What documents are required to rent an apartment in Dubai?
Tenants typically need to provide a copy of their passport, a valid residence visa, and proof of income or employment.
How are rental payments made?
Rent is often paid annually, with tenants providing post-dated cheques that cover the lease term. Some landlords may accept multiple cheques spread over the year.
What additional costs should I expect?
Expect to pay a security deposit (usually 5% of annual rent), agency fees (2-5% of annual rent), and utilities.
Can landlords increase rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases are regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and can only occur once a year, with a 90-day prior notice.
What is Ejari, and is it mandatory?
Ejari is an online system by RERA that registers rental contracts and makes them legally binding. Registration is mandatory for all tenancy agreements in Dubai.