6 Mistakes You May Make When Signing Up With Dubai Rental Property

You could have taken up higher studies or taken a job in Dubai and have finally moved out of your parent’s home to make a career. Of course, getting your first real place is exciting, but at the same time it can become a nerve-racking experience. If you have invested your hard earned money, you are obviously looking out for peace and sanity, but if you don’t get it, what is the use of having your own space? And, no, I don’t mean in terms of less space or frustrating neighbours. Things could get worse than these, wondering what? Read on to know the five mistakes that could lead to major trouble if they are not taken care of in the beginning itself.

1. Always have Plan B: Whatever you do, it is always advisable to have a plan B. Now whether you are choosing between a career, a job, a home, etc you need to have a backup. It helps because you know what you can rely on if a certain thing ever has to fail. For case in point, if you have made up your mind to relocate make certain that you have talked about it with your parents. Talk to them about the possibility of moving back in if things have to go bad. Another alternative could be asking your relatives or friends for a helping hand if at all things go kaput at the last minute.

2. Save up enough money and stick to a budget:  Rentals in Dubai vary depending upon the location you choose. For example, if you choose a place near Jumeirah Beach the rates surely will be more than when you choose to live in at Bur Dubai. Thus, you should opt for a rental apartment that fits your needs and requirements along with your budget. Technically, you should not exceed beyond 30% of your total income and this includes your security deposit. I lay emphasis on sticking to a budget because it will tell you exactly how much money can be spent on rent, to feed yourself, as well as help keep the utilities running.

3. Get your priorities straight than regretting later: As mentioned earlier, rental properties in Dubai differ as per your needs. So, before you book one, make sure that you write down a list of all your basic requirements and then make a separate list of your additional wants. By additional wants I mean, the wants that would be nice to have, but you could live without them. For example, a fully furnished apartment, a gymnasium, a Jacuzzi, etc can be things you can easily miss and not regret, whereas safety and security, parking lot, transportation facilities, etc are things you simply can’t do without. Therefore, sort out your basic needs first.

For the next 3 pointers click here.

The First Crucial Steps before Renting an Apartment

The First Crucial Steps before Renting an Apartment

Several reasons compel us to relocate; it could be for higher education, a transfer, a breakup, etc. To add to the trouble it becomes even worse when you have to live alone. It can be difficult, especially if you are going to be in an unfamiliar place far away from your previous location. Thus, the best thing to do is to rent lower rental apartments. How do you do it? Read on.

Ask Friends and Family: You can also search for flats on the internet and find the one you are looking for. You can ask your neighbours, friends, relatives as well. Before you finalise a certain place, make sure you have thought over it a couple of times or maybe more to ensure that is the place you need. Frankly, try not to spend more than 30% to 35% of your monthly expenses on rent.

Visit a Real Estate Agency: On the other hand, you can visit a real estate agency that focuses on lower income accommodations. Believe me; it is not as complex as it is made out to be. You just have to state your needs and requirements and they will do the needful. For instance, you can tell them your budget, the area you wish to reside, along with facilities you are looking for. A well-known agency is sure to have its database and can help you with a list of apartments according to your needs.

Credit Score Makes a Big Difference: Before you find yourself too excited about the apartment you have picked ensure that you have picked up your credit report. Most of the landlords are concerned whether you will be able to pay off the rent in time. A good credit score means that all your financial transactions through any financial institute have been just minus the debt issues. Likewise, it is pretty hard to get an apartment on rent, if you have a bad credit score.

Check out the Neighbourhood: It is extremely vital to make sure you feel safe in your neighbourhood, along with the basic amenities that you will need. Before you sign the dotted line and make the final deal think of the parking, transportation, grocery stores, drugstore, restaurants, etc. Are these close enough? Will you be able to adjust to the new surroundings? If the answer is a resounding yes, then wait no more and go for it!

All the best! 

