Well, first things first, those middle people... real estate people, who act between u and the landlord, well... dey can do whatever possible without the knowledge of the landlord. i.e. If the landload actually has requested for 4000/- for a 2-bedroom house, the middle people will add in another 2000/- so they can make profit out of it. Its a routine thing. Anywayz, you wud need to keep a cheque deposit for a month's advance rent. No yearly system like Dubai or 6months