TryBeforeDubai30 questions to ask before renting in Dubai
Ask these 30 questions before you sign and you'll uncover almost every hidden cost and nasty surprise. Screenshot the list and take it to every viewing.
Most renting regrets in Dubai come from questions nobody thought to ask. Run through these at the viewing and in writing before you commit — the answers reveal the real cost and the real condition.
Cost & payment
- 1What's the annual rent, and is it negotiable for fewer cheques?
- 2How many cheques, and what are the dates?
- 3How much is the security deposit, and is it 5% or 10%?
- 4What's the agent commission and who pays it?
- 5Is the unit chiller free, district cooling or central?
- 6What did the previous tenant pay for cooling last summer?
- 7Is there a district-cooling capacity/standing charge and deposit?
- 8Are there any move-in fees or owners'-association charges?
- 9Is the rent in line with the RERA rent calculator?
- 10What's the expected rent at renewal?
The contract
- 1Who registers and pays for Ejari?
- 2Who is responsible for maintenance, and AC servicing specifically?
- 3Is there an early-termination clause, and what's the penalty?
- 4What notice is required at renewal or to vacate?
- 5Can I sublet or list on Airbnb (if relevant)?
- 6Are pets allowed — in writing — with any size/breed limits?
- 7What's included if furnished, and what condition is it in?
- 8Is the deposit refundable in full, and what could be deducted?
The unit & building
- 1How many parking bays, covered or open, and visitor parking?
- 2Is fibre internet (du / e&) available to this exact unit?
- 3How reliable are the lifts, and how many serve the tower?
- 4How's the maintenance team — response times and reputation?
- 5How much of the building is short-term/holiday let?
- 6What's the noise like — road, neighbours, construction, flights?
- 7Which way does it face, and how hot does it get in summer?
- 8Are the gym and pool actually good, or basic?
- 9Any planned construction or development nearby?
The bigger picture
- 1What's the realistic commute to my office at 8am (not off-peak)?
- 2What's nearby on foot — supermarket, pharmacy, school, park?
- 3Why is the current tenant leaving?
Verbal promises don't protect you. Ask for the key answers — cooling, cheques, pets, maintenance — by message or email so you have a record.
Keep reading
Before you sign a Dubai tenancy, run this checklist. It covers the money, the contract, the unit and the admin — the things that protect your deposit and your year.
Read guideAgents show you the view, not the problems. This room-by-room checklist surfaces the issues that decide whether you'll be happy — or stuck for a year.
Read guideMost Dubai agents and landlords are fine — but a few aren't, and the system has traps for newcomers. Here are the red flags that should make you pause.
Read guideSee how this applies to your move.
The free area match scores every Dubai community against your budget, schools and commute — then the Landing Plan turns it into a verified, decision-ready report.