Hello there

I am trying to rent an apartment for 12 months on the basis of two 6 monthly rent payments that would be transferred from Europe to an owner’s bank account here, as I do not yet have residency, only a tourist visa, and thus no local bank a/c. Some real estate people are saying "no problem", others are suggesting that it is illegal without residency, but that maybe I could sign a sub-let type document. Does anyone know if I can possibly hope to get a long term agreement WITHOUT residency? One agent I spoke to offered me a monthly arrangement but then I assume I could be moved on quite easily under such a deal. In the past I have been wary of monthly rents - expensive or so I thought, but also because I assumed getting a phone and internet set up would be risky as it might only be a short term stay. However perhaps getting such utilities is impossible without residency anyway? As you can see, I am in bad need of advice! Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Reply
My understanding it that you have to have residency - or proof that the visa application is in progress - in order to rent legally.

I'm still awaiting my visa, but have successfully rented on the basis of a letter from my employer.

I also managed to get the DEWA utility connection - the rental agent offered to do it for me, I simply handed her the cheque and she did the rest, which worked. Unfortunately I've not managed to get the phone (and thus TV and internet) connected yet!!