No matter what part of the country you want to rent a home in the UAE, it is quite hard to find a low-cost one, especially in very much sought-after cities like Dubai and Sharjah. The soaring demand, the fluctuation of rental prices, and the dissimilar legal rules make it tough for many renters to find the place that suits them best. The market is different for each type of tenant, whether it is a working professional, a family, or a newcomer to the UAE. Once you are aware of the rental market, you will be on the right path to making a smart choice.
The high price of renting in Dubai and its modern life, world-class infrastructure, and business opportunities are the main reasons why. So, if you seek a place with a lower rental price, then Sharjah is the city to be. The latter also provides a range of possibilities for people living in Dubai who wish to live in Sharjah and have daily trips to Dubai regularly. This guide is going to direct you step-by-step to fit in the right spot, the right budget, and the right time by avoiding the three most common mistakes while renting in both cities.
Know the rental market in Dubai and Sharjah
It is very important to know the differences between the rental markets in Dubai and Sharjah. Rental prices in Dubai are normally higher because of the city being a global location, the presence of various business centers, and luxury apartments that are generally very expensive. If you are looking at the metro stations, business districts, and tourist zones, you will always find that rents are very high.
Sharjah is thought of as the more affordable place, especially for families and people with average incomes. But if you live in Sharjah, the upside of the rent being lower is the downside of commuting taking more time and the tenancy process being more difficult. Knowing these differences will make it easy for you to judge which city is more compatible with your lifestyle and your budget.
In both cities, rents change according to the same factors: location, building age, amenities, parking, and the distance to public transport. Being aware of these factors will enable you to set your expectations assertively and not waste your time on unsuitable rentals.
Set a Realistic Budget Before You Start
It’s fundamental to have a definite rental budget if you want to find an inexpensive place to live. It is a general rule to allocate no more than 30–35% of your gross monthly income to rent. This guarantees that you can still cover savings, utilities, transport, and usual living expenses.
Tolerating the minimum rent, besides the rent, the tenants also have to consider costs like the security deposit, commission paid to the agent, Ejari for registration in Dubai, and SEWA for registration in Sharjah. These costs that come in full at the startup can ooze a lot of money; hence, it is important to plan.
Check payment is another important aspect of importance. Few landlords accept one to four cheques, while some would rather settle for one or two larger cheques a year. The multi-check payment option is much more affordable in terms of budgeting; thus, it is advisable to factor in this preference when planning your budget.
Choose the Right Location for Affordable Living
Affordable Areas in Dubai
Dubai offers quite a few low-rent districts where the prices are still much lower than in the preferred areas. International City, Al Nahda, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Discovery Gardens are such districts where you can find economical apartments, equipped with the bare necessities at least. This is why the places draw most of the employees and small households.
The distance between these locations and the city center may not be very much, but in terms of transport, they are still very well connected with buses, the metro, and main roads. So one can reduce the rent significantly by choosing such areas, but still live in a good infrastructure and lifestyle area of Dubai.
Affordable Areas in Sharjah
Sharjah is the home of very affordable residential areas, for instance, Al Nahda Sharjah, Al Majaz, Muwaileh, and Rolla, which are known for their spacious apartments having much lower rents than in Dubai, thus being perfect for families.
Nonetheless, the daily travel to Dubai during rush hour is an exhausting activity that takes a lot of time. The choice of living in Sharjah must be a careful one, where the advantage of lower rent is weighed against the daily travel time and cost of transport.
Make Use Of Reliable Property Online Portals
It is very simple to find rental apartments in Dubai and Sharjah through online property portals. The listing of these sites can be tailored according to your financial plan, geographic area, flat size, and the luxuries you want. Filtering means that you do not have to go through the listings of all apartments and thus saves your time, and you can zoom in on the properties that fit your budget only.
Cross-checking is necessary for the listings, and in case of any offer that appears too good to be true, go through the listing and verify with the advertiser. There are often cases of fake or old listings; therefore, it is always good to contact the advertiser and check the availability before going for a visit.
Seeing and comparing different listings in one neighborhood will allow you to get a sense of the average rent in that area, and it will also help you to make landlords or agents more easily when you negotiate your price.
Team Up with Trustworthy Real Estate Agents
In case you are a newcomer in Dubai or Sharjah, a trustworthy real estate agent can make your rental hunt much more seamless and secure. The agents know the market very well and have access to the listings of verified properties, thereby preventing you from falling into the trap of overpriced or unreal properties. They can readily compile a list of the houses that fit your budget, preferred location, and family or single status.
It is a must to select a RERA-registered agent in Dubai because only then will you be assured that the agent is legally allowed to work. The registered agents are the ones who carry out the necessary procedures, give out real contracts, and keep the tenants from being scammed. In Sharjah, though the rules are a bit different, dealing with a licensed agent still mitigates the risks involved.
Commission is the usual fee charged by agents, which is usually about 5% of the yearly rent. It might seem like an extra expense, but it usually saves time, effort, and stress. Moreover, a skilled negotiator aids in deciding about the rent, payment terms, and move-in conditions, which can lead to savings over a long period.
