You may have to pay for all repairs
Strangely, many landlords don’t tell their tenants that there’s a leak in the pipes or there’s a problem with the bathroom or the water-heater. You realize the real condition of your new home after you move in – this is just too late, as you are already bound by a one-year contract and you paid several rents in advance. Well, congrats – now you’ll have to pay and manage the repair works and there’s nothing you can do unless is written otherwise in your tenancy agreement. So, make sure these issues are clearly outlined, as well.
Your new home is already for sale
You may have signed the tenancy agreement, but this doesn’t mean the landlord isn’t planning to sell the apartment after one year. You may start getting calls from agents who want to bring clients to see the property the very next day you move in. In addition, architects, building inspectors and others may come in order to plan renovations. And they can visit you anytime they want!
Your rent isn’t flat
You are in Dubai – this means your rent will more likely increase than decrease. The landlord may send you an eviction notice with the excuse he wants the apartment for personal use. In fact, he simply wants to raise the rent. But according to the RERA, you can be evicted for only four reasons – the property will be demolished; if the property will be renovated; if the landlord plans to move in; or if the property will be sold.
Vacating notice has a certain period
You may receive a valid eviction notice, but this means you actually have 12 months to move out, not one or two as your landlord claims. So, calm down, you have an entire year to find yourself a new place to live.
Rent increases are regulated
Most tenants have no idea that the increase in rent is regulated in accordance with RERA’s Rental Index – this means the hike can be 20% at the most and this is only under certain circumstances. The maximum rent increase is only for properties with a rent, which is over 40% below the market value. This can be checked online easily. However, there’s one exception – if your home is governed by the DIFC, RERA has no jurisdiction over it. This means the landlord can increase the rent as much as he wants to.
In order to avoid the various dangers of renting a home in Dubai, review your tenancy contract very well before signing. Remember that you will be stuck with it for one year and whether you like it or not, you’ll have to pay for all twelve months.
