Rent Apartments & Flats in Dubai
Dubai has the largest population and the most attractions in the UAE. For these reasons, it has become a hotspot for expats and a favorite living destination among residents from all over the world.
Here, you will find good work prospects since it's a global city and a major business hub of the Middle East. As a result, career opportunities are growing all the time.
Also, Dubai has kept up with the world by using advanced technology and innovations, shedding a light on the MENA region as a whole.
Moreover, this sophisticated city has become a major tourist center in the UAE and is home to some of the most amazing attractions in the world. From lofty shopping malls like the Dubai Mall to the tallest and most luxurious buildings like Burj Khalifa, you will certainly enjoy your time here.
All these reasons have contributed to the increasing demand for rental properties in Dubai. The most popular property types are the apartments for rent in Dubai. Flats for rent in Dubai come in many different sizes, from studios, 1 or 2 bedrooms, to up to 5 bedrooms. Options range from affordable, luxury, furnished, unfurnished, and serviced apartments.
Types of Flats for Rent in Dubai
There's a wide range of flats for rent in Dubai. To meet the diverse needs of tenants, furnished apartments have become readily available. The demand for these flats, however, differs from one district to another based on tenants' requirements. For example, those who move to Dubai for work are more likely to look for Dubai apartments or flats for rent on a long-term basis. On the other hand, tourists who visit Dubai to explore its countless attractions would benefit more from short-term rentals.
Also, many people prefer to rent luxury apartments in Dubai, while others look for affordable options to save money for activities.
Aside from that, you'll find everything from studio apartments to 5 bedroom flats, duplexes, and penthouses. The average sizes of studio apartments in Dubai are 330 sq ft - 700 sq ft, while a 1 bedroom apartment ranges from 750 sq ft - 1300 sq ft on average. 2 bedroom apartments come at a median size of 1350 sq ft - 2000 sq ft and 3 bedroom apartments at 2200 - 6000 sqft.
Prices of these apartments for rent in Dubai differ from one area to another. This is based on many factors such as location, facilities, and property size. Not only that, but the rental duration and amount of furnishing also impact the price of apartments. Not sure where to begin? Read on to discover the different types of apartments and the most demanded places to rent flats in Dubai.
What Is The Difference Between Fully Furnished, Partly Furnished And Unfurnished Apartments?
Fully furnished apartments include everything like a sofa, bed with a mattress, appliances, a dining table, and a dresser. Meanwhile, a partly furnished apartment would have only appliances such as a fridge, washing machine, cooker, and oven. Some partly furnished apartments also have living room furniture. On the other hand, an unfurnished apartment has no furnishing at all. The good thing about the apartments for rent in Dubai is that most of them feature built-in wardrobes, whether furnished or not.
What Does Chiller Free Mean in Dubai?
A chiller-free apartment in Dubai is an apartment where the tenant does not have to pay air conditioning bills, as the landlord handles them, so they only have to pay their electricity and water bills to DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority). This saves you the trouble of creating an account with the utility company and helps you cut costs when the AC bills increase in the summer.
Best Areas to Find Flats & Apartments for Rent in Dubai
People looking for a flat to rent in Dubai have different preferences. Some want luxurious options while others prefer an affordable home. Other concerns include pet-friendliness, the number of bedrooms, the atmosphere, greenery, and access to transportation. So we’ve rounded up some of the most popular areas to rent a flat in Dubai, based on these factors.
Where to Find a Luxurious Flat for Rent in Dubai
If you’re looking for a swanky apartment for rent in Dubai, you’ll find plenty of areas to choose from.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is at the top of the list for those who want to be at the center of it all. Living here puts you in proximity to the hottest spots in Dubai such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Opera.
DIFC
Next on the list is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Home to ultra-modern architecture, acclaimed art galleries, and fine dining restaurants, this leading business hub will give you the luxurious lifestyle you dream of. The apartments for rent in DIFC are known for their opulence and usually sit in high-rise towers.
Dubai Marina
We can’t talk about luxury without mentioning Dubai Marina. A popular tourist destination, Dubai Marina is known for its lavish waterfront lifestyle. With yachts dotting the massive marina, and surrounded by imposing skyscrapers, this area is perfect for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life. There are plenty of apartments for rent in Dubai Marina to explore, from studios to penthouses.
Other areas to consider when you want a fancy flat for rent in Dubai are Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Bluewaters Island, and City Walk.
