Renting property in Abu Dhabi - Do you really need to pay 12 months rent in advance?

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on 12 Feb 2013

Hello I have been offered a job in Abu Dhabi and I'm trying to negotiate a relocation package.

From the research I've done (on this website and others, as well as talking to friends in Dubai) I understand that most landlords require 12 months rent paid in advance, so I'm trying to convince my new employer to write the option of an annual loan into my contract, to be paid off monthly.

They've offered me a £5K loan towards accommodation but this is only about a third of the annual budget I think I'll be looking at for rent (I'm looking for a one bedroom apartment) so I don't know if it's any use.

How strict are they on paying 12 months up front? I read on this site that some landlords will accept 12 post-dated cheques - is this common enough to rely on it?

I am worried that I'll get to Abu Dhabi and be rendered homeless because I don't have the capital to pay £15K+ up front!

Appreciate any advice and thanks in advance. K

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 May 2013 - 16:16

am looking for a sponsor to take up employment in UAE preferably Dubai or Abudhabi. Or any local partner for setting up small laundry or rent a car business. Replies or references will be appreciated.

Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Feb 2013 - 14:07

Hi Kimberloo,

There is a lot of expat accommodation in Abu Dhabi, in fact there is an over-supply of accommodation. Lots of rental properties are standing empty so landlords should be willing to negotiate.

I think if you are willing to be flexible you will be able to find an arrangement for paying the rent that will suit both you and the landlord.

The longer you give yourself to find a place the less pressure you'll have and stress if things were too fall through.

Best of luck.

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Feb 2013 - 15:03

I've lived in AD for the last 4 years, it is not common at all to find a landlord who will take 12 monthly instalments, regardless of the properties available, prices remain artificially high and you might be able to negotiate 4 payments at best, most of mine have wanted 1-2 cheques per year, but it will depend on the area you rent in and indeed whether the landlord is an individual (more flexible) or bank/company (not flexible). You are 100% right to get this sorted out before you come to AD, it's a very different place than Dubai and not all of the same rules apply.

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Feb 2013 - 22:49

Hi Emma Thanks for the response - I've been looking at propertyfinder.ae (and dubizzle to an extent) to get an idea of my budget for a one bedroom apartment but I saw on another post that you think property finder is overpriced. Is there another site you'd recommend? I'm starting to think I may be able to bring my budget down as my new employer isn't budging on how much they will lend. I'm sure it depends very much on which area I pick - I'd be really interested to hear where you'd recommend for a single woman in her 20s working in the Media Zone. Many thanks! K

Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Feb 2013 - 22:06

Thanks, Shantalie. How recently were you in Abu Dhabi?

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Feb 2013 - 18:24

thanks k you are doing a great job.

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Mar 2013 - 09:30

Sorry I didn't see this until now, I take it you are going to be working in tha Khalifa Park Area, which opens up really some good accommodation options in muroor road for you, a few mins in a taxi to work and town, supermarkets close by and an array of local shops and takeaways. For single women all areas are pretty safe, just the concessional stare but you get used to it. Dubizzle is good and realistic for prices, you can negotiate sometimes as well

Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Mar 2013 - 13:57

I would like to live and work in AD but dont know where to start, if there are agencies to contact, or any help on what is the best way to get a job there. Thanks

Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Jun 2013 - 10:11

Can someone tell me the best and closest area to rent a 2 bedroom villa/apartment with access to a swimming pool/supermarket when working at the Institute of Applied Technology in Abu Dhabi?

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