Dubai’s short-term rental market has grown fast. That’s good news for travellers — more choice, more competition, better value. But it’s also produced listings that look impressive in photos and disappoint in person, unlicensed operators, and “fully furnished” descriptions that mean a kettle and a folding table.
Here are the ten things you should check before booking any holiday home in Dubai — whether you’re staying with us or anyone else.
The single most important check on this list. All short-term rental operators in Dubai are required by law to hold a licence from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The licence number should be displayed on the listing and provided on request. A DET licence means the property has been inspected, the operator is registered, and your stay is covered by UAE consumer protection law.
Ask for the licence number and verify it at dtcm.gov.ae. If the operator won’t provide it, stop there.
Relegance Living’s DET Licence is #1472593.
In Dubai’s rental market, “fully furnished” has become nearly meaningless. Ask specifically: does the kitchen have full cooking equipment — pots, pans, utensils, chopping boards? Are linens hotel-quality? Is there a washer/dryer, hair dryer, toiletries, and tea/coffee for arrival? A properly equipped property answers yes to all of these.
Hidden fees are less common in holiday homes than hotels — but they exist. Always ask about: a separate cleaning fee (some operators add AED 150–400 on top), security deposit terms and when it’s returned, late checkout charges, parking (included or extra), and extra guest fees above listed occupancy.
When you book with Relegance Living, the price we quote is the price you pay. No cleaning fees added, no checkout surprises.
Don’t rely on a single source. Check Booking.com, Google Business Profile, Airbnb (if listed), and TripAdvisor. A pattern of strong reviews across platforms is a stronger signal than five stars on one. Pay particular attention to how the host responds to negative reviews — that tells you how they’ll behave when something goes wrong during your stay.
Relegance Living averages 9.6/10 on Booking.com. We respond to every review personally.
“Downtown Dubai” is a specific neighbourhood. “Near Downtown Dubai” is not. Before booking, get the exact building name, walking times to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain, and confirm which side of Sheikh Zayed Road the property is on. One side is Downtown. The other is Business Bay.
All four Relegance Living properties are confirmed in Downtown Dubai — within 5 minutes walk of Burj Khalifa, 3 minutes from Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain, 2 minutes from Dubai Opera.
Legitimate operators use secure payment gateways. Red flags: requests for wire transfer to a personal account, cryptocurrency payment, or cash only on arrival. We send a secure payment link via WhatsApp. All transactions confirmed in writing before payment is taken.
Understand the free cancellation window, the refund percentage if you cancel outside it, and what happens if the operator cancels (full refund should be standard). For non-refundable stays, travel insurance is worth considering.
There is a real difference between a manager who knows your apartment personally and a rotating team who’ve never been inside it. Ask directly: who will you contact if there’s an issue during your stay, and how quickly will they respond?
The Relegance Living team manages four homes. We know every property personally. We’re on WhatsApp throughout your stay — not a ticketing system, not a call centre.
Wide-angle lenses make rooms look bigger. Old photos don’t reflect current condition. Check that every room is photographed, the actual view from the window is shown, and the property looks well-maintained. If you can’t find enough photos to feel confident — ask. Any legitimate operator will send additional images immediately.
Don’t assume — confirm. For remote workers: WiFi speed (50Mbps+ for video calls). If driving: whether parking is included. If travelling with young children: whether a cot or high chair is available. These are simple questions that prevent genuine disappointments.
| # | What to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DET Licence | Active number, verifiable at dtcm.gov.ae |
| 2 | What fully furnished means | Full kitchen, hotel linens, washer/dryer, toiletries |
| 3 | Hidden fees | Cleaning fee, deposit terms, late checkout policy |
| 4 | Reviews | Multiple platforms, recent, host responds to feedback |
| 5 | Actual location | Exact address, confirmed walking times |
| 6 | Payment method | Secure gateway — no cash or personal bank transfers |
| 7 | Cancellation policy | Free window, clear terms, refund process confirmed |
| 8 | Property management | Named contact, direct WhatsApp, fast response time |
| 9 | Photo accuracy | All rooms shown, recent, honest view from window |
| 10 | Your specific amenities | WiFi speed, parking, pool access, cot if needed |
Every Relegance Living property passes all ten of these checks. If you have questions before booking, WhatsApp us — we respond in under 5 minutes between 7am and 11pm.