Needless to say, staying in Dubai means that you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for a deluxe home. Plus, most of these areas are serviced by metro stations, making it easy to move around the city.
Where to Find a Cheap Apartment for Rent in Dubai
Just like there are plenty of costly flats for rent in Dubai, there’s also no shortage of affordable ones. Some of the popular areas to find a cheap apartment for rent in Dubai are:
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Another great option is Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). This quiet community is tucked away from the bustle of Dubai and features a serene, holistic lifestyle. The apartments for rent in Dubai Silicon Oasis are quite affordable and have all the amenities you need to live comfortably.
International City
One of the most affordable areas in Dubai, International City is uniquely themed after different countries and lies next to the lively Dragon Mart shopping center. The apartments for rent in International City mostly come in studio, 1, and 2-bedroom variations, with some 3-bedroom apartments available.
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
JVC is one of the most popular areas to rent flats in Dubai. This is because it combines luxury with affordability, as it has elegant buildings with facilities like gyms and pools while still providing reasonably priced apartments. Plus, it’s a pet-friendly and family-friendly area that’s rich in amenities, so you’ll always have everything you need around the corner. There are all kinds of apartments for rent in JVC, from studios up to 4-bedroom units.
There are plenty of other areas that provide affordable flats for rent in Dubai. Some of those are Town Square, Dubai Sports City, and Dubai Production City (IMPZ).
How to Rent an Apartment in Dubai: The Process
1- Choose a Neighborhood and Apartment Type
Consider which neighborhood suits you best based on location, affordability, and lifestyle. Then, decide on a type of apartment according to your budget and living situation (i.e. single, couple, family), you’ll find all kinds of apartments for rent in Dubai, from studios and 1-bedroom apartments to 5-bedroom units, duplexes, and penthouses.
If you’re struggling to decide, let DataGuru be your home search partner. Discover property prices throughout the city and learn about all of the communities in Dubai to find a place that feels like home.
2- Decide Between Long or Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals in Dubai range from monthly and weekly to daily rentals and are often fully furnished and include all utility bills. These are ideal for people staying in Dubai temporarily or are still exploring neighborhoods, so they can move out easily. Short-term rentals tend to be more expensive than long-term ones, but they compensate with convenience.
Long-term rentals, on the other hand, require a bigger commitment as they usually have a yearly contract that can be paid either in one cheque in advance or multiple cheques. Most people opt for multiple cheques since they ease the financial burden of paying a whole year’s rent in advance.
Depending on the landlord, you could split your rent into 2, 4, or 6 post-dated cheques annually, which you submit on the day you receive the property. Usually, the fewer the cheques, the cheaper the rent overall. However, you could negotiate for a better price or payment plan with more cheques.
People staying in Dubai for a long time and want to feel at home usually opt for long-term rentals.
3- Find a Property
Once you’ve decided on the apartment type, neighborhood, and rental duration, search for an apartment to rent in Dubai using Property Finder. You can filter by price, number of bedrooms, amenities, and so much more. Shortlist your favorite properties to easily return to them.
4- Contact an Agent & Schedule a Viewing
When you see a property you like, contact the real estate agent who posted the listing to schedule a viewing and proceed further if you want to. Make sure to ask them how many rental cheques are required if you’re opting for a yearly rental.
5- Prepare Your Documents
In order to rent in Dubai, you need to have these documents ready: a copy of your Emirates ID (front and back), a passport copy, a residence visa copy, and a checkbook.
6- Align on Rental Terms
Before agreeing on a rental rate, research the average rental prices in the area and read the Price Insights table under each listing on Property Finder to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. If you find that your agent is charging much higher than average, you’d be armed with the data to negotiate for a lower rent.
Once you’ve agreed on the rental price with the agent or landlord, align on the number of cheques needed annually if you’re choosing a long-term rental.
You also need to agree on the contract duration and start date, as well as the security deposit. If you have pets, ask the landlord or agent if they’re allowed.
7- Pay the Security Deposit to Reserve the Property
The security deposit is a refundable payment made to the landlord to ensure that the property remains in good condition. The security deposit is usually 5% of the annual rental for an unfurnished apartment and 10% for a furnished apartment. It must be returned to the tenant partially or fully upon evacuation.
8- Sign the Tenancy Contract
Now the tenant and landlord should sign the tenancy contract, which must comply with Dubai’s tenancy laws. At this stage, you should hand in the cheques and the agency fees. Both the tenant and landlord will receive copies of the tenancy agreement.
