I think all this discussion is a waist and I am adding my comment to it as it is a harsh reality of every expat who has to run to arrange for his own housing.
all suggestions above favor customers........
what is in market that favors owners and real estate companies and if I am not wrong I feel financing sector is playing a good role to it too to keep it the way it is.
companies recruit people and leave them in jungle to look for housing rather than providing housing.

it was not very far few years ago when we use to speak direct with owner n settle our demands and rent n use to stay in good relation with these guys.
time changed and all predefined contracts in favor of real-estates only unless customer have enough money to just through away.
law is there but but ............. always I found real-estate as beneficiary.
big companies don't ask for charge for office or money to agent who show u home but they are too expensive and they tell u simple "" u like it u take it u don't like leave it don't talk about rent"
smaller companies their office either take money ( office charge) or they unauthorized agents out to rigg the customer and they get their share.

I wonder in a country where oil is fixed at a price and money is so much That If Qatar is rebuilt again even though they will have enough, where rich people now looking for extreme of luxury, they say things are expensive and they have to raise the rent.............

a lot of people in this country al living in one room with families in unhygienic conditions where they can live in proper conditions if rents are adjusted according to expat salaries.

companies previously were providing housing are no more interested to give housing as it would cost them high so they give small amount of rent ( as compared to market rent) to the employees to save their money.............

I wish someone would look in to the matter...........