Revamp Your Apartment in 4 Economical Ways

You have just moved in to a rental apartment, there are a lot of things running on your mind. You want to refurbish the whole place, but the landlord may not like it. Add to it, the apartment just seems to be too outdated, or boring, or maybe both. So, what do you do to make that space seem more like you? Seems difficult? Not a chance, given below are some of the tips you can use, because they are removable and economical, and can be taken down when you move out next.

Use wallpapers: Not every landlord is cool with the idea of painting, even when the tenant is willing to buy the paint and foot the bill. In cases like these, it is always best to use wallpapers and wall clings. It's the best and fastest way to make a space yours, even when you know you’re on rent, and won’t be able to carry it with you when you move. Try adding bright shades as it makes the place look livelier.

Create your own wall hangings: There are plenty of workshops that are held to get the creative juices flowing. So, get on to one of those and you’d be creating designs like a professional. Just in case, you feel you have no time, you can try one of these. Use a light white fabric; dye it with a picture design, or simply throw some colours to make it flamboyant. Draw it around some cardboard or laminate, and cut it to the size you want, you can either frame it or hang it.

Get artistic on floor space: Making artwork or purchasing it is a wonderful way to add persona to your apartment. You can try the artwork in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, or even the bathroom. The main purpose is to give designs to your rental apartment and make it look and feel like you. You can add a rack of magazines or shoes if you’re a reader or a shoe fanatic. Also, you can add intense shades of curtains and make the rooms look more exotic.

Use rugs: Sounds simple, eh? Try it! A rug can change the entire look of the room. It can be any colour, size, or shape you want. Besides, area rugs are an easy way to cover up the smears and stains of past occupiers.

So, the next time you want to make your home as gorgeous as possible, but since you’ve rented it and can’t be making too many changes for financial reasons, use the above pointers. I bet, the place will look like a million bucks! All the best!

What Do I Do Before I Rent Properties in Dubai?

With the increase in prices, it is not feasible for all of us to afford buying an apartment. However, it is always possible to rent property. Moving to a new apartment can indeed be a thrilling experience, but finding a good one to rent could be an intimidating job. There are after all quite a few things you need to consider before you make the final move. So, in this blog I have covered a few vital tips, you need to know before you sign up.

Lay down a budget: Setting a budget helps in more ways than one. Think about how much you can pay for and try not to go beyond 30-percent of your monthly income. Accordingly, you will be able to focus on your search and perhaps even adjust for a few things. Stick to the basic needs and don’t go overboard. If you do find a bigger apartment in a better area, make certain it is worth spending the extra money.

Where do I look for? If you think you’d be spending more, if you are to hire an agent, don’t. Use the newspaper classifieds, craigslist, search online, look out for local publications, etc. It will at least help you get an idea about the rental markets and probably a better deal too. If all else fails, you can always ask your near and dear ones to help you out.

Read before you sign the dotted line: Read 10 times if you have to, but do. A lot of people take it casually and regret it later. Obtain a copy of all the rules and regulations, and ensure you have gone through everything. Rentals in Dubai aren't complicated, but when you miss out on vital stuff, you could be in trouble. Therefore, read through your tenure, the monthly rental along with your security deposit, your responsibilities, etc.

Remember, you are renting a property and it is a big move. Make sure you are covered on every aspect. Apart from these 3 pointers, bear in mind that you have to pay a visit to the apartment before you take any major step. All the best!

Tips To Modernize Your Basement

Basements are generally the most ignored parts of the home. Given that they are not obvious to the eye, most of the time; quite a lot of us make them either a storeroom or a dumping ground. However, don’t you think when you have rented a home; you should use the basement innovatively to transform it from a slapdash place to an attractive and usable space?

Waterproof It: -The first and foremost thing to do is to waterproof it so that it can be saved from the growing moulds and mildews. After all, you do not want to see spoilt furniture and walls.

