Moving into a new rental home in Dubai is an exciting step, but before you settle in, it’s essential to ensure that everything is in order.
Dubai’s real estate market offers a wide variety of options, from luxury villas to affordable apartments, but every property comes with its own set of considerations.
Conducting a thorough check before moving in can help you avoid potential issues, save money, and ensure that you’re getting the best value for your rent.
This guide will walk you through the most important checks to make before moving into your new home in Dubai.
1. Review the Rental Agreement
The first step in ensuring a smooth transition to your new home is carefully reviewing the rental agreement.
This document outlines the terms and conditions of your lease, including rent, payment schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and security deposits.
Make sure the following details are clear and understood:
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Rent Amount and Payment Schedule: Confirm the agreed-upon rent and payment terms, including any post-dated cheques you’ll need to provide.
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Length of Lease: Make sure you understand the lease term and any penalties for breaking it early.
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Maintenance Responsibilities: Clarify who will handle repairs and maintenance. In Dubai, landlords typically handle major repairs, while tenants are responsible for minor maintenance.
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Renewal and Rent Increase Terms: Understand how the renewal process works and how rent increases are determined, as per Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) guidelines.
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Security Deposit Terms: Ensure you know the amount of the security deposit and the conditions for its return.
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2. Inspect the Property Thoroughly
Once you’ve reviewed the agreement, the next step is to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. While many rentals in Dubai are new or well-maintained, it’s essential to confirm the condition of the home before you move in.
Here’s a checklist to guide your inspection:
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Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Check for cracks, stains, or any signs of water damage. Pay attention to areas around windows and ceilings for any leaks or mold.
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Windows and Doors: Ensure that all windows and doors open and close smoothly, and that locks are secure.
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Plumbing: Run the taps, flush toilets, and check for any leaks. Make sure that there is adequate water pressure and that hot water is available.
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Electrical Systems: Check and test all electrical outlets and switches. Verify that lighting fixtures are working and that there are no exposed wires.
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Air Conditioning: Given Dubai’s climate, functioning air conditioning is crucial. Check that the AC system is working properly in all rooms and doesn’t make excessive noise.
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Kitchen Appliances: If the property comes with appliances (such as a fridge, oven, or washing machine), make sure they are in good working condition.
3. Assess the Location and Accessibility
The location plays a crucial role when renting a home in Dubai. Before committing to a rental, evaluate the neighborhood and its accessibility to important amenities.
Consider the following:
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Proximity to Work: Assess the commute time to your workplace. Dubai’s traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so it’s important to choose a location that offers a reasonable commute.
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Public Transportation: If you don’t own a car, check the availability of public transportation options, such as the Dubai Metro or bus services.
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Schools and Nurseries: If you have children, look into the availability of schools and nurseries in the area. Close proximity to quality educational institutions can be a key deciding factor.
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Grocery Stores and Malls: Ensure that essential services such as grocery stores, malls, and pharmacies are easily accessible from your new home.
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Leisure and Entertainment: Check the availability of parks, gyms, restaurants, and other recreational facilities in the area to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
4. Verify Utility Arrangements
Before moving in, ensure that utility services such as water, electricity, and gas are set up or ready to be transferred to your name.
In Dubai, water and electricity services are generally supplied by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Here’s what you need to check:
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DEWA Account: Confirm that the DEWA connection is already in place or that you will need to set it up. You’ll need your Emirates ID and tenancy contract to complete the registration.
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Cooling Charges: Many buildings in Dubai use district cooling systems, which are managed by separate providers. Make sure you understand how cooling charges are billed and paid.
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Internet and TV: Check with your landlord or building management about internet and cable TV providers available in the area. Etisalat and Du are the primary service providers.
5. Check for Any Pending Maintenance Issues
While inspecting the property, you may come across minor maintenance issues such as chipped paint, broken fixtures, or loose tiles.
Make sure to document these issues and notify the landlord before you move in. This ensures that:
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Repairs are Completed: The landlord should address any significant maintenance problems before you move in.
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Deposit Deductions: You won’t be held responsible for pre-existing damages when it comes time to return your security deposit.
6. Understand Your Rights as a Tenant
Understanding your rights as a tenant in Dubai can help you avoid potential disputes down the line. The rental laws in Dubai are overseen by RERA, and tenants have certain protections, such as:
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Rent Caps: Dubai has rent control laws that prevent landlords from imposing excessive rent increases. Rent increases are regulated by RERA’s rental index and are influenced by current market conditions.
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Notice Period for Eviction: Landlords must provide tenants with a 12-month written notice if they intend to sell the property or move in themselves.
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Deposit Refunds: Your security deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
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Maintenance and Repairs: Major maintenance and repair responsibilities generally fall to the landlord, though tenants are expected to handle minor repairs.
7. Document the Condition of the Property
Before moving in, it’s a good idea to take photos or videos of the property to document its condition. This can help protect you in the event of a dispute with the landlord over damages. Make sure to:
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Take Photos of All Rooms: Capture the condition of each room, including walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures.
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Record Any Existing Damage: Document any existing damage, such as scratches, stains, or broken fixtures.
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Share with the Landlord: Send a copy of the photos to your landlord to have a mutual understanding of the property’s condition.
8. Ensure Compliance with Building Rules
If you’re moving into an apartment or a villa in a gated community, there may be specific building or community rules that you need to follow.
These rules can include:
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Noise Restrictions: Some buildings have strict noise regulations, particularly during certain hours.
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Pet Policies: If you have pets, ensure that they are allowed in the building or community.
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Parking Regulations: Make sure that your designated parking space is clear and accessible, and understand any guest parking rules.
9. Plan for the Moving Day
Finally, plan your move to ensure it goes smoothly. Coordinate with your landlord or building management to make sure the following are in place:
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Elevator Access: If you’re moving into an apartment, check if you need to book the elevator in advance.
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Parking for Movers: Ensure there is space for the moving truck to park.
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Timing: Some buildings or communities may have restrictions on moving times, so confirm when your movers can arrive.
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