For expats in Dubai, navigating the property rental market can be streamlined with the help of Ejari, the regulatory system by RERA that outlines the laws for both landlords and tenants. Ejari is the essential platform for registering rental agreements, ensuring compliance with Dubai’s Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs rental contracts.
Required Documents
To lease a property in Dubai, tenants need to keep several documents ready:
- Passport copy
- Residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- A cheque for 5% of the annual rent
Once an agreement is reached, these documents must be submitted to the Dubai Land Department to finalize the tenancy contract, which is crucial for connecting utilities like water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications.
Registering for Ejari
Post securing the lease, tenants must register for Ejari. Required documents include:
- 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
- DEWA premises number
Important Considerations
- Ensure the agent is RERA registered by checking on the DubaiRest app.
- Always get a receipt when handing over cheques or cash.
- Agency commission is 5% + VAT, with security deposits at 5% for unfurnished and 10% for furnished units.
- Request a handover report at the time of property handover and document the condition of the unit with photos.
Rent Rates and Payment
Tenants can pay rent in one or multiple payments. Agents typically charge a commission fee of up to 5%. According to RERA, landlords can increase rent by 5% if the current rent is significantly below the market average. Tenants are required to pay rent on the agreed date or annually in four installments if no date is specified. Housing fees, calculated at 5% of the annual rent, are added to monthly utility bills.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes between landlords and tenants are handled by the Rental Dispute Centre at the Dubai Land Department.
Eviction Guidelines
Tenants may be evicted for several reasons:
- Non-payment of rent within 30 days of the notice period
- Using the property for purposes other than intended
- Required property renovations approved by Dubai Municipality
- Illegal activities or damage to the property
By understanding these guidelines and ensuring compliance, renting a property in Dubai can be a smooth and straightforward process.
News Source: Khaleej Times
