How do I confirm that someone is authorised to rent out a property?

Ask for the property’s title deed and verify it through Dubai Land Department’s title deed verification service or Dubai REST. Match the property details and owner’s name with the proposed tenancy contract and the owner’s identification. DLD provides an official service for checking the validity of title deeds.

If someone will sign for the owner, ask for their identification and the document granting that authority. DLD’s tenancy registration requirements specify that the landlord must be the owner or a legal representative with an official power of attorney. Check that the authority covers leasing the property and signing the agreement, and separately confirm authority to collect payments. Ask the relevant registration centre or issuing authority to clarify anything unclear about the document’s validity or scope.

For a property management company, verify its licence and its appointment to manage that particular property. If the property has multiple owners or is company-owned, confirm that the proposed signatory has the necessary authority. An agent’s permission to advertise a home should not be treated as permission to sign for its owner.

Before paying, obtain written payment instructions and check that the recipient is the owner or a party whose collection authority has been verified. Keep the supporting documents, signed agreement and receipts together.