Signing a tenancy contract is rarely the last cheque a tenant writes. Before the first night in a new flat or villa, a string of fees falls due, and some of them keep arriving every month.
Dubai Rental Costs: 11 Hidden Fees Beyond Rent
Start with Ejari, the Dubai Land Department system that registers every rental agreement. Online registration costs about AED177.75, while a trustee centre charges roughly AED220 with service fees. Tenants usually pay, although Gulf News notes that the duty to register sits with the landlord.
Landlords also ask for a refundable security deposit. The usual rate is 5 per cent of annual rent for unfurnished homes and 10 per cent for furnished ones.
Power, Water And Cooling
Once Ejari is done, DEWA’s move-in service activates electricity and water. Budget a refundable deposit of AED2,000 for an apartment or AED4,000 for a villa, plus about AED130 in activation charges.
A Dubai Municipality housing fee of 5 per cent of annual rent is added too, spread over 12 months on the DEWA bill. On AED80,000 rent, that is AED4,000 a year, or roughly AED333 a month.
Cooling needs a check as well. Chiller-free buildings generally cover it within the rent. District cooling usually means registering with a provider such as Empower, Emicool or Tabreed, paying a deposit and receiving a separate bill.
Agents, Movers And Cleaners
Brokerage is typically around 5 per cent of annual rent, often with a AED5,000 minimum, and it is negotiable. Movers charge about AED1,000 to AED1,500 for a one-bedroom flat and AED2,000 to AED3,000 or more for a larger flat or villa. Deep cleaning a one-bedroom runs about AED200 to AED600.
Also Read: Dubai Shared Accommodation Rules: New Permits, Rental Regulations & Fines Of Up To AED 1 Million
Smaller Charges That Add Up
Some towers demand a move-in permit, a lift booking or extra access cards, either free or for a fee or deposit. Internet and TV setup through etisalat or du can bring installation, equipment or early-termination costs. A new gas connection or transfer costs roughly AED600 to AED800.
Cover Image Courtesy: Unsplash/ ZQ Lee
