How to List Your Apartment for Rent in Dubai: A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the right tenancy contract

Short-term or long-term tenancy contract

Before you list your apartment for rent, it is important to consider what kind of tenancy contract you wish to establish with your renter. There are two kinds of contracts you can draw up when listing your apartment for rent; short-term or long-term rental contract. 

A short-term rental contract usually spans less than a year, and payments are generally made on a weekly or monthly basis. On the other hand, a long-term rental contract spans for a year or more. 

Both kinds of contracts have different advantages and disadvantages to them. Here is a list of factors around long and short-term contacts that will help you decide while listing your apartment for rent:

• A short-term rental contract means that the renter will not be required to make overhead payments, while a long-term contract will require the renter to pay for things such as utilities. 

• While this is highly subjective, most short-term rental apartments come with semi or fully-furnished apartments while long-term rental apartments may not come with any furnishings. 

• Short-term rental apartments generally have higher rent rates than long-term rentals. 

• While short-term rental apartments may be impacted by market and seasonal fluctuation, long-term rental apartments are more stable and protected from such fluctuations. 

• The yearly income gained from a long-term rental apartment can be more stable and consistent than that of a short-term rental apartment. 

Depending on factors such as your finances, the kind of apartment you own, and your long-term plans, you can decide whether you want to lease your apartment to long-term or short-term renters. 

Once you have determined that, you can begin the process of listing your apartment for rent in Dubai. 

Step-by-step process to list your apartment for rent

While the process of listing your apartment for rent in Dubai is relatively straightforward, it may be especially confusing if you are a first-time landlord. Here is an outlined process to list your apartment for rent in Dubai:

Choose a real estate company

Hiring a RERA-accredited real estate company can be greatly beneficial to you as a landlord. Not only will they aid you in listing the apartment and in the paperwork, but they will also help secure potential tenants for you. A real estate company can also help you remain abreast with changing market trends. 

If you hire a real estate agent or professional help for listing your apartment, ensure that you sign and submit the RERA listing form, which will require your title deed, a valid passport copy, and a signed listing agreement. 

Understanding the process of listing your apartment for rent

With the help of your real estate agent, you will be guided through the process to list your apartment for rent in Dubai. Your agent will give you advice on how you can prepare for potential tenants beforehand to ensure that your apartment gets leased. 

Understanding the process will ensure no confusion in the future and a streamlined process for you as a landlord. 

Prepare a marketing strategy

In apartment listings, first impressions are often the last impressions. This is why it is incredibly important that your apartment has a good first impression on potential tenants. Make sure your apartment is kept clean and any required repairs are done before it is listed. 

You could also hire a professional camera crew to take HD photographs and videos of your apartment, which can be posted online for potential tenants to see. The more listing websites your apartment is on, the higher the chances of potential tenants reaching out to you. 

Help the agent understand the USP of your apartment

What sets your apartment apart from the rest? The natural sunlight? The amenities? The breathtaking views of the city? The proximity to key business and commercial hubs? Ensure that you fully explain the USPs of your apartment while getting it listed by your real estate agent. 

This will help them market your apartment better to potential tenants. 

Review the offers

This is one of the best parts of the process of listing your apartment for rent in Dubai. Once you begin receiving offers from potential tenants, it is time to sit back and review them. 

Here are some factors you can consider while selecting a tenant for your apartment: 

1. Whether they have any good references from previous landlords 

2. Whether they have steady employment 

3. Credit score 

Sign the tenancy contract

Once you have listed your apartment for rent and found a tenant, it is time to draft and sign the tenancy contract.

Once both you and the tenant have agreed on the contract terms, you can sign a RERA Unified Tenancy Contract. Ensure that you have applied for an Ejari certificate, as it is the most important document for any landlord in Dubai. 

Receive payments

Rent payments in Dubai are usually made via cheques, but you can decide upon a payment system with your tenant. It is mandatory for the tenant to make the complete upfront payment during the tenancy contract signing. 

Once you have received the security deposit and any other upfront fees from the tenant, the final step of listing your apartment for rent has arrived. 

The handover process

Here is what you will have to provide your tenant in the final handover process:

1. Access to their utility documents and connections. Once your contract has been registered with Ejari, DEWA will create an account for the tenant with their details.

2. A card and key inventory will be signed off to your tenant before they move into your apartment.  

Conclusion

While Dubai offers a relatively streamlined process for listing your apartment, navigating all the steps, especially as a first-time landlord, can be confusing and time-consuming. This is where E&V steps in.

For over 45 years, E&V has specialized in the Dubai real estate market, helping landlords successfully lease their properties and home seekers find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're looking to list your apartment for rent or find your dream home, contact us today for expert guidance.