Dubai is a city with beautiful beaches, tall buildings, and a lot of opportunities. It can be both еxciting and hectic to look for a rental apartment in Dubai, irrespective of how long you’ve lived in the city. But don’t worry! Because we have got your back with these savvy tips to grab that dream flat for rent in Dubai without breaking the bank.
Tip 1: Be very clear about what you are looking for
Before you start looking, think about your needs and preferences regarding the type of apartment, location, size, amenities, etc. For example, if you have a car, you should also look for an apartment with a parking space in the same building or nearby. This way, you won’t have to pay extra for a parking space and your car will be safe. All of this will help you focus your search and save time.
Tip 2: Check rental prices in the area
Bargains are often found, but you shouldn’t rely on those really low offers - they are too good to be true. First, you should research the market to get an idea of the prices in the area and see if they are too low for what you can expect. This can help you find profitable deals and avoid scams.
Tip 3: Narrow your search
Limiting your search to a specific area will make your job much easier because searching in the entire city can be crazy. Think about places close to your workplace or university, neighborhoods with green areas, etc. With Google Maps you can narrow down the search area that interests you the most since it allows you to see the establishments and services that are nearby (and that will be a determining factor in your decision).
Tip 4: Search online, but also offline
Using internet portals to search for rental apartments in Dubai is an option that is as useful as it is obvious, given that there are many specialized websites that allow you to filter by price, location, features, etc. This makes the search much easier, but there is something you should keep in mind: most homeowners are elderly people who may not know how to navigate the Internet.
Therefore, contacting real estate agencies that work in the area you are interested in can also be a very good solution, as they often have access to a wide range of rental apartments that are not available online and can help you find what you are looking for.
And of course, ask your friends and acquaintances if they know of any apartments that suit your needs. Often, the best information comes from word of mouth.
Tip 5: Prepare a complete profile
If you are going to rent through a portal, you should prepare a complete profile of yourself. This includes your job, your income and your financial situation to generate confidence in potential landlords. In addition, even if you rent through a rental agency or a real estate agency, you will have to have the documentation that your potential landlord will require ready: pay slips, bank guarantee, income statement or any other document that proves your financial situation; your updated ID, etc.
Tip 6: Examine everything carefully during visits
Once you have found some apartments that interest you, you need to schedule visits to see them in person. If you are looking through internet portals, the best thing you can do is set an alert so that you are notified when apartments with the characteristics that interest you become available. The competition is brutal and there are ads that do not last even a day, so you want to be the first to find out so you can arrange a visit immediately.
Once there, it’s important to check the condition of the flat, the location, the neighborhood, etc. Also, when you go to a property you like, you should be very attentive and look for defects or imperfections. These can be difficult to notice in photos, so take your time and examine everything.
Tip 7: Respect your budget
Decide how much you are willing to pay for rent and make sure you can afford it. Typically, you can spend between 30-40% of your net income on rent. You should also consider that, in addition to rent, you will have to pay other expenses such as the deposit amount, utilities, community fees, insurance, etc.
Tip 8: Ask the right questions
The rental process can take time, so make sure you ask the right questions at all times. During viewings, make sure to ask all the questions you have about the apartment, the rental agreement, additional costs, etc. It’s important to be fully informed before making a decision. Ask about the exact cost, length of the agreement, restrictions, bill transfers, and other details that may influence your decision.
Tip 9: Check the legality
If you rent through a real estate agency you should not have a problem with this, but if your landlord is a private individual, before signing a rental contract you should check that the landlord is actually the owner of the property and has the legal right to rent it. There are many tenants who decide to sublet the property without the knowledge of their owners and this can cause problems in the future if they claim the property back.
Tip 10: Don’t pay a deposit without taking inventory
Especially if they ask for more than a month’s deposit, which is not usual, but it does happen. When signing the contract, include an inventory listing the furniture and appliances in the property and their condition. This will avoid misunderstandings or subsequent claims that may affect the return of the deposit.
Key Takeaway
Finding a rental apartment in Dubai can be a tiring task, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. By following the tips that we discussed in today’s article, you can confidently navigate the rental market and find the perfect apartment that meets your needs and budget. So, start your research today with these amazing tips and Happy apartment hunting!