Living in apartments has become common over the years. Given the safety, security and amenities, apartments provide multiple benefits to buyers and renters alike. Since expats and tourists look for viable options during their stay in the UAE, renting an apartment is a good choice.
However, they must consider some factors and a renting apartment checklist before signing an agreement. From budgeting to signing the tenancy contract, the apartment renters checklist helps you understand the hidden costs and what to watch out for before renting an apartment.
Here’s a complete apartment renting checklist to help you make an appropriate choice.
CHECKLIST FOR RENTING AN APARTMENT
Living in apartments has certain pros and cons. However, finding an ideal apartment that fits the requirements is a tough task. For instance, how can one select the apartment that checks all their boxes?
Here’s a complete apartment renting checklist that will help search for the right apartment for rent in the UAE.
APARTMENT SEARCHING
When creating an apartment renting checklist, the first thing is to find the apartment within your budget. For instance, several affordable and luxury apartments for rent are available in Dubai. Look for the differences between the penthouses and apartments. In the UAE, one can find luxury apartments and penthouses.
One can search online for apartments for rent in Dubai or any other Emirate through dubizzle or Bayut. Besides, you can search within the budget and connect to the landlord virtually or in-person. Moreover, deciding between long and short-term rental apartments in the UAE depends upon the duration of stay.
While searching for an apartment, you need to decide the number of rooms and also choose between furnished and unfurnished apartments. Speaking of that, furnished apartments will have a higher rental cost than unfurnished ones.
You will also need to determine the rent payment methods in Dubai or other Emirates. Additionally, you can use a direct debit system for paying rent in Dubai alongside the conventional method i.e. via cheque payment.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE APARTMENT
The next thing on the apartment renting checklist is to visit the place and inspect it properly. Hiring a real estate agent can help search for the right apartment and arrange a visit.
Location, facilities and amenities are the foremost things to look for when visiting an apartment to rent. Speaking of apartment searching, it is essential to check the location if it is in proximity to public transport, stores, shopping malls and hospitals. Alongside, check the apartment’s condition and functionality- whether it is fit for living.
CHECK THE LANDLORD’S BACKGROUND
Finding the right place to settle and a good landlord is essential. That said, Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched a service allowing landlords and tenants to request a rental good conduct certificate. This certificate allows the landlord and the tenant to ensure that both parties have a good rental history.
CALCULATE THE COSTS
When making the apartment renting checklist, keep in mind all the costs. That said, there is a certain rental commission in Dubai and other emirates alongside the annual rent. These hidden renting costs include the following:
- Real estate agency fees
- Ejari registration fees
- Security deposit
- A registration deposit of the DEWA or any other utilities supplying company in other Emirates
- District cooling deposit
- Moving and settling costs
- Dubai Municipality housing fees or housing fees in other Emirates where you rent.
TENANCY CONTRACT
Although you have a rental history or are renting for the first time, review the tenancy agreement thoroughly. It is an essential part of the first-time apartment renter checklist to read the contract carefully and understand all the terms and conditions.
Plus, the tenancy contract needs to be in contrast to the RERA tenancy laws in Dubai. Similarly, tenancy laws in Abu Dhabi are applicable on tenants accordingly if they rent an apartment in the UAE’s capital.
MISTAKES TO AVOID
When you rent an apartment for the first time, you can make certain mistakes. However, forming a checklist before renting an apartment can help avoid the following common mistakes by tenants:
- Ensure that the real estate agent is verified by RERA in Dubai before hiring one
- Check for the outstanding utility bills
- Verify the home maintenance history
- Choose the rent payment method before signing the agreement
That wraps up the complete renting apartment checklist. Whether looking for a villa or an apartment, creating a checklist helps choose the perfect place to settle. Once you are done with all the processes, a home moving checklist will help you settle into the new house or apartment conveniently.
Furthermore, you can find furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent in the UAE. That said, always follow the checklist before renting to make a perfect decision.
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