How to rent an apartment in Dubai

Steps to rent an apartment/villa in United Arab Emirates 

Any expat in Dubai can rent an apartment as UAE resident with few steps, but the important questions are:

How to find the best apartment for rent?

How to find cheap apartments for rent? And how much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai?

You might be looking for a cheap studio or furnished apartments for rent…

Let’s be honest, this is what you’d be googling to start with.

In this article, we’ll show you all steps to rent an apartment in Dubai starting from finding an apartment for rent and including all agency fees for renting and tenancy rules and regulations.

So what do you need to rent an apartment?

1. Finding an apartment

Whether you’re looking for apartments for rent long term, or just monthly, you’ll have to start by looking for it online through rent an apartment websites.

Search apartment listings in rent an apartment websites such as dubizzle, propertyfinder.ae, JustProperty.com, bayut, and even some Facebook pages or you can search by tolet stickers on bulidings 

In most of those platforms, you can filter the listings based on your needs such as number of rooms, the area , furnished or unfurnished, etc. The landlord or agent usually states the following clearly:

• Rent Amount
• Number of cheques over a rental year
• Security deposit (usually 5% of the rent amount)
• Furnished or unfurnished
• When can the unit be viewed
• Desired starting date
• Any other conditions – your visa process should be done (you need an Emirates ID)

Now, make your shortlist of a few apartments that meet your requirements and contact the person mentioned in the listing, who will either be the agent or landlord.

We advise you to make a plan and narrow down your preferred properties three months in advance. The landlord or agent is usually more interested in you if you’re ready to move in within a month

2. View the unit

Make sure you take note of the minute details when you visit.  (take photos if required.)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you rent an apartment:

• Find the access to and from public transport (metro stations or bus stops), in case you don’t drive (You can refer to our Dubai Public Transport in Dubai to see maps of the metro stations and bus stops)
• Security of the building (Is there a watchman always? Can anyone access the building at anytime without a question?)
• Plan your transportation to your work whether it’s by metro,bus or car and check timing ( Usually, more than 10 minutes from public transport is considered a problem especially in summer days)
• Noise in the area (for example: in winter time some construction works last 24 hours non-stop)
• A good trick is to interact with the neighbors -if possible- to know if they face any challenges
• Understand the AC system inside the apartment (central or separate for each room)
• Check how’s the maintenance service. (Is it frequent and on time or it’s just mentioned and might be a hassle?)
• Check all shared facilities in the building such as gym or swimming pool
• Ask about the parking lot. (Would you have your own parking spot?)
• In case you have visitors, guests or family coming, check for the rules if there are any.
• Take a look around the apartment for any facilities nearby such as grocery, laundry, school, restaurants, Mall, etc.

3. Negotiate the rent

When you decide to rent the apartment, you may want to negotiate rent amount. While the landlord or agent may not go down on the rent amount, a common way to bargain is on the number of cheques. For example, sometimes the landlord may agree to reduce the total rent amount if you pay with fewer number of checques.

4. Pay security deposit and reserve your property

If you want the landlord/agent to secure the apartment/villa for you, they’ll probably ask you to pay a refundable security deposit. It’s usually 5% of the rental amount or one month’s rent.

You write the cheques or pay cash to the landlord, but it’s held by the agent until the deal has been finalized. Make sure that you receive a receipt for the security deposit refund. If you later choose to back out from the deal, the agent will hand over the cheque to the landlord.

At this point, you need to provide the following to the agent:

Documents required to rent:

• Your Passport
• Residence visa copy (or an original letter from your sponsor/company stating that your visa is under process) without done visa you will not be able to setup DEWA (water & electricity), gas or internet

Security deposit: Usually 5% of the rent amount or one month’s rent, refundable.

5. Sign the contract  

The agent will send you the Tenancy Contract which includes all the information regarding the rent (including any conditions agreed by both parties). Go through it thoroughly and you may suggest changes if necessary. For instance, if you want the property to be repainted, make sure it’s clearly stated.

The contract must comply with the tenancy rules and regulations in Dubai.

After you’re convinced about the contract, you may sign and submit, and hand over the rent cheques and the agency commission. Always make sure you receive invoices.

The agent will then get the landlord to sign the contract, hand over the cheques to him/her (sign an acknowledgement receipt).

You get a copy of the signed contract while the landlord keeps one.

In addition, you will receive the keys and access cards. You will also sign a handover form clearly stating that you’re receiving ‘x’ amount of keys, access cards, parking bay slots, etc.).

