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Tenant RightsNovember 2026 · 6 min read
Rental Scams in Dubai: Verify the Landlord and Agent
Last updated 5 November 2026
Rental scams in Dubai usually follow the same script: an attractive price, pressure to move fast, and a request for money before you've checked who you're dealing with. The good news is that DLD gives you free tools to verify almost everything in a few minutes.
The warning signs
The rent is far below similar units in the same building.
The 'owner' is abroad and can't show the flat, but wants a deposit to 'hold' it.
The agent can't give a broker registration number (BRN), or the name on the licence doesn't match the person you're talking to.
The listing shows no permit number, or the permit is for a different unit or agency.
You're asked to pay cash, crypto or to a personal account before any contract is signed.
Five checks before you pay anything
1
Match the landlord to the title deed
Ask for the title deed and check the owner's name against the person signing. If someone else signs, ask for a valid power of attorney. Article 4 of the rental law requires the contract to name the owner if the landlord is not the owner.
DLD's 'Verify License and Permits' service, on the DLD website and in the Dubai REST app, lets you check the e-copies of licences and permits that DLD issues to real estate practitioners through Trakheesi. DLD's FAQ also notes that all real estate brokers can be found on the DLD website.
3
Check the advert's permit
Real estate advertisements need a permit issued through DLD's Trakheesi system. Take the permit number from the listing and confirm it through the same DLD check. The agency and unit should match what you were told.
4
Check who manages the building
If a licensed property management company runs the building, DLD routes Ejari registration through that company. Ask them to confirm the unit is genuinely available.
5
Pay only against a signed contract
Use the unified tenancy contract, pay by traceable method (cheque or bank transfer to the owner or the licensed agency), and keep receipts.
Be careful with 'holding fees' and 'viewing fees' too. A genuine licensed agency can tell you its office registration details, show the broker's licence, and put every payment on a receipt with its name. If any of that is missing, walk away. Another flat will come along, and your money is much harder to get back than it is to keep.
Security deposits
Under Article 20 of Law 26 of 2007, a landlord may take a security deposit when the lease is signed and must refund it, or the remainder, when the lease ends. A deposit for a lease that was never signed has no such protection, which is exactly why scammers ask for one up front.
If something goes wrong
Stop all further payments and don't hand over original documents.
Save chats, adverts (screenshots with the permit number), receipts and IDs you were shown.
Report fraud to Dubai Police. Report broker or advertising misconduct to DLD/RERA.
If you have a genuine signed contract and the dispute is with a real landlord, the Rental Disputes Centre handles it.
How do I check if a Dubai real estate agent is licensed?
Use DLD's 'Verify License and Permits' service on the DLD website or the Dubai REST app. DLD's FAQ also says all real estate brokers can be found on the DLD website.
What is a Trakheesi permit?
Trakheesi is the DLD system that issues licences and permits to real estate practitioners, including permits for real estate advertisements. You can verify these via DLD's licence and permit check.
How do I know the landlord really owns the property?
Ask for the title deed and check the name matches the person signing, or that the signer holds a valid power of attorney. DLD offers a title deed verification service through its website and the Dubai REST app.
Is it normal to pay a deposit before viewing?
Don't. Pay only after you've seen the unit, verified the owner and agent, and have a signed unified tenancy contract. Then register Ejari promptly.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
Stop further payments, keep every message and receipt, report it to Dubai Police, and tell DLD/RERA if a licensed broker or a permit number was involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a Dubai real estate agent is licensed?+
Use DLD's 'Verify License and Permits' service on the DLD website or the Dubai REST app. DLD's FAQ also says all real estate brokers can be found on the DLD website.
What is a Trakheesi permit?+
Trakheesi is the DLD system that issues licences and permits to real estate practitioners, including permits for real estate advertisements. You can verify these via DLD's licence and permit check.
How do I know the landlord really owns the property?+
Ask for the title deed and check the name matches the person signing, or that the signer holds a valid power of attorney. DLD offers a title deed verification service through its website and the Dubai REST app.
Is it normal to pay a deposit before viewing?+
Don't. Pay only after you've seen the unit, verified the owner and agent, and have a signed unified tenancy contract. Then register Ejari promptly.
What should I do if I've been scammed?+
Stop further payments, keep every message and receipt, report it to Dubai Police, and tell DLD/RERA if a licensed broker or a permit number was involved.