Dubai’s real estate market has long been a magnet for investors and property owners eager to tap into the lucrative world of short-term rentals. With the city’s growing popularity as a global tourism and business hub, the short-term rental business has flourished, offering landlords the promise of higher returns compared to traditional long-term leasing. However, this promise comes with its own set of risks—especially when property owners hand over control to third-party property management companies like AirDxB.
AirDxB markets itself as a premium short-term rental and property management company in Dubai. Their service pitch includes end-to-end solutions—from listing on major platforms like Airbnb (though several users claim they are now banned from it), to interior renovations, guest handling, and income management. While this might sound attractive to absentee landlords or those new to the rental business, numerous landlord testimonials paint a very different picture.
Growing Discontent Among Landlords
Several property owners who partnered with AirDxB have reported troubling experiences, raising red flags for prospective landlords. One user referred to AirDxB as an “exploitative scam,” accusing them of significantly underreporting earnings while refusing to share verifiable booking receipts from platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. Despite being assured of transparency, landlords allege that AirDxB only provides internal, unverifiable reports—raising concerns about revenue manipulation.
Another landlord shared on Reddit that they were charged AED 2,000 for an initial inspection and renovation quote, only to be ghosted by the company when follow-ups were requested. When a refund was demanded, AirDxB allegedly hid behind signed contracts and refused to return the money. Multiple reviewers also claim that once a landlord signs a contract, they are trapped with stiff penalties for early termination.
Transparency and Control: A Major Concern
A recurring theme in these reviews is lack of transparency. Property owners say they were denied access to the very platforms where their properties were listed. Instead, they had to rely on AirDxB’s own system for updates and earnings reports—systems that could be manipulated without any oversight. One user compared it to hiring a digital marketer who refuses to give access to your own ad account, making it impossible to monitor or validate campaign performance.
Another worrying claim is AirDxB’s alleged practice of intimidating landlords and reviewers. Several users said they received legal threats when they tried to leave negative reviews, and in many cases, online complaints were removed within 48 hours—suggesting a well-resourced PR operation aimed at suppressing criticism.
Lessons for Landlords
The Dubai rental market offers strong opportunities, but it’s not without risks. The AirDxB example underscores the importance of due diligence, transparency, and contractual control. Before signing with any property management firm, landlords should:
- Insist on direct access to all booking platforms and financial dashboards.
- Avoid contracts with heavy penalties for termination or limited exit clauses.
- Verify online reviews carefully, and look beyond paid promotions.
- Consult legal counsel to review agreements.
- Stay actively involved, especially if you’re managing property remotely.
While the Dubai rental business can be profitable, the experience with AirDxB reveals how things can go wrong when owners surrender too much control. As the short-term rental industry matures, so must the practices of those who operate within it—and the caution of those who invest in it.
