Table of Contents
When people in Dubai move out, getting their security deposit back is often the most stressful part. The law makes it clear that landlords have to return deposits after taking out reasonable costs, but disputes still happen all the time.
Tenants can protect their rights, get proof, and avoid losing money needlessly if they know why their security deposit is delayed or denied. This guide lists the most common reasons why landlords keep deposits and tells tenants what they can do legally.
The Purpose of a Security Deposit Return in Dubai
The return of the security deposit is meant to cover real damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Dubai law says that the landlord can’t use the deposit as extra money or charge extra for normal wear and tear on the property.
Legally, once the tenant moves out and returns the property in a reasonable state, only repair costs that can be proven should be taken out of the security deposit return.
Major Reasons for Delay or Denial of Security Deposit Return
Property Damage that has crossed Normal Wear and Tear and Security Deposit Return
An often-used reason for not returning a security deposit is damage to the property. Deductions may be allowed for things like broken fixtures, damaged flooring, cracked tiles, or stained carpets.
Renters, on the other hand, often mix up normal wear and tear with damage. Paint fading, small scratches, or loose handles are usually just signs of normal wear and tear and shouldn’t stop you from getting your full security deposit back.
Outstanding Bills and Security Deposit Return Issues
If you don’t pay your DEWA, cooling, internet, or gas bills, the landlord may take money out of your security deposit before giving it back to you.
To keep the security deposit return on time, tenants should always pay their bills and keep the closing receipts.
Need a More information About It?
Our agents will help you explore premium options tailored to your lifestyle, location preferences, and investment goals.
Unapproved Alterations and Impact on Security Deposit Return
When you drill holes in the wall, paint over things you shouldn’t, put up shelves, or change fittings without permission, the security deposit return is often taken away.
Even if the changes made to the property made it better, the landlord can legally demand that it be returned to its original state before giving back the security deposit.
Incomplete Cleaning and Delayed Security Deposit Return
At handover, most people expect a professional cleaning service. If there is dust, grease, or pest damage, cleaning fees may be taken out of the security deposit return.
Cleaning deductions that are reasonable are okay, but charging too much without invoices is against the law.
Missing Keys, Access Cards, or Parking Remotes Affecting Security Deposit Return
At handover, most people expect a professional cleaning service. If there is dust, grease, or pest damage, cleaning fees may be taken out of the security deposit return.
Cleaning deductions that are reasonable are okay, but charging too much without invoices is against the law.
Early Termination and Contract Breach and Security Deposit Return
If a tenant moves out early without giving enough notice or breaks the terms of the lease, the landlord may keep some of the deposit as payment.
But even if the tenant moves out early, the landlord has to explain why they took money out of the security deposit before they can refuse to give it back.
How to Protect Your Security Deposit Return in Dubai
To make sure you get your security deposit back, you should do a pre-handover inspection, take pictures of the property’s condition, and ask for a joint exit report.
Always ask for repair bills and settlement statements to be written down. Landlords can’t legally refuse to return the security deposit without proof.
If problems keep happening, tenants can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). The RDSC often tells landlords to return security deposits that were wrongfully held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, the return of the security deposit should happen within a reasonable amount of time after the keys are turned over, after the final inspection and payment of all bills.
No, any amount taken out of the security deposit must be backed up by repair bills, inspection reports, or statements of bills that haven’t been paid.
Only if the paint needs to be redone because of damage other than normal wear and tear. Normal fading shouldn’t have an effect on the return of the security deposit.
The renter can file a claim with RDSC, show proof of handover, and ask a judge to order the security deposit to be returned.
Yes, if hiring a professional cleaner is required by law and there are bills to back it up. Charges that are too high or not deserved can be fought.
Join The Discussion