Many Tenants experience frustration when first seeking accommodation as they are usually unaware that ‘illegal intermediaries’ pose often a problem. So the best advis=ce is to use only a Registered Broker / Agent. Ask for their RERA ID Card. If they don’t have it, or say it is at the office, or it is being processed, then find another Agent quick. All Registered Agents know they are required to keep their RERA (Dubai Land Department) ID Card on their person at all times (match their photo to the person) if in doubt, get their phone number and report it to RERA.

Most good Agents will work efficiently and effectively together. Do be aware, the Agent must have a signed agreement on the approved Form from the Landlord in order to be able to offer you the property. If they do not have this, then providing you have signed an approved Form appointing the Agent to seek a property on your behalf – (FORM D2 – Appointment of a Rental Agent by Tenant), they may contact other Agents on your behalf and save you the anxiety and trouble. Do agree to their fee, it is usually 5% of the rent. A good Agent will have access to a greater range of properties via their fellow registered agents network.

A word of warning here, unregistered intermediaries usually give false and misleading information, are not able to go direct to the Landlord and RERA cannot help you if a problem arises, they will frustrate you, delay the process, gladly take your money and be long gone when a problem occurs – this is usually immediately. But bad luck for you if you don’t heed our advice.

A list of Registered Broker’s is located on this website.

A guide to the rental values shall be published on this website soon. This shall serve as a valuable tool for tenants, landlords and agents to ensure the rent level is right for the particular community area.

When seeking rental accommodation, make sure you only visit the areas that are within your budget. If you look are areas you cannot afford, you will never be happy with the locations which are too expensive for you.

Dubai is developing some excellent affordable areas, these do and will provide relief for many. The infrastructure, the shopping facilities and the way the new cities are being planned, is ensuring accessibility to almost anywhere with the best of local shopping, educational and health / medical service facilities.