Accommodation in the United Arab Emirates: scams you should look out for

Hi Bhavna,

Please contact me on *** I will explain you in detail. I have Whatsapp on same number.

Thank you for asking. We are Indians but we didn’t want to move to an Indian locality or something. Instead we wanted close proximity to my husband’s office in Deira, and moved into a posh hoity-toity apartment that was absolutely a dream - right above his office, opposite Union Metro Station, had grocery store and a mall right under. But here’s the list to look out for. We hired Shades Property (while we were living in Vietnam) to finalize the apartment. These guys charged us AED 6500/- for the arrangement but turns out that the leasing department of my apartment had ordered them not to charge tenants. By a stroke of luck I complained to the agent for the shit service with CC to the leasing department and that’s how I saved my money.
Secondly, we had housekeeping however some government rules came in October 2018 and it stopped. The apartment made no arrangements for housekeeping. Thirdly, it is a serious pain to get your deposit back. 500 phone calls, 300 emails... and I’m still waiting for the deposit. I know they will send, but hey, now. I obviously had a great apartment but the human parts of my apartment stay was pathetic which ruins the experience. Always remember that in Dubai, if you have even 2aed in your pocket, there will be 500 people wanting it, and once they get their money, no one cares. Good luck!

Hi,

I had a chance to rent the properties from bank in Abu Dhabi. It have been a 2 bedroom apartment with total of 55000. I have never known that bank property will be asking 5000 Deposit and you have to pay deposit for the electricity and water but finally everything got paid.

After a year, when I have decided to the quit after the contract ended. I have asked bank regarding the deposit of 5000 and they have sent a third party inspection team. Inspection report come up with Bill of 25000 which I have to pay.
I have requested bank the detail of inspection report and find out that they have reported many missing things which never have been there because third party have Done inspection on the standard of 5 star hotel and they don't want to listen whether these things ever exist in apartment.

Well it have been a long procedures to talk and been absent from work days to bank and properties representative and finally all cleared but haven't received a single dirham from deposit

Hi

this is happening a lot, most people end up to don't receive their deposit back.

Did you find any organization  that would help into the complain?

thanks

Thank you for asking. Luckily we got a confirmation from Al Ghurair leasing department that a deposit will be done after minor deductions (I don’t know what deductions because I know I scrubbed & cleaned the apartment like I was the last Cinderella), but well, getting the deposit and half month’s rent back. (A year worth’s rent was paid by cheques.)
I consider myself lucky to have rented an apartment with a reputed place. I don’t know of any authority who could help the less fortunate though!
Good luck! :-)
A