Advice Before You Sign a Tenancy Contract

What to Check Before Signing a Tenancy Contract

1. Ensure that your real estate agent is RERA registered. They should be able to provide you with their broker number.

2. Write your cheques directly to the Landlord. Before handing them over, ask for a copy of your landlord's passport and if possible the title deeds too.

3. Ask your agent to check that all service charges have been paid by the landlord, and if possible get it in writing too.

4. Ask your agent to check that there are no outstanding bills for DEWA or the chiller (air conditioning). If there are, they will need to be paid before you can set up an account.

5. If there are maintenance issues that need to be resolved before you move in, ensure that they are taken care of.

6. Be aware of how many car parking spaces you have. It is not uncommon for there to be only one to share between a husband and wife. Also find out if there is visitors parking too, and how to access it.

7. Know how to access all parts of the building. Often, swipe cards and door keys are needed to enter your property.

8. If the property is not clean before you move in, ask for it to be cleaned in advance of you moving in. A property should be handed over in a habitable condition.

9. Take photos of any issues you find with the apartment and let your agent and landlord know. This will avoid issues when you try and prove they were there before.

10. Once you have your tenancy contract, sign up for Ejari.