Flat Rental Process

Hello, I already searched this sub but I couldn't find a definite answer on how a person can rent a flat in Dubai. These are my questions:

  1. What is the payment method? Deposit or cheque?
  2. Is it true that lessors prefer an annual/bi-annual cheque?
  3. Is there an option for monthly stay if someone can't afford annual payment?
  4. What is a chiller fee? Is this separate from utilities? (DEWA)

I'm moving to dubai soon and my employer will only cover the first month so ih ave to find a flat for myself within the first month.