Accommodation in Jordan: scams you should look out for

Hi,

Committing to renting or buying accommodation when you're new to or have not moved to Jordan just yet is always a stressful endeavour. Would you like to help us in putting together a handbook of what to look out for when house hunting in Jordan?

What are the most common scams in Jordan?

What are the red flags to look out for when scanning through adverts?

Is there a list of registered or accredited landlords or real estate agencies in Jordan?

What authorities should be sought should one come across an accommodation scam?

Please share your experience,

Bhavna

Hello

I'm not an expert in this sides but in general never heard about this kind of scams.

What is possible to happen is to meet some who will try to get extra money from the foreigner, like if a foreigner ask a taxi driver to find him/her an apartment it is a chance to lose some money.

Please do a walk through  look for MOLD
If you can do a month to month lease
Please ask about utilities water electricity enquire about the bills make sure you are paying for the month you moved in make sure the bills are not already behind or in default. Furnished rentals are good but always check for broken or worn out bedding. Check to make sure the rental has some form of heating or cooling. Make sure there is a gas tank for the stove  if you use a wall unit for heating the bill is reasonable sometimes, but if not make sure there is some type of heater to keep warm during winter months. Also ask if there are any other fees you need to pay for instance sometimes there is an Egyptian living in the building keeping it clean and sometimes you will have to pay him  somethimg each month. Always enquire about the water it is nothing like America. Air conditioning can get very expensive during the summer so prepare to have fans on hand. Always get in writing everything you discussed with the landlord. Please ask question about any and everything BEFORE signing the lease. Unfurnished is much cheaper. You may also want to purchase your own bed linen and towels and covers. Get your address  from the landlord if you are planning on receiving or sending letters. Orange has the better imternet it comparable to verizon. Then there is ZAIN and Umniah much cheaper plans however it depends on the area where you live

Thanks Brenda. This is very useful info :) since I'm house hunting these days.