9- Register on Ejari
Ejari is a registration system developed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to protect the rights of tenants and landlords and authenticate tenancy contracts according to the law. Registering on Ejari is mandatory and requires the following documents: original tenancy contract, title deed, passport copies of the tenant and landlord, and an Emirates ID copy.
10- Connect DEWA
In order to connect water and electricity to your property, you need to submit the following documents to DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority): a copy of the signed tenancy contract, a filled DEWA application form, passport copies of the landlord and tenant with valid visas, and a proof of ownership or sales agreement copy
Upfront fees to consider
Renting an apartment in Dubai comes with initial fees that you need to account for, mainly:
- Security deposit: 5% of the yearly rental for an unfurnished apartment and 10% for a furnished apartment.
- Real estate agency fees: usually around 5% of the first annual rent, and it could be more.
- Housing Fee (Dubai Municipality Fee): 5% of the annual rent paid in 12 months as a part of the DEWA bill.
- Ejari: Ejari fees differ depending on whether you pay them online or offline. If offline at the trustees center, then you’ll pay around 215 AED with VAT, and about AED 120 without VAT.
- DEWA: AED 2000 security deposit for an apartment, activation charges: AED 130 for small meters, and AED 330 for large meters.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Flat in Dubai?
Rental costs in Dubai vary greatly depending on the neighborhood and property size. For instance, the average yearly rent for a studio in International City is AED 26k. Meanwhile, a studio for rent in JVC ranges from 40K - 50K AED yearly.
However, a 1 bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai Marina would cost an average of AED 80K - 100K, and a 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai ranges from AED 100K - 122K.
If you’re looking for a bigger apartment in other areas, however, then the average price of a 2 BHK for rent in Dubai ranges from 86K to 124K yearly. A 3-bedroom apartment stands at AED 146K - 206K, while a 4-bedroom apartment would cost approximately AED 285K - AED 421K.
With that in mind, you can easily find prices that go above or below average, depending on where you choose to live.
How Much of Your Salary Should Go to Rent in Dubai?
You should spend no more than 30% of your salary on rent.
Long-Term Vs. Short-Term Flat Rentals in Dubai
There are many benefits to short-term rentals in Dubai. One of the most obvious is convenience. With a furnished apartment for rent in Dubai, there is no need to worry about buying or shipping furniture. This can be a huge benefit for those who are moving to Dubai on a short-term basis, whether for work or leisure.
Short-term rentals may be more expensive than long-term rentals if you're comparing the same property. This is because short-term rentals are priced daily. However, if you're staying temporarily, short-term rentals can be cheaper than hotels.
Short-term flats for rent in Dubai also tend to be centrally located, giving you easy access to all that the city has to offer. Whether you want to be close to the action of Downtown Dubai or the quieter beachside neighborhoods, you'll find plenty of areas to choose from.
To sum up, a short-term apartment for rent in Dubai provides more privacy and space than staying in a hotel room would. If you’re traveling with family or friends, having your own kitchen, living room and sleeping quarters can make for a much more enjoyable experience than being cramped up in one hotel room together. Fortunately, it’s very easy to rent a house in Dubai, regardless of the length of your stay and the number of people you’re with.
Meanwhile, many people choose to rent flats in Dubai for the long term for several reasons. One of the main reasons is cost, long term rentals are usually cheaper than hotels or short-term rentals.
Flexibility is another major benefit of long-term rentals. You can usually choose your own lease length and move in/out dates, which can be very helpful if your work or travel plans are subject to change.
Finally, furnished apartments with good-quality furniture tend to be more common in Dubai. So if you’re looking for a ready-to-move-into solution it’s worth considering a furnished long-term rental.
Can a Foreigner Rent an Apartment in Dubai?
Absolutely! Most of Dubai’s population are expats, so they can easily rent in the emirate. However, a foreigner looking for an apartment for rent in Dubai should be aware that they have to pay a housing fee to the Dubai Municipality, which consists of 5% of the annual rental value. The housing fee is added to the monthly DEWA bill.
Can you rent an apartment in Dubai without an Emirates ID?
No, you need an Emirates ID to rent an apartment in Dubai since it's proof of your residency in the UAE. Moreover, an Emirates ID is required for multiple processes involved in renting an apartment, such as registering for Ejari and connecting DEWA.
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