Where to look for a 3BHK
- Space for the money: Al Taawun and Al Nahda Sharjah.
- Dubai value with schools nearby: Al Qusais, Mirdif, Al Warqa, Silicon Oasis.
- Newer communities: JVC, Sports City, Motor City, Al Furjan.
- Central: Al Barsha, JLT, Dubai Marina.
In Mirdif, Al Warqa and Al Furjan a 3-bedroom townhouse or villa can cost close to a 3BHK flat in a central tower, with a garden. Tell us if you're open to both.
How the lease works
- Contract: Dubai family flats are normally let on a 12-month contract registered with Ejari. Monthly or 3-month furnished stays exist but cost more per month.
- Payment: rent is paid by post-dated cheques. Fewer cheques (1–2) gets a lower rent; 4, 6 or 12 cheques are negotiable, and some owners accept monthly bank transfer.
- Security deposit: commonly about 5% of the yearly rent for unfurnished and about 10% for furnished, refundable at the end.
- Agency fee: agents usually charge around 5% of the yearly rent. Stayshay charges families nothing.
- DEWA (water and electricity): a refundable connection deposit is paid when you activate the account (larger for villas than apartments), plus monthly bills. Ask whether chiller/AC is included, it changes the bill a lot.
- Family visa link: your Ejari is one of the documents used for sponsoring your spouse and children, so make sure the contract is in the sponsor's name.
Checks before you sign
- Visit at the time you'd commute, and check the walk to the metro or bus stop with children.
- Check the chiller/AC arrangement (DEWA-included, Empower or a separate chiller bill).
- Ask for the title deed or the owner's ID and make sure the person you pay is the owner or a RERA-registered broker.
- Never pay a deposit before viewing. Pay by cheque or bank transfer to the owner's or agency's account, and get a receipt.
- Agree in writing who pays maintenance and what happens if you need to leave early (often 1–2 months' rent penalty).
