bill for the full amount of rent, the trend now is for expatriates to be allocated a certain percentage of the total annual cost of accommodation, and the rest is paid with their salary. Other fees to consider when renting include a security deposit (refundable at end of lease if landlord considers rent is in good condition), possible parking fees, monthly utilities, city fees (generally 5% of lease) and a commission of 5% if the services of a real estate agent are used. Property maintenance and repairs are covered by the owner. Tenants cannot make changes to the structure of the property inside or outside without the permission of the owner.

The lease will often be drawn up between the landlord and the tenant's business/sponsor. If an expat signs the lease himself, he must have a residence visa or at least a letter from his employer stating that a visa is in process. The normal length of a lease is one year. Unlike in many countries where rent is paid monthly, in Dubai all-year rent is paid in advance, most commonly with 2 or 3 checks. For example, for semi-annual payment, the first 6 months of the lease are paid immediately with a current-dated check, while the rest of the year is paid with a later-dated check. (Furnished short-term monthly accommodation in Dubai is available, but often more expensive.) It is important to understand that once the lease is signed, the tenant is bound to the contract. To terminate the lease, the tenant would need the landlord's permission. That being said, the rental laws in Dubai actually favor tenants. Landlords cannot compel a tenant to leave without a very good reason (such as wanting the property for their own personal use). Even if the lease is for one year only, as long as the tenants don't break any aspect of the lease, the lease is presumed to be renewable. The Municipality has a special section established, the furnished apartments in Dubai for rent, to oversee any disputes between landlords and tenants.

After cost, location is probably the most important factor in determining where to rent. Dubai is split in two by The Creek with Deira (or "Old Dubai") on one side and "New Dubai" on the other. The decision of where to rent is based on factors including accessibility to work, schools, shops, and hospitals. Some of the most popular places to rent include:

Garhoud - Located near Dubai International Airport, offering low-rise apartments and townhouses at reasonable prices.
Mirdiff: A newer development consisting of apartments and villas, located beyond the airport.
Bur Dubai: located near the Bur Juman shopping center and offering apartments at reasonable prices.
Downtown Deira: Reasonably priced low-rise apartments are available in this neighborhood, though if work or schools are on the opposite side of the stream, traffic can be a nightmare.
Satwa - A very well located area between Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, offering low-rise apartments and villas at reasonable prices. Zoning regulations are believed to change for Satwa in the near future allowing the development of high-rise buildings.

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