The increasing number of residential projects in Dubai has surely made it easier for everyone to find an ideal home in this beautiful city. Furthermore, numerous Dubai property finder platforms have also emerged out as a great help for people to explore different options.
The situation for renters in this city has become even more favorable in today’s time as sellers are more flexible and willing to negotiate the rental price as well. However, in the excitement of getting all these conveniences, don’t rush into things and make a decision that you will regret later. Instead, as the time is right, you should be even more diligent when finalizing a property.
Here are some of the questions that you must ask the seller or the dealer before selecting a property:
Can I renovate the property?
This is one of the most important questions you need to ask. It may happen that the property for rent is located in an ideal community, has all the features that you always wanted but the décor isn’t up to the mark. Needless to say, the first thing you would like to do after settling in it is to renovate it. All your plans can go down the drain if the seller has some sort of restrictions or limitations when it comes to the renovation of the property. This is why it is important to ask them beforehand if they allow renovation of the property or not. And if they do, ask them about any restrictions or limitations for the same.
Who is responsible for the maintenance charges?
The budget is one of the major factors that one has to consider before renting a property. Many people usually account for the rent they have to pay but don’t consider additional charges the property requires them to pay. For example, it can be utilities & maintenance charges. The right way of budgeting is to consider each and every expense you are going to incur. And for this, you need to have a clear idea whether you will be required to pay maintenance charges or your landlord. So, before you sign that contract, ask your landlord about the maintenance charges. Usually, it is the landlord’s responsibility to take care of the maintenance work. However, in some cases, upon mutual agreement, it is the tenant who has to bear those expenses or they can take care of small maintenance work while the landlord looks after the major ones.
What is the contract termination process?
Every renter in Dubai must be very clear about the contract termination process. Hence, don’t forget to ask your landlord what is the process both parties can follow to terminate the contract. This can avoid landing in a legal tussle over the course of time. Moreover, also ask them on what grounds the landlord can ask their tenants to vacate the property.
Can I sublease the home/apartment to another tenant?
Subleasing property is a common practice in Dubai. Many tenants rent out a portion of the home they have rented. This helps them to manage the rent effectively and reduce their living cost. If you also plan to do the same, make sure you have obtained the permission from your landlord beforehand. Ask them if they allow sub-leasing their property or not. Not asking them prior to subleasing and renting out their property can land you into hot waters in the later stages.
What is the process to get the security deposit back?
Every renter has to make a security deposit at the time of renting a property. It is a form of security for the property owner. This amount is refundable. Hence, it makes perfect sense to ask your potential landlord about the process to get that amount back. Generally, the landlord requires the property to be handed back to them in a well-maintained condition at the time of the termination of the contract and refund of security deposit.
What percent rent increases every year?
Ask your landlord about the formula they will follow to increase the rent. Always remember the fact that the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) governs the rent in Dubai. They have a calculator on their website, which landlords are required to use when calculating the rent. Therefore, don’t forget to check this calculator to see if the percentage of rent increase is fair or not. In case, it isn’t, you can register an official complaint with RERA authorities.
Getting answers to all these questions will help you a great deal to make an informed decision that will prove to be beneficial in the long run.