Your comprehensive guide to navigating the rental market in Dubai
Pavitra Shetty
Published on July 17, 2024, 13:26:31
Dubai's property market is continuously expanding, making it a popular choice for expats. For those unable to purchase property, leasing remains a viable option.
Understanding the emirate's rental laws and processes is essential for landlords and tenants, with the Ejari system by RERA as a critical resource.
Understanding Ejari and the Law
Ejari, administered by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), is a mandatory registration system for all rental agreements in Dubai.
It ensures that both landlords and tenants adhere to the 'Law Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai' (Law No. 26 of 2007).
This law encompasses all aspects of rental contracts, excluding hotel accommodations and company-provided employee housing.
Required Documents for Leasing
Before securing a lease, tenants must gather and keep the following documents up to date:
* Passport copy
* Residence visa copy
* Emirates ID copy
* Cheque for 5 per cent of the total annual rent
To Finalise a Tenancy Contract, the Following Additional Documents are Required:
* Proof of paying the security deposit
* Specified rental contract term
Registering with Ejari requires:
* Original contract document
* Emirates ID copy
* Proof of security deposit payment and cheques
* Passport copies of both landlord and tenant
* Landlord’s ownership certificate
* Residence visa copy
* Unit’s DEWA number
For DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) Registration, Tenants Need:
* DEWA premises number
* Ejari number
* Passport copies of landlord and tenant
* DEWA form
* Security deposit payment
Key Considerations
* Ensure the real estate agent is RERA registered via the DubaiRest app.
* Only hand over payments upon receiving a detailed receipt.
* Know that agency commission is typically 5 Per cent + VAT, and security deposits are 5 per cent for unfurnished units and 10 per cent for furnished ones.
* Request a handover report and take photos to document the unit’s condition at the time of handover.
Rent Rates and Payments
Tenants can pay rent in one or multiple installments. Agents may charge up to 5 per cent commission of the total rent. According to RERA, landlords can increase rent by 5 per cent if the current rate is 11-20 per cent below the average market rate and may also increase it upon lease renewal.
Tenants must pay rent by the agreed date, or in four advance annual installments if no specific date is set. Additionally, housing fees amounting to 5 per cent of the annual rent are paid to the Dubai Municipality and included in monthly utility bills.
Eviction Guidelines
* Landlords may evict tenants for several reasons, including:
* Failure to pay rent within 30 days of the notice period.
* Misuse of the property.
* Required property renovations (with Dubai Municipality approval).
* Illegal activities or property damage.
Disputes between landlords and tenants are resolved through the Rental Dispute Centre at the Dubai Land Department.
For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.
More From TLR
Strengthening AML Oversight: UAE’s New Federal Decree and Its Implications
New UAE Telemarketing Regulations: Improved Consumer Protections and Reporting
Abu Dhabi Cracks Down on Influencer Advertising: New Compliance Rules and Penalties
Related News
How to Check Medical Insurance Status Using Emirates ID?
UAE's Tougher Residency Laws: Deportation Risks Starting September 1, 2024
Legal Clash Over AI Training Data: OpenAI Faces Copyright Lawsuits from Authors
We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website. Additional cookies are used to perform analysis of website usage. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please read our Cookies Policy.
Closing this modal default settings will be saved.