Renting in Dubai: what you need to know

Dubai: Finding a home to rent in Dubai is one of the most important decisions you will make as an expatriate in the UAE. It will affect your financial status for the whole year since rent here is paid in advance and takes a huge chunk out of your year’s pay. It will also impact your time spent on the road commuting.

Through this list, Gulf News gives you the lowdown on what to do before and after finding your prospective home and how to avoid or resolve issues that come along it.

AWARENESS is key. Tenants and landlords must familiarise themselves with at least three laws covering renting property in Dubai to know their rights and responsibilities.

Make sure to read Law No (33) of 2008 that amended Law No (26) of 2007. Both regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants. Landlords can’t increase your rent on a whim according to Decree No (43) of 2013. If he does so, you can file a case on this or any other dispute with the Rent Committee based on Decree No (26) of 2013.