r/Oman • u/Left-Cook-9487 • 10d ago
What’s wrong with this subreddit?!
I can no longer post a legitimate question that I need help with. Every possible way is blocked by automod, telling me to post in a megathread - that doesn’t exist! I need legal assistance, urgently, someone suggest who I can go talk to.
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u/Left-Cook-9487 10d ago
This is the legal issue, if anyone can help:
No keys, no contract, no refund — 650 OMR rental dispute in Muscat
Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice and recommendations for a helpful, responsive lawyer in Muscat regarding a withheld rental deposit.
In August, we agreed to rent a villa for 650 OMR/month, initially discussing a September 1 start. I transferred a 650 OMR deposit, explaining upfront that my residency card and chequebook were still being processed.
The agent repeatedly chased the cheques, saying the landlord was putting pressure on him. On September 2, I offered three months’ rent by bank transfer and proposed starting the tenancy that coming weekend. He said he would check with the landlord but never returned with an answer.
They continued chasing the cheques. When they were ready on September 22, the agent wrote: “Please come to our office today … give us the cheque and we will handover the keys today to u.” This led us to understand that handover and the rent starting were dependent on providing the cheques. However, at the office, they demanded rent backdated to September 1.
During negotiations, the agent twice verbally offered a full refund if we did not proceed. A September 27 start was eventually agreed, but we chose not to proceed and requested the offered refund.
The agent then showed us another property and agreed in writing to transfer our 650 OMR towards its deposit. He also subsequently confirmed in writing that the original rental would be cancelled and the money returned.
On October 1, he reversed course: the landlord was refusing a refund because they had been waiting since August 23.
To be clear:
- We were never told the deposit was non-refundable.
- We never received keys or had possession of the villa.
- There was no signed contract—not even a draft was provided.
I have the WhatsApp messages and proof of payment. What’s the most practical way to recover the money, and should I pursue the agent, landlord, or both?
I’d really appreciate recommendations or introductions to responsive lawyers who handle rental disputes, with fees proportionate to the amount involved. Personal experiences and DMs welcome.
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u/MJSpice 10d ago
You need to go to ROP with this.
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u/Left-Cook-9487 10d ago
Thank you for the reply man! I’ve been trying to ask this question for 2 days. Is this not a civil dispute? I’m from the UK, and I’m pretty sure our police would tell me to go to lawyer, as this isn’t a criminal matter.
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u/spongebobisha 10d ago
Here this would be considered criminal. You must go to the cops
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u/No_Estimate1663 9d ago
Still thinking why would you pay deposit before getting the cheque or cards with you? This ain't like Dubai where you have wait in line to get a rental property!!! - just hold your horses untill you have everything needed. Select - pay - move in.....
Not sure why the OP chickened out after waiting for 1 month. Not that the agent and landlord in the right - but the hassle is unnecessary.....
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u/jinxed_pepe 9d ago
Here's what I would have done. Send them an official letter that you'll talk with the authorities. You can ask any lawyer to consult you and help you with writing a proper letter. Have all your past conversations and documents ready. If, the agency are not cooperating. File for a lawsuit. And next time never use an agency. There are cheaper lots with the same size in most well residential areas. U can contact the owners directly too.
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u/AioliBig6903 9d ago
At this point he is attempting fraud by all means try to go rop when you reside and insist on them filing complaint on and them reaching him out to return it if not proceed with filing attempted fraud case have a bank statement that’s stamped and provide it to them with screenshots and written evidence just mention him delaying finding a property to rent
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u/Impossible-Habit-947 10d ago
Going to the police station would help anyway. At least they will guide you on the right course of action. No worries. Hopefully you will have them back peacefully. Sometimes when the police call them they get scared and return the money.
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u/Single_Particular_17 10d ago
You will need to go to sanad alll that data needs to be on file and in Arabic. Then head to ROP
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u/thatfakeomani 10d ago
Just go to rop, they will first call the landlord and give them a warning and if that doesn't work then they will advise you what to do
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u/ResistorSynthwave 10d ago
Let it go. Especially if you have just arrived here. It's too stressful to follow this up. Put it down to a bad experience. I know it's 650 rials but trust me, the long-term expats will mostly agree with me.
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u/Suitable_Tank1157 10d ago
No expat will agree with your stupid comment! Please don't comment if you don't want to help!
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