6. Connecting DEWA

Now that you officially rented, or decided to rent an apartment, you’d need to connect DEWA by setting up a DEWA account.

You’ll need to submit some documents to Dubai Electricity & Waster Authority (DEWA) and pay a refundable deposit with setup charges fees.

If you already know how, skip this step and if you need to know how to set up DEWA in easy steps you can read our How to setup DEWA, which will take you step by step through the process.

Housing fee: 5% of annual rent amount that’s added to DEWA bills.

7. Ejari Registration

After connecting DEWA you’ll need to register with Ejari and submit your DEWA connection receipt.

You’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Original tenancy contract
• Original receipt of DEWA connection in the tenant’s name
• Title deed (in case of freehold property or SPA if it has been bought from a reputable developer) or affection plan
• Copies of the tenant’s passport and landlord’s passport
• A copy of Emirates ID

Ejari fees: Dh195 for all types of properties

Notes before moving in:

For instance, the security in the building may not allow you to move in on Fridays. You need to raise these questions with the landlord before.

The rents can have a fixed contract, which is usually one year, or no contract.

In case the contract is for less than a year, it falls under short-term rental. The laws are governed by Dubai Tourism board.

10 things to remember before signing the contract:

1. Make sure that your real estate agent is Rera registered. They should be able to provide you with their broker’s number.
2. Write your cheques to the landlord directly. Before handing the cheques, ask your landlord for their passport’s copy and the title deed too if possible.
3. Ensure that all service charges have been paid by the landlord, and if possible get it in writing too.
4. Make sure that there are no outstanding bills for DEWA or air conditioning service (chiller). If there is any, they will need to be paid before you can set up an account.
5. In case of maintenance issues that need to be resolved, ensure they take care of them before you move in.
6. Be aware of how many car parking spaces you have. It happens to be only one to share between a husband and wife. Also find out if there is visitors parking, and how to access it.
7. Check how to access all parts of the building. Often, you may need swipe cards and door keys to enter your property.
8. If the property is not clean before you move in, ask for it to be cleaned in advance of you moving in. A property should be handed over in a habitable condition.
9. If you find any issues with the apartment, take photos and let your agent and landlord know. This way you can avoid issues when you try to prove they were there before.
10. Sign up for Ejari once you have your tenancy contract.

How to know if your landlord can increase your rent?

Always keep a track of market conditions to know if the rents are to go up or not.

In order to calculate your rental increase, you can check the rental increase calculator by Dubai Lands Department. Enter your tenancy contract information such as contract expiry date, property area, property type, no. of bedrooms and your current annual rent; and you will know if your landlord can increase your rent or not.

According to propertyfinder.ae, the average rent amount of a property should be determined by the Rent Index of the Emirate of Dubai and approved by RERA. This index is updated every 3 months. Visit the RERA page to check the average rent for your property.

By Kancha Baloch 

 

Sponsoring family residency visa by expatriates in United Arab Emirates

how to sponsorr your family in uae 

1. formation and services
 
2. Visa and Emirates ID
 
3. Residence visa
 
4. Sponsoring family residency visa by expatriates

Sponsoring family residency visa by expatriates

Both, employers and employees with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor residence visas for their families. Unlike before, employees can sponsor their families regardless of their job titles if they earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Clearing medical fitness examination applies to all newcomers who have completed the age of 18.

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• Sponsorship requirements
• Sponsoring your wife and children
• Sponsoring your parents
• Woman sponsoring her family
• Validity and renewal

Sponsorship requirements

Expatriate residents, both employers and employees, may sponsor their families in the UAE provided they have a valid residency permit.

 

Male residents who are employed in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions which include minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

 

Since March 2019, the type of profession is no longer a condition for an expatriate worker to be able to sponsor his family visas. The UAE government amended its previous provision under which only listed professions could apply for family sponsorship visa. Now, a foreign worker can bring over his family members to the UAE and sponsor their residence visas regardless of his profession as long as he maintains the ‘income criteria’ i. e. the minimum wage requirement, which is a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Check with the relevant GDRFA for more information.

 

Further, if the father of the family is residing in the UAE and meets the conditions for sponsoring his children, the mother is not allowed to sponsor them.

  

A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for his dependents’ residence visa after they enter the UAE and modify their status from an entry permit holder to a residence visa holder.

 

Family members are issued visas for one, two or three years depending on the nature of the work and labour contract of the sponsoring member and his capacity as an employee or employer.

