Most people renting rooms in the UAE are honest. The few who aren't use the same tricks again and again, and you can spot nearly all of them.
Common scams
- "Pay to hold it": a great price, someone else is "about to take it", and you're asked to transfer a deposit before seeing the place.
- The fake owner: someone shows the flat but has no right to rent it, collects deposits from several people, then disappears.
- Photos that don't match: pictures copied from another listing or a hotel.
- Surprise costs: "bills extra", "agent fee" or "key deposit" mentioned only when you arrive with your bags.
Checklist before you pay
- View the place in person (or by live video if you're abroad, then visit before paying the rest).
- Ask who holds the tenancy contract, and if they're sub-letting, for the landlord's written consent.
- Agree rent, deposit, bills and notice in writing (WhatsApp is fine).
- Pay by bank transfer to a named person and get a receipt.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a deposit before viewing a room in Dubai?
No. Pay only after you've seen the place and met the person renting it, and always get a receipt.
How do I check that someone is allowed to rent out a room?
Ask who holds the tenancy contract. If they're the tenant rather than the owner, ask for the landlord's written consent to sublet.