Renting an apartment – what should matter?

What are the questions one should ask during an apartment rental tour? Here are a few of them.

What is the budget?

Budget smartly. Know what you can afford. Find out what the deposit is, what the rental terms are, and remind yourself of the amenities and drawbacks before signing on the dotted line.

Is the apartment in good condition?

When you view an apartment rental, make notes. If the unit is not clean and the appliances are broken, inform the landlord so that the apartment is handed over to you in good condition.

Are utilities included?

How much do they cost? Utilities range across buildings and areas, so check with your agent for estimates.

What is the parking scenario like?

Are spots reserved or on a first come, first served basis? Will you have to pay extra for guests and additional spots?

What is covered in the lease agreement?

A lease agreement is a legally binding document. Be certain that you understand what’s covered in it. Ask your landlord or agent any questions before signing the apartment rental contract.

Under what circumstances can the landlord terminate the apartment rental contract?

Your landlord must give you 90 days’ notice if he/she wishes to change the lease terms or not renew the tenancy contract. This also applies with respect to rent increases. lf your landlord wishes to sell or use the apartment for his/her personal use, he/she must provide 12 months’ notice stating the applicable reason, through notary public or registered mail.

How often and by how much can the landlord raise the rent?

Rent increases are dealt with by Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). RERA reserves the exclusive authority to specify the percentage of rent increase in Dubai. So, check RERA’s website (www.dubailand.gov.ae) to access the rental increase calculator and calculate the legally permissible rent increase.

Talk to a professional.

We have agents who specialize in Dubai’s key communities, so get in touch to access the latest properties, know the local property laws and the steps involved in renting an apartment.

While the above are important factors to consider, here are top things that one should ignore while house hunting. Don’t like the existing paint choice? Ignore. Paint is an incredibly easy and cheap fix and something that can be changed in a couple of hours. Similarly, except for a mould problem or wiring issues, there’s nothing that a deep cleaning can’t fix. So, focus on the home’s potential. You can give it your own touch once you move in!