‘Landlords hold all the power’: Reddit post calls Dubai rental market a ‘frustrating maze’ with minimal tenant protection, hidden fees

Dubai’s rental market presents a complicated panorama closely favouring landlords and actual property brokers, typically to the detriment of tenants by means of rigid funds, hidden fees, and minimal tenant safety, claims a latest on Reddit. 

In an elaborate post, the Redditor complained that in contrast to most international cities the place lease is often paid month-to-month, Dubai landlords often require tenants to pay in a single, two, or 4 cheques for the whole 12 months. This construction is misaligned with widespread earnings cycles, forcing tenants to handle substantial upfront funds. 

Actual property brokers in Dubai play a important position in the rental market however typically provide restricted help to tenants. “Actual property brokers in Dubai do little however accumulate hefty commissions (5% of annual lease) whereas siding with landlords. They hype up properties, vanish after the deal, and ignore tenant considerations—leaving renters helpless in disputes,” the Reddit post learn. 

Non-refundable safety deposits are one other contentious problem. Landlords routinely demand substantial deposits, but the post means that these are not often returned in full. “Minor put on and tear? Deducted. Repainting? Deducted. In lots of circumstances, tenants by no means see this cash once more,” the consumer complained.

Additional complicating the scenario for the tenants is the hidden fees. Tenants are sometimes required to pay extra prices for Ejari registration and contract renewals. Moreover, selecting to pay lease month-to-month, as is customary elsewhere, incurs further prices, making flexibility an costly choice inside this market. 

The system is characterised by its lack of real-world alignment with tenant earnings cycles, creating monetary pressures for a lot of residents. The rigid cost constructions and extra administrative prices exacerbate the monetary burden positioned on tenants, predominantly immigrants. This method seems designed to primarily profit landlords, with minimal tenant safety in place. 
 

The Reddit post triggered a lengthy dialogue with customers principally agreeing with the consumer. “That is completely ridiculous. Banks don’t even provide you with first rate curiosity, however landlords have discovered a option to make straightforward cash. They take enormous lease quantities upfront, hold onto your money for months, and act like they’re doing you a favor,” posted a consumer. 

“One choice is to attempt renting instantly from property administration firms. Dubai, and the UAE on the whole, is now geared in the direction of householders and never house renters. The earlier you possibly can transition from the latter to the former, the extra possible you’re to delay your keep in Dubai,” shared one other consumer.