Look for Rental Units in Older Buildings and Non-Luxurious Areas
Most tenants think that newer buildings are always the best, while in fact, old ones sometimes provide cheaper options that are much more beneficial. One of the main reasons for these properties’ reduced rent is the lack of extravagant amenities like in-house gyms or swimming pools. Nevertheless, they often come with bigger rooms and more efficient designs.
For senior citizens or long-stay tenants, these buildings can be a perfect choice for those who would rather choose space and affordability over luxury. There are plenty of well-maintained older apartments in great locations that are easily accessible to schools, markets, and public transport. Hence, life becomes easy and not very costly in terms of rental prices.
Before sealing the deal on an older apartment, the tenants must carry out their own thorough inspection of the property first. Check water pressure, electrical outlets, elevators, and maintenance overall. An old unit is the right choice if the building is in good shape because of the significant amount saved every year.
Look for Sharing and Partition Options
Sharing housing is a common and wise way to reduce rent, especially for office workers and bachelors. The high cost of living in Dubai or Sharjah is lowered when people share a room or apartment because they can split the rent, utilities, and internet. This option is preferred by newcomers and young professionals the most.
However, the rental market rules about sharing and partitioning should be well understood. In Dubai, partitioning is absolutely not allowed and could lead to fines or eviction. It is always wise to get the landlord’s approval for the shared arrangements and to double-check their legality with the local authorities.
Sharjah is usually very tolerant regarding sharing accommodations, but tenants in that case should still seek the necessary legal permissions. Choosing legal and safe sharing alternatives will not only enable one to escape problems but also to enjoy the advantage of lower living expenses.
Time Your Search Smartly
Getting a good deal on a rental property heavily depends on the timing of the search. The beginning of the year and the period after summer vacations are considered peak times when the demand for rentals is really high. People who look for accommodation during the non-peak times can have a lot of options and a powerful negotiating position.
The landlords are usually more accommodating at the end of the month or when a property has been unoccupied for a while. They might even offer to reduce the rent or to be paid in several cheques, thus making it easy for them to get tenants. You will gradually learn to seize such opportunities by keeping a close watch on the listings.
You can often find a great deal and save money for the long term by taking your time and doing market research for a few weeks.
Negotiate Rent and Payment Terms
Negotiation is a common practice during renting in the UAE, but still, many landlords and tenants are not willing to talk about it. A gentle negotiation on the rent or the terms of the cheque can quite often lead to lower prices. Even a minor decrease in rent can give you a thousand dollars more in your pocket at the end of the year.
Tenants can also negotiate their landlord’s flexibility regarding the payment for rent, either by proposing an increase in the number of cheques or by suggesting other methods. Landlords might consent to such a proposal if they think the tenant is trustworthy and has the intention to stay for a long time. Good communication and polite conversation are the essential components of an effective negotiation.
Moreover, even before moving in, tenants can ask for minor renovations like painting, deep cleaning, or mending of simple maintenance problems. These negotiations help to enhance living conditions without alienating the landlord. Check out our latest blog post on How the UAE’s Economic Vision 2030 Is Shaping the Real Estate Sector
Understand Rental Contracts and Legal Rules
Since the rental agreements clearly state the duties of both landlords and tenants, it is very important to learn about them. In Dubai, registering the rental contract with Ejari is a must, and it provides the tenant with legal protection. Tenants without Ejari might have trouble with utilities or during court cases.
Dubai and Sharjah are two Emirates that differ considerably in their tenancy laws; hence, to the tenant’s disadvantage, the tenant might have to deal with the differences. Therefore, the tenant should be especially careful with the parts of the contract that deal with rent increase, notice period, and maintenance. By being aware of these points, you can eliminate the risk of having misunderstandings later on.
Calculate Total Living Costs, Not Just Rent
It is very important to read the whole contract and understand it thoroughly before signing it. If there is anything that is not clear, then the tenant should either ask for it to be explained or ask for clarification. Knowing the legal rules will make your renting experience smooth and stress-free.
A lot of tenants usually take rent into account only and do not consider other monthly payments. Utility bills for services like electricity, water, and cooling can have a large impact on one’s budget. In Dubai, DEWA bills and in Sharjah, SEWA charges will be different according to the amount consumed and the size of the apartment.
Internet usage, parking fees, and building service charges are also parts of the monthly expense list. Initially, these expenses might look small, but over time they could become a big burden. It will be wise to consider them as part of your budget, which will help you avoid financial strain.
Transportation costs could be another big consideration. If the cheap place is too far from the office, the monthly commuting costs could be equal to your savings. Thus, always work out the total monthly cost before you decide on a property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting
One of the most common mistakes is renting a place just because it has a low rent without checking the condition of the property. Not conducting any inspections may result in the tenant suffering from the discomfort and high costs caused by the problems of maintenance, water leakage, or poor ventilation.
A big mistake is making advance payments without proper documentation. No tenant should ever transfer money without signing a legal contract and getting an official receipt. This is the way to protect oneself against fraud and disputes. Contact us as Hastening the rental process is also a bad idea. Taking time to compare the different choices, reading the contracts and details very carefully, and verifying everything thoroughly guarantees a better and safer rental decision.