Paint the Walls: To remodel your basement, you will firstly need to paint the walls. Adding colour makes the place more lively and comfortable. They create an impression of openness and light. A good tip would be making sure that an appropriate primer coat and latex-based paint is used so as to resist moisture. You can use shades of blue, orange and red or a blend of these. You can even try and mix these with some other pastel colours like pink, cream, or yellow.

Light It Up: Our cellars receives the least amount of light, it is wise to make some kind of lighting arrangement for the unused space to make it bright and vivacious. The idea is to get maximum light on the ceiling so that the space looks larger than it actually is.

Finishing Your Basement: You’ve paid for the space why not make use of it? A basement has the potential to give you another floor’s-worth of living space. But, somehow it is our tendency to see it as a damp, dull, drab place, and we do nothing about it. So, whether you need more room for additional items or making it a guest bedroom or a workshop, finishing your basement is considered to be the most cost-efficient way out.

The Crowning Achievement: Do you see some kind of nails exposed? If, so, you can always cover them up with aesthetic curtains, blankets, linen, or simply adding wall art.

You can make the most of these basement refashion ideas and give a new appearance and feature to that idle part of your house!

Renting Homes Made Simple

Do you own a property that is lying vacant? Do you know you could make money out of it, if you were to market it properly and give it for rent? If the idea excites you read on.

• Your first and foremost step would be to make your home appear more eye-catching so as to advertise it properly. Only if it looks good would people want to come and have a look, but that does not mean you give your home for any price they quote.

• Before you settle on a figure calculate your earning potential prior to giving your house on rent. Besides, deduct your expenses, for instance, house taxes, electricity bills, water taxes, etc. This will give you an idea about how profitable it will be for you. Get information from local property dealers and intermediaries about rent rates in the area of your house site.

• You must be wondering why involve an agent when you can do things by yourself? Well, when you are in contact with an agent, it helps in getting prospective tenants and eventually fixing your home's rent price. Indeed, the agent will charge you some fees for the service, but trust me it will be a wise decision in the end. Frankly, this is one of the most crucial steps before renting your apartment. In fact, agents will also help you in arranging appropriate lease agreements.

• Put public notices and classifieds in local newspapers and on the Internet. You could put a short description about your house, its characteristics, price, etc. This will give you an idea about the renters that are applying as well as the tenants-to-be a better and clear picture of the deal.

• Other additional points to remember are asking the renters if they are going to use your furniture, or bring their own. Furthermore, if you are okay to have a pet and they can bring it in the society you live, etc.

All the best!

Rent Procedure in Dubai

The rental procedure in Dubai is extremely systematic and convenient. All thanks to RERA since it has started to standardize and regulate the relationship between the landlords and tenants. However, only an inhabitant of Dubai can sign the lease agreement and connect the utility services. Also, the tenancy must be administrated with a written tenancy contract agreement with the pertinent information, along with registration with the RERA. The Law that was enacted after 2007 describes and classifies the scope of implementation together with articles relating to:

1. Responsibility of the landlord
2. Responsibility of the tenant
3. Expatriation
4. General rules

• It must be noted that from January 1st, 2008 the rental cap has been fixed at 5%. That is to say the landlords cannot raise the rent higher than 5% of the existing rental agreement for a period of 2 years.
  
• Rent in advance for tenancy agreements in Dubai is quarterly paid in advance; or as otherwise settled on the lease agreement.
  
• All the new hiring’s must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
  
• If a broker or agent is involved they must hold the broker’s register registration ID card and 5% of the annual rent amount must be given to him. This is the service fee to the agent and is payable upon signing a rental contract agreement.
  
• The office of the agent must be licensed so as to perform the real estate renting to landlords and tenants by the Department of Economic Development. This is an exceptional activity permit and is distinguished from sales license in order to put forward the rental and management service.

As a tenant you should first talk to different agents, meet them, discuss your wants and needs, and then accordingly make up your mind as to which one suits best.