Dubai residents look for new home after evacuating 'tilted building'
As they search for new homes after evacuating a "tilted building," residents of Dubai face rent increases of up to Dh3,000.
Damage occurred to the building on 19 April after authorities evacuated residents who felt a jolt.
Those who lived in the Al Qaseer building are still in a state of uncertainty nearly one month after structural damage forced them to flee their homes. Nawal, who had resided in the building for two years, recounted the fact that their landlord had offered to cover their lodging expenses for as long as ten days. Then we were informed that May 12 would be our return date, but that never came to pass. The most recent information indicates that the building is expected to be completed by the month's end. The cost of our hotel apartments has been eating into our savings.
The structure at 4 Muhaisnah 'tilted' after taking damage on the evening of April 19. Authorities ordered the residents to leave their homes after they felt a jolt.
Uncertainty is making us sick to our stomachs, she added. We looked for alternative apartments nearby. Nevertheless, the rents for every single block in the area have been significantly increased. Indeed, as a result of the high demand caused by the large number of families seeking housing, the majority of residents who were required to renew their contracts within the past month experienced a rent increase ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh3,000.
According to her, they encountered numerous greedy real estate agents while looking for a new place to settle down. That some would request a higher commission and others would quote ridiculously high rates was what she put it. Our desperate need for a house was known to them. Instead of providing us with a receipt, another agent insisted that we pay the first bill in cash. It became clear to us later on that he was attempting to con us. For us, it has been a terribly traumatic experience.
Changing residences
A new Ras Al Khor house has been rented out to Mohammed and his family after days of uncertainty. "Our original plan was to return on May 12, but due to the delay, we have decided to proceed with another plan," he stated. My kids were sick multiple times in the nearly month we were in the hotel apartments. The uncertainty must have worn them down. We made the decision to search for a different flat.
He claims that permission was granted for them to remove their belongings from the premises. He mentioned that they had to inform the security guard of the desired arrival time for the movers. "They made it possible for us to remove everything by arranging for a pass."
In addition to over 800 apartments, the building also featured a clinic and a store. Nawal claims that everyone living there is devastated about having to find new housing. A top-tier structure in the neighbourhood, she remarked. The rooms were large, bright, and conveniently located. A large playground was one of the many features of the building. Visitors from all over the world would exclaim how great it was as a building.
Taking a patient approach
Others are still on the waiting list to return to the building, even though some have already moved out. An anonymous local resident said he planned to just wait it out. "I have faith that the building will be repaired promptly and that Dubai Municipality will approve it," he stated. We have made some incredible friends in our time here, and the building is great as well. It would be more convenient for us to wait and return to the same location.
Construction work is underway to fix the building's issues, which included a completely submerged second basement during the rains. Authorities have cordoned off the area.
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