- Factors to Consider
- Finding a Rental Property
- Understanding Legal Aspects
- Utility Connection and Bills
- FAQs
The rising economy, numerous opportunities and cultural diversity make Abu Dhabi an ideal place to live. The Abu Dhabi real estate market offers a diverse range of rental properties in luxury and affordable communities. Besides, smooth systems and processes govern the rental property regulations.
When renting a property, you should learn the A to Z of the rental laws and regulations. From searching for property to completing the legal framework, a new or existing tenant must know about the steps to rent a real estate.
If you are moving to the UAE’s capital, here’s a comprehensive guide to renting in Abu Dhabi. This guide will give you a detailed overview of the steps and laws you must follow when renting a property in Abu Dhabi.
WHY SHOULD YOU RENT A PROPERTY IN ABU DHABI
The steady economy has offered several job opportunities to expats in Abu Dhabi. That said, the UAE’s capital is home to several government offices and multinational companies providing opportunities to talented and educated individuals. If you choose to live in Abu Dhabi, the emirate offers modern infrastructure, cultural attractions and a high quality of life. Moreover, the emirate is well-known for its safety and security.
Renting in Abu Dhabi is a hassle-free process. Tenants can find several property types, including apartments, villas and townhouses. Besides, the online legal framework and utility connection request make it easy for individuals.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN RENTING A PROPERTY
A tenant must have a house or apartment hunting checklist before renting one. Here are the essential considerations:
- Firstly, determining and allocating a budget for annual rent is essential
- Search for the properties according to your preferred location, amenities and facilities
- Study trends to understand the rental price
- Visit and inspect the property condition before making an agreement
- Ensure there are no due bills and service charges
- Create an agreement and register it officially on Tawtheeq
Tenants and landlords must be aware of their rights and responsibilities. Alongside this, you can practice good etiquette to maintain a relationship between landlord and tenant.
Before we go through the laws, regulations and tenancy contract registration, let’s find out how to search for a rental property.
HOW TO FIND A RENTAL PROPERTY
When finding a property for renting in Abu Dhabi, you must consider the budget aspects. You can find rental apartments and villas for different price ranges. For instance, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Muroor have 1-bed apartments for rent under AED 50k per year in Abu Dhabi.
SEARCH ONLINE OR HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT
To search for a property, dubizzle, a leading classified platform, offers the top apartments and villas for rent in Abu Dhabi. Besides, its search filters allow users to narrow the results according to the property type, bedrooms and budget.
Searching for a rental property on dubizzle is hassle-free. However, you can connect and rent a property. Market knowledge, price range ideas and negotiation skills are the top benefits of hiring a real estate agent. They search property according to the tenant’s preference.
VISIT THE PROPERTY
Once your property search is complete, visit it and inspect the conditions of the space. Moreover, you can opt for an inspection with a real estate broker, assess the amenities and discuss the maintenance and repair issues with the landlord.
Ask questions from the neighbourhood about the property and building facilities, such as the gym and swimming pool. Also, check the reviews of the neighbourhood for a better understanding of the community.
ANALYSE THE RENTAL MARKET TRENDS
When renting a property in Abu Dhabi, tenants must check the price trends in the emirate. For instance, tenants can find affordable and luxury apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi. Alongside luxury to non-luxury rental properties, the capital is home to resorts and hotels for short-term renting.
If you are on a short stay, explore these popular neighbourhoods for short-term rentals in Abu Dhabi.
MAKE AN OFFER
After choosing a property for rent in Abu Dhabi, make an offer according to your budget. Plus, choose the payment method and give post-dated cheques to the landlord.
LEGAL OBLIGATIONS FOR RENTING
After reserving the house and paying the security deposit, you can complete the legal formalities for renting a property in Abu Dhabi. Here is how to register Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi and understand the tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
REGISTER TENANCY CONTRACT (TAWTHEEQ)
To register the tenancy contract, one must submit the application form online on TAMM Abu Dhabi with the following set of documents:
- Application Form for Onsite Registration
- Awqaf Approval
- Residential Privacy Committee’s Approval
- Authorisation Letter from the Tenant Agent
- Tenant Company Trade Licence (for commercial properties)
- Marriage certificate or work letter in case of public or private housing
You must pay AED 50 for the application form(same for all the lease contracts). After application submission, pay 1% of the annual rent to register the tenancy contract in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, you can renew Tawtheeq online by submitting the same fees and documents, if you choose to prolong the tenancy agreement.
UNDERSTAND TENANTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: TENANCY LAWS IN ABU DHABI
The following are the tenant’s rights and responsibilities according to the Abu Dhabi rental law and regulations:
- Landlords must register properties and tenancy contracts with the Abu Dhabi Municipality through the Tawtheeq system.
- The property owners can only increase the rent by 5% and landlords provide a two-month notice for any increase.
- Landlords can evict tenants upon contract expiry, but a two-month notice is mandatory.
- There is an occupancy law in Abu Dhabi that includes minimum area per occupant, limitations on room sharing and restrictions on dividing units for separate leases.
- Tenants must pay an Abu Dhabi Municipality housing fee of 5% of the annual rent.
- A Rental Dispute Settlement Committee handles disputes through arbitration, court instances, and enforcement. The committee’s decision is final, and tenants occupying for two years or more can be asked to vacate if they cause property damage.
- Rental dispute applications are only accepted if the tenancy contract is registered with the Tawtheeq system.
UTILITY CONNECTION AND MUNICIPALITY SERVICE CHARGES
After tenancy contract registration, you can follow these steps to complete the process of renting in Abu Dhabi.
NEW ADDC CONNECTION
Tenants can request an ADDC connection in Abu Dhabi by submitting the following documents:
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Family book for Emiratis
- The property’s Former Account Closing Letter that the user will move into
- Tenancy contract
Besides, users must adhere to the terms and conditions after moving to Abu Dhabi and getting an ADDC connection.
ADDC BILLS
You can pay ADDC bills via several methods. From setting an autopay for utility bills to using the ADDC mobile application, customers can clear their dues timely. Alongside bills, ADDC adds the housing fee, which is 5% of the annual rent and divided into 12 months.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Abu Dhabi?
You can find several properties for different price ranges. For instance, you can find 2-bedroom apartments for rent under AED 80k per year in Abu Dhabi.
Which Is the Best Place in Abu Dhabi to Live?
Several areas have state-of-the-art amenities and facilities. One can choose any area according to their preference.
This concludes our ultimate guide to renting in Abu Dhabi. You can follow these steps and find a villa or apartment for rent in Abu Dhabi easily. Plus, ensure following the laws and regulations to avoid any issues.
Once you found an ideal unit, hire home movers in Abu Dhabi for easy relocation.
Stay connected with the dubizzle property blog and find more detailed guides on important real estate processes.
