Most properties are on online property sites. Some of the most popular sites include:
How to rent a property in the UAE
Once you contact the agent, property manager, or landlord (in case you are searching directly), you can set up a time as per mutual convenience. Most agents work on weekends as well. You should start this process once you have your residence visa and bank checkbook in hand. If your visa is taking time, you can ask your company to give you a letter stating that your visa is in progress.
Make sure to view the property in clear daylight, insist on a tour of the building, and check out all of the facilities. If you are not satisfied, your agent is likely to have more properties to show you.
When you identify a property, you can book it by paying the security deposit; this is usually 5% of the annual rent.
Important things to know
- Tenancy contracts in the UAE are annual.
- You must submit your passport copy, residence visa copy (if your visa is not yet processed, your company’s/sponsor’s letter will work temporarily, but hand over a copy of the visa the moment it comes through) for the tenancy contract to be drawn out.
- It takes four to five working days for the contract to be drawn out. The paperwork is done by the agent in consultation with the landlord.
- Rents are mostly paid quarterly, but some landlords may ask for three checks instead of four. You might actually get a better deal if you decide to give two checks. Whatever the case may be, you have to give postpaid checks at the time of signing the contract. Make sure to get a receipt for the checks.
- You also have to pay a security deposit; in cash, if you want. Keep the receipt carefully, as this has to be submitted when you seek a refund at the end of your term.
- If you use an agent’s services, the commission can be paid in cash or by check. It is usually 5% of the rental value.
- Contracts are binding for a year, so if you leave out of turn, you will need to pay a penalty; usually two months’ rent, and you also have to give two months’ notice.
Rental costs in the United Arab Emirates
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the average rents are much more than the other emirates. You will have many instances of people who work in Dubai living in Sharjah or Ajman because they want to save on rent.
While renting a one-bedroom apartment in a slightly remote (and therefore cheap) part of Dubai or Abu Dhabi will set you back AED 40,000 to AED 45,000 annually, places in Sharjah or Ajman are at least 40 to 50% cheaper. They will also be in prime locations.