 

In general, expatriate employees are issued residency visa for one year or two years based on their labour contract, while expatriate employers are issued residency visa for three years.

 

Sponsored residents except adult males who are continuing their education and sponsored parents can enjoy the same visa duration as their sponsors. For the adult males and parents, the residence visa is granted on a yearly basis regardless of the sponsor’s visa duration.

 

The conditions are subject to change from time to time. Kindly check with Dubai GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

 

Medical fitness requirement

In order for the UAE to grant or renew a residence visa for family members, males and females who have completed the age of 18 need to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at government approved health centres in the UAE.

 

All applicants of visa, whether for first time or for renewal, will be tested for two communicable diseases: HIV (by testing their blood) and pulmonary tuberculosis (by taking an x-ray of their chest). Those found to be HIV positive or having tuberculosis will be considered medically unfit and therefore will not be granted a residence visa. They will be deported immediately by the UAE's authorities.

 

Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit. In this case, they are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the Department of Preventive Medicine or equivalent government health authority. Hence, if you suspect to be suffering from a communicable disease it is advisable to get yourself tested in your home country first.

 

Locate government medical fitness centres:

Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have several medical fitness centres. Check also medical examinations centres for residency offered by the Ministry of Health and Prevention - Preventive Medicine Department.

 

Useful links:

• Apply for medical examination for expatriate residence visa - Ministry of Health and Prevention
• Health conditions for a UAE residence visa - UAE Government portal
• Resolution No. 5 of 2016 amending provisions of the Cabinet Decree No. 7 of 2008
• Communicable Diseases Bulletin (PDF 2.65 MB)-Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Sponsoring your wife and children

An expatriate resident may sponsor the residence visa for his wife and children if he fulfils the above mentioned sponsorship requirements set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

 

To sponsor his wife, the expatriate resident must prove an existing marital relationship by submitting an authenticated marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic by a certified translator.

Sponsoring two wives 

In strict cases, a Muslim resident may be allowed to sponsor his two wives, if he meets certain terms and conditions set by the respective GDRFA.

Sponsoring daughters

An expatriate resident can sponsor his daughter/s only if she/they is/are unmarried.

Sponsoring sons

A resident can sponsor his son/s only up to the age of 18. If after the age of 18, the son is studying in the UAE or abroad, he can be sponsored until the age of 21 on providing the proof that he is studying. However, for his residence visa to stay valid, he has to enter the UAE at least once every six months. The residence visa is granted on a yearly basis, renewable until the person finishes his education.

 

Note: New rules for children’s visa sponsored by parents

Starting from 21 October 2018, students who graduate from their universities or secondary schools or complete 18 years of age will be granted a one-year residence visa, renewable for another year from the graduation date or on completing 18 years.

 

For this type of visa, parents are not required to place bank deposits. The visa will cost AED100 for first time issuing and renewal.

 

To avail this service, parents must present duly attested graduation certificates from universities or schools, whether inside the country or abroad.

 

Source:

• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
• Emirates News Agency-WAM

Sponsoring stepchildren

An expatriate resident can also sponsor his stepchildren, subject to GDRFA’s conditions which include a deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas are valid for one year; renewable annually.

 

Required documents to sponsor wife and children include:

• online application or through a registered typing office
• passport copies of the wife and children
• photos of the wife and children
• medical clearance certificate for the wife and children above 18
• copy of the husband's employment contract or company contract
• salary certificate from the employer stating the employee's monthly salary
• legalised marriage certificate
• registered tenancy contract
• latest utility bill.

 

Sponsoring your parents

An expatriate employee can sponsor his parents for a year's stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department.

An expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of his parents. He needs to sponsor both parents together. He also needs to provide proof that he is their sole support and that there is no one to take care of them back home.

If one of the parents has passed away or if the parents are divorced, he has to show the related official documents as justification to sponsor only one of his parents. 

To sponsor parents, the employed expatriate resident must earn the minimum salary stipulated and obtain a medical insurance policy for parents with the minimum coverage stipulated for each, to be renewed each year.

According to the website of Dubai Government, DNRD in Dubai stipulates a minimum salary of AED 20,000 or a monthly pay of AED 19,000 plus a two-bedroom accommodation to sponsor parents’ visa. Check terms and conditions in other emirates. 

Woman sponsoring her family

In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit stating that she is an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse or any other profession related to the medical sector and if her monthly salary is not less than AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus accommodation. She needs to provide additional documents as stipulated by the respective authority.

