Betterliving March 2019

Home security | PROPERTY
property to make sure all is in order.
The final step is to hand back the keys,
at which point your deposit should
be returned.
CUT THE CONNECTION
On the day your tenancy expires you
need to either call or put in an online
request to DEWA to let them know
you’re moving out and to prepare the
final bill. This usually takes 24 hours.
There’s a Dhs120-320 disconnection
charge (excluding VAT) plus final bill
amount. Any DEWA deposit will be
refunded to a specified bank account or
by cheque. If you already have a new
pad, you can transfer your account
through the online ‘Move To’ service.
With Empower, it’s a similar process
but you’ll also need to visit their offices
in person to make the final payment
and get clearance.
PLEASE HANG UP
For Du, call their customer care line
(800 155) at least three days prior
to moving out to request a 72-hour
callback to explain the process,
then pop into one of the customer
care centres to pay your final bill
(and collect any monies owed). It’s
a similar story with Etisalat (800
101). If you have an eLife package,
don’t forget to read the small print,
as you’ll probably be locked into a
contracted period with penalties
for early cancellation, plus there’s
also a standard 30-day cancellation
notice period.
MOVING WITHIN DUBAI?
Accounts can be transferred fairly
easily, call the helpline at least four
working days before you relocate
to set the wheels in motion and
schedule a technician visit to your
new place (fees apply). Same as
moving in, some communities will
require you to obtain a moving-out
permit. Some buildings may also
request a landlord no objection
certificate/letter (NOC).
NOTICE OF EVICTION
An unexpected eviction notice can be a shock to the system, so
be aware of your rights. If your landlord wants to move into the property
himself or sell it, a written 12-month notice period is required. Eviction
(upon expiration of current contract) is only possible if the landlord
plans to demolish the property or if it needs serious maintenance/
renovation (Dubai Municipality technical report required).
DUE TO RENEW
Before you sign on the dotted line,
make sure you check:
1 What’s going on in the ’hood?
Any major construction projects
coming up that could drive you
crazy noise wise or potentially
affect your home, such as blocking
out natural light.
2 The RERA Rental Index to make
sure that you’re paying a fair
rate for the area. Find it online at
dubailand.gov.ae.
3 If you think you’re paying over
the odds, negotiate! If the situation
isn’t resolved and the RERA Rental
Index is in your favour, you can
consider filing a complaint with the
Dubai Land Department’s Rental
Dispute Settlement Centre. A 3.5%
fee (based on total annual rent)
is payable, but if you win the case
this is refunded. Other fees may
also apply.
4 It’s also worth negotiating terms
and conditions if you are looking
for a better deal, such as paying
in four rather than two cheques or
asking for an extra parking space.
Words: Claire Malcolm
BREAKING YOUR CONTRACT
Need to cut short your tenancy contract? Check the small print for early exit penalty
clauses. Also, don’t forget that your current Ejari contract remains live until all issues are
resolved. If you have issued post-dated cheques, ask for them to be returned or written
confirmation of non-encashment.
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