Accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Types of accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Abu Dhabi, the former being more expensive. In the case of unfurnished apartments, even appliances will be absent, which could mean a hefty start-up cost for expats.

Expats planning to rent an unfurnished apartment should approach their employer about a shipping allowance or a stipend to furnish the property. Those with a housing allowance should make sure there is a separate allowance to cover the costs of purchasing standard household items.

Apartments

A common choice among expats, apartments are (mainly) smaller self-contained units in larger buildings; referred to as 'flats' in some parts of the world such as the UK. These range from small studios or one-bedroom units to expansive multi-roomed units.

Condominiums

These complexes are similar to apartments but are more luxurious and will generally offer a wide range of facilities. Those at the top of the scale will offer a full suite of facilities including a pool, gym, playground, tennis and squash courts, as well as 24-hour security.

Villas

Villas are perfect for expats with families or those with sufficient resources. These come in various shapes and sizes: freestanding villas, semi-detached villas in which properties share one adjoining wall, and townhouse-style villas in which two adjoining walls are shared. Regardless of the type, the properties tend to be large and are most frequently available off-island, in Khalifa City A.

Finding accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Renting accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Rent is usually paid annually and in advance. Expats can also explore the option of getting a salary advance from their employer to remain debt-free.

Expats who elect to go the house-hunting process on their own without the assistance of a real-estate agent often opt to rent a short-term serviced apartment while checking out an area and deciding on long-term accommodation. This isn’t strictly necessary, though, and with a good agent, long-term rentals can be secured without the need for temporary accommodation.

Making an application

Once expats have found a suitable area that fits their lifestyle and caters to all their priorities, we recommend they research properties online and contact some local estate agents who will then set up viewings. When the right home is agreed upon, an application is submitted to the landlord, and a contract drawn up. Before the contract can be signed, the estate agent or landlord will check references and do some background checks, and check whether the applicant has the required residence visa, passport and proof of income.

Deposits

It's usual practice in Abu Dhabi for landlords to demand the entire year of rent be paid upfront, in addition to a security deposit. If this is a financial possibility, expats should use it to gain leverage over the landlord and try and bring the price down.

Deposits, usually the equivalent of five percent of the annual rental cost, must be refunded, as it remains the property of the tenant, but landlords are allowed to make deductions from the deposit or keep the whole amount for various reasons. Deposits are sometimes used to cover unpaid rent, for damages in excess of normal wear and tear, other breaches of the lease agreement or unpaid utility bills. Additional fees to consider include the agent’s commission fee (if an agent was employed).

Leases

A lease specifies the period of tenancy along with other important terms and conditions that both parties need to agree on. We urge prospective tenants to finecomb the agreement and to make doubly sure that all verbal agreements with the landlord are in print and acknowledged by both parties. The tenant and the landlord should also agree on an inventory list of all items in the apartment/condo/villa at the start of the lease.

At the termination of the lease, the landlord and tenant can either choose to agree to renew the lease or end it. We recommend expats try to sign a renewable lease, and then notify the landlord accordingly when ready to leave, rather than having to restart the painful house search all over again after 12 months.

Utilities

It is also important for prospective tenants to scrutinise a lease agreement very carefully to ascertain which utilities are included in the rental cost before committing. 

There are no council taxes or permit fees associated with accommodation in Abu Dhabi. However, unless an expat is living in a company apartment or house, they’ll have to pay for utilities such as water and electricity in addition to rent. These are generally affordable, but those living in large villas may find themselves footing a hefty power bill due to constant air conditioning.