Can I rent a property without viewing it in person?

Ask for a live walkthrough showing the apartment number, every room, windows, bathrooms, appliances and any existing damage. Request views of the corridors, lifts, parking bay and building entrance too. A trusted representative can also check things that video may miss, such as smells, noise, water pressure and the condition of shared facilities.

Verify the agent, ownership and authority to rent the property before signing or paying. Check the advertisement’s permit details, confirm the exact unit in the tenancy agreement and obtain the complete payment and refund terms in writing. Remote signing does not remove the documentation requirements for Ejari registration.

Ask who will inspect the property at handover, record defects and collect the keys. If repairs or cleaning are promised, document the work and completion date. Avoid treating a signed handover form as a formality when nobody has checked the apartment on your behalf.

If you cannot arrange a reliable inspection, temporary accommodation gives you time to view homes after arriving.