Tenants must ensure they have all the appropriate documents in order and are prepared to sign the contract and hand over security deposits or postdated cheques to lock in the rental. Alamy
Tenants must ensure they have all the appropriate documents in order and are prepared to sign the contract and hand over security deposits or postdated cheques to lock in the rental. Alamy
Tenants must ensure they have all the appropriate documents in order and are prepared to sign the contract and hand over security deposits or postdated cheques to lock in the rental. Alamy
Tenants must ensure they have all the appropriate documents in order and are prepared to sign the contract and hand over security deposits or postdated cheques to lock in the rental. Alamy

Weekend

Top tips for tenants to negotiate affordable rents with landlords

A quick response is key and tenants need to act swiftly if they find a property attractive

Emma Main

December 09, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

As the UAE continues to experience a property boom, coupled with an influx of international tourists and investors, tenants are facing challenges in sourcing affordable apartments and villas in the country.

One of the main challenges is the limited supply of available units, despite the increased number of properties that have been completed.

In the third quarter of this year, 6,000 apartments were completed, while nearly 800 villas were added in the first six months in Dubai.

However, demand is far outstripping this, driving rental prices higher in the third quarter, with average apartment and villa rents experiencing a quarterly increase of 4 per cent and 5 per cent in Dubai, respectively.

We recorded an average year-on-year rent increase of 27 per cent in Dubai in comparison with September 2021.

For example, a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina with an annual rent of Dh170,000 ($46,280) in 2021 will now cost about Dh250,000 to rent in 2022.

Meanwhile, a five-bedroom villa in Marina Gate 1 was rented for an annual rent of Dh1 million.

To secure the ideal home, a quick response time is key and tenants need to act swiftly if they find an apartment or villa attractive.

Amid limited supply, several potential tenants viewing the same unit can drive properties above the asking price.

Tenants must ensure they have all the appropriate documents in order and are prepared to sign the contract and hand over security deposits or postdated cheques to lock in the rental.

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Tenants should also plan ahead and look for properties a few months in advance before they are vacant and listed on the market.

One way tenants can simplify this process is to register with a real estate broker certified by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency rather than deal with multiple brokers.

Tenants who enlist multiple brokers can risk distorting the market as these agents may approach the same landlord, driving up rental prices.

By registering with one broker, tenants can build a good relationship with them and have a clear idea of what they are looking for in the market.

Bargaining for rents in today’s market can be very challenging.

However, one way tenants can ensure they are receiving the best deal is to make the payment as quickly as possible.

While this isn’t always possible, landlords prefer the quickest form of payment, and fewer the number of cheques, the better.

____________

Dubai apartment prices — November 2022

APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,226 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,226 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
Downtown Dubai: Dh2,149 - up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
Downtown Dubai: Dh2,149 - up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,028 per square foot — down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,028 per square foot — down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
DIFC: Dh1,719 per square foot — up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
DIFC: Dh1,719 per square foot — up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,600 per square foot — no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,600 per square foot — no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
Dubai Hills: Dh1,655 per square foot — up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Dubai Hills: Dh1,655 per square foot — up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Business Bay: Dh1,543 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Business Bay: Dh1,543 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,432 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,432 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
Dubai Marina: Dh1,401 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
Dubai Marina: Dh1,401 per square foot — up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
The Greens and The Views: Dh1,162 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
The Greens and The Views: Dh1,162 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,019 per square foot — up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,019 per square foot — up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Damac Hills: Dh1,019 per square foot — down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Damac Hills: Dh1,019 per square foot — down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh919 per square foot — up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh919 per square foot — up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
Town Square: Dh857 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
Town Square: Dh857 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
Motor City: Dh668 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
Motor City: Dh668 per square foot — up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh622 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh622 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Sports City: Dh639 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
Dubai Sports City: Dh639 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
Discovery Gardens: Dh543 per square foot — up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
Discovery Gardens: Dh543 per square foot — up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
International City: Dh476 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
International City: Dh476 per square foot — up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tenants who pay with multiple cheques will end up paying higher rent — sometimes even over the asking price.

When choosing to rent, tenants should also understand the market before deciding which community is best for them.

Lifestyle preferences may be a deciding factor as rents fluctuate based on the property’s location and proximity to leisure, entertainment and commercial hubs.

Tenants must also include a margin for price appreciation or depreciation in their decision-making process.

Factor in the possibility of rent hikes as landlords are entitled to increase the rent annually by 5 per cent to 20 per cent during renewal of the tenancy contract, provided tenants receive a 90-day notice period.

Tenants in Dubai can use the Rera calculator to determine if a rent increase is applicable or not, based on tenancy contract expiry, location, type of property, community and size of the property.

Watch: Lockdown fuels a Dubai property-search boom

During lease renewal, if tenants feel they are being asked for an unfair rent in comparison with comparable apartments in the community, they can approach their landlord and inform them of the same.

Should a disagreement arise on the stipulated rent, the tenant can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre to decide a fair rent payable in accordance with Article 13 of the amended Dubai tenancy law.

The Dubai rental market is growing exponentially. We recorded a 35 per cent annual increase in rents in the third quarter of 2022, and this is expected to rise further as we head into the new year.

The UAE ranked in the top 25 countries for global talent in the recent Global Talent Competitiveness Index by graduate business school Insead.

With global events under way, such as the World Cup in Qatar and the introduction of new visa schemes for expatriates, the impact will be experienced across the region — including the UAE.

This will put GCC markets in the global spotlight and attract an influx of potential residents for the foreseeable future.

Emma Main is head of leasing at Espace Real Estate

MATCH INFO

Newcastle United 3
Gayle (23'), Perez (59', 63')

Chelsea 0

Tomorrow 2021
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fast%20X
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Louis%20Leterrier%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Michelle%20Rodriguez%2C%20Jason%20Statham%2C%20Tyrese%20Gibson%2C%20Ludacris%2C%20Jason%20Momoa%2C%20John%20Cena%2C%20Jordana%20Brewster%2C%20Nathalie%20Emmanuel%2C%20Sung%20Kang%2C%20Brie%20Larson%2C%20Helen%20Mirren%20and%20Charlize%20Theron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
How it works

Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.

Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.

As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.

A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.

Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.

Plastic tipping point
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
%3Cp%3EElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20%E2%80%93%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them

Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand

Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat  

Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar

Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices

Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants

Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Big%20Ape%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20LucasArts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20PlayStation%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Results

5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer) 

5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud 

6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel 

6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel 

7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami 

7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.  

Updated: December 12, 2022, 6:31 AM`
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