Abu Dhabi Court orders man to repay Dh72,000 in rental scam case

Abu Dhabi: A man has been ordered to repay Dh72,125 and an additional Dh5,000 in damages after he was found guilty of defrauding a prospective tenant in a rental scam, according to a ruling by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Court.

The case was filed by a man who claimed the defendant had offered to help him secure a rental apartment, allowing him to inspect the unit and convincing him to pay the full rental amount in advance. Trusting the offer, the plaintiff issued four cheques totalling Dh72,125. Court documents revealed that the property had already been leased to another tenant.

The court found that the defendant had knowingly used fraudulent methods to obtain the funds, reinforcing his deception by arranging the property viewing and demanding upfront payment. After cashing the cheques, the defendant failed to deliver the apartment and made no attempt to return the money.

In his complaint, the plaintiff sought Dh143,125 in total damages, including Dh103,125 in direct financial losses, Dh20,000 in indirect losses, and Dh20,000 in compensation for emotional distress. While the court acknowledged the defendant’s guilt, it awarded the plaintiff Dh72,125—the full amount fraudulently obtained—and Dh5,000 in moral compensation.

The defendant had already been convicted in related criminal proceedings, fined, and ordered to pay court costs. He neither appeared in civil court nor provided evidence that the money had been repaid.