Define the Mandate in Writing

List every responsibility before comparing fees: marketing, viewings, tenant screening, contract administration, tenancy registration, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination and renewal or exit support. Dubai Land Department provides digital property-management contract services through Dubai REST, making a clear, current and properly documented mandate especially important. Review the active rental market

• List every included service
• Confirm authority and limits
• Keep the mandate current

Audit the Leasing and Tenant Process

Ask how rent is recommended, comparables are selected, enquiries are logged, applicants are screened and approvals are recorded. Confirm who signs, registers and renews the tenancy and how deposits and payments are handled. A reliable manager should produce an auditable process rather than rely on verbal updates. Review Dubai rental demand

• Check comparable selection
• Document tenant approvals
• Confirm registration responsibility

Control Maintenance and Owner Funds

Set approval thresholds, emergency procedures, quotation requirements and rules for related-party contractors. Confirm how rent, deposits, service invoices and maintenance expenses are recorded and reconciled. Reporting should show income, costs, open work orders and supporting documents for the exact property. Understand the impact of recurring costs

• Set spending approval limits
• Require supporting documents
• Reconcile owner funds regularly

Measure Performance and Plan the Exit

Agree on reporting frequency and useful measures such as enquiry quality, days vacant, renewal outcomes, arrears, maintenance response and unresolved issues. Review notice, handover, data access and document-transfer terms before appointment. The owner should retain a complete record that another manager or buyer can understand. Browse current Dubai properties

• Agree on meaningful metrics
• Review termination terms
• Retain complete property records