Saff_Parker

Hey guys

11 days until I move out ().

I've been scouring flat shares on Dubizzle for the past week or so and I see many adverts that don't seem to be placed by existing residents? But rather the actual landlord of the property.

For example, "LOTS OF SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR RENT IN HORIZON TOWER, DEWA, INTERNET, MAID SERVICES INCLUDED, XXXX AED PER MONTH PLEASE CALL FOR VIEWING."

Maybe I am being too cautious, but is that normal? I don't know why it would be abnormal but I guess I expected to see an abundance of more personalised adverts along the lines of "couple of expat girls seeking flatmate to fill room, furnished, rent is xxx per month etc" rather than these standardised repetitive adverts. I guess I assumed the landlord would go through estate agents or something? I don't know...

If anyone has got any words of warning about flatshares, or tips gathered from personal experience, please do share!

Thanks!

Saff

Patsy Stoned

Wait until you are here. Talk to your workmates, there are always people looking for a flatmate. Take a service apartment for a month and get to know the place first.

mentalist

As your research presumably shows, flat-sharing is technically illegal but is popular nevertheless. It may explain why many flatmate seekers are afraid of advertising. The other reason could be that their tenancy agreement may well specify that no subletting is permitted. Like Patsy suggested, wait until you get here. You will find adverts pinned on supermarket notice boards.

auzdafluff

The larger flats (3+ rooms) tend to be let out directly by the landlord, or by someone subletting. Be very careful if you're looking for a flat share. And avoid Horizon Tower.

If you're serious about looking for a flat share, I can give you details of someone I rented a room from for 16 months. Great guy. He tries to keep his flats a mix between boys and girls as it stops it from becoming too rowdy or bitchy.

PM me if you're interested and I'll send you his details.

Saff_Parker

Cheers I'll drop you a line

scrubbedexpat141

Definitely avoid Horizon...I ad a hooker (hideous) follow me from reception (where she was sat without issue) up to the apartment and try to come in with me. Hateful block.

Nellie1584

Is it quite easy to find flat shares? I'm moving over in early jan and I've been finding it hard to find info. I've always used gumtree for flats in London without any issue but feels like its a very different situ in Dubai

auzdafluff

You want the local version; www.dubizzle.com