In Dubai, if a woman is not employed in one of these categories she may still get approval to sponsor her family if her monthly salary is more than AED 10,000 and with a special permission from the DNRD. 

A single mother can sponsor her child. The authorities might ask for documents similar to those required to sponsor stepchildren.

 

Validity and renewal

The duration of residence visa depends on the type of sponsor and the person sponsored. It is issued for one, or two or three years. Visa is renewed subject to conditions similar to those of fresh visas.

The family's residence permits are linked to the residence permit of the sponsoring expatriate employee. If the sponsoring family member's visa is cancelled, it requires cancellation of the visas of the dependents.

Dependents are granted a 30

World Environment Day 5 June : quotes to inspire you to save the environment

Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day is celebrated to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. 

                                                              

 

Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day is celebrated to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment.

Since 1974, World Environment Day has been celebrated every year on 5 June; engaging governments, businesses, celebrities, and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue.

World Environment Day 2020 History

World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 on the firsday of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, resulting from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. In 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth". Even though the World Environment Day celebration has been held annually since 1974, in 1987 the idea for rotating the center of these activities through selecting different host countries began.

World Environment Day 2020 theme

The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is biodiversity – a concern that is both urgent and existential as per the United Nations official website. Recent events, from bushfires in Brazil, the United States, and Australia to locust infestations across East Africa – and now, a global disease pandemic – demonstrate the interdependence of humans and the webs of life, in which they exist.

The theme focuses on 'time for nature' and providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development. 

Here are a few quotes that will inspire you to save the environment...

1. "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed". - Mahatma Gandhi

2. “Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!” – Leonardo DiCaprio

3. Let us give our coming generations a healthier and happier environment to have a beautiful life… Best wishes on World Environment Day.

4. Earth is like our home and we must make efforts to keep it clean and green. On the occasion of World Environment Day, let us promise to make it a better place to live!

5. When is the best time to plant a tree? …Twenty years ago. The second best time is…now!”

6. "Pleasure is Nature's test, her sign of approval. When man is happy, he is in harmony with himself and his environment”. - Oscar Wilde

7. “The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”-Lady Bird Johnson

PLAYSTATION 4 : Power Indicator Lights

SONY PLAYSTATION 4 

PlayStation®4 Power Indicator Light Locations

The power indicator light on the PS4™ is capable of displaying a wide variety of colors, each of which indicate system status information. This article provides information on each color and what it means.

 

 

No Light 

PS4™ Status: Powered off

The PS4™ is powered completely off. When powered off, the system cannot charge controllers via USB, download content, or install content.

If you push the power button and the system does not turn on, please double-check your power connection. If this issue persists, your PS4™ may need to be serviced. Please contact us via the phone number on the right side of this article.
 

Starts Blue  then Transitions to White 

PS4™ Status: Powering on

This takes less time when starting from Rest Mode than from the powered off state. You should see the PlayStation® logo onscreen while the system powers on.

 

Solid White 

PS4™ Status: Powered on

The system is on and working normally.

 

Blinking Orange 

PS4™ Status: Entering Rest Mode

This light may appear Yellow or Amber to some. After a few seconds, the system light should stay solid Orange.
 

Solid Orange 

PS4™ Status: Rest Mode

This light may appear Yellow or Amber to some. Rest mode is a low-power state when the PS4™ can charge controllers, download and install content. To turn the system on from Rest Mode, hold down the PS Button on a USB-connected or previously-paired controller.

Blinking White  then Transitions to Off 

PS4™ Status: System powering off

The system lights pulse White and then turn off when the system is powering completely off. When powered off, the system cannot charge controllers via USB, download or install content.
 

Blinking White  Solid Blue  or Blinking Blue 

PS4™ Status: System Error

If the indicator light only blinks white, or if the blue light never transitions to solid white, the system is frozen and needs troubleshooting. Follow the troubleshooting steps below:

Step 1: Unplug the PS4™ from the wall or powerstrip.
Step 2: Wait 60 seconds, plug the system back in, and turn it back on.
Step 3: If the issue persists, watch the video on how to perform Safe Mode 7 below. This action will erase all data on the hard drive, including game save information. Make sure to back up your information on PlayStation™Plus Online Game Saves, or on an external hard drive before performing Safe Mode 

Pulsing Red 

PS4™ Status: System Overheating

The PS4™ has overheated and needs to come in for service