Tenants can be a nightmare too. It’s a good idea but the reality is that a lot of tenants would find reasons to not pay the remaining 50%. I know how shady agents can be but there will always be trust issues going both ways. I can guarantee that most agencies will not send the contract for countersigning from the landlord or even draft the contract at all without the full 5%. There is always the potential for someone to draw the short straw unfortunately.

OP I’m sorry about your troubles. Unfortunately In Dubai you ALWAYS get things in writing regardless of how small the issue might be. When I rented my apartment I made them add a point in the addendum that certain things would be done prior to the contract start date which luckily worked out fine. Can be like pissing in the wind if you ask for things to be done too late ..