Dubai’s real estate market is booming, bringing in an influx of tenants and landlords. A security deposit is collected by the landlord to guarantee the regular maintenance and repairs of the tenant’s apartment.
As a tenant in Dubai, it is important to get your remaining security deposit back before you move out. This guide helps you understand Dubai’s Rental Law and lists tips to ensure you get your deposit back.
- Dubai Rental Law
- Tips to Ensure You Get Security Deposit Back
- How to File a Complaint if Landlord Does Not Return Deposit
- Document Proofs to Keep in Case of Dispute
- FAQs
Dubai Rental Law;
As a renter in Dubai, certain rights are safeguarded under the Law No. (26) of 2007. They are amended by Law No. (33) of 2008, regulating and protecting the relationship between tenants and landlords.
The law stipulates, “When entering into a Lease Contract, a landlord can collect from the renter a security deposit for maintenance purposes of the real property upon expiry of the Lease Contract. The landlord must refund this security deposit or the balance to the tenant upon expiry of the Lease Contract.” The law exercises two key points:
- The landlord must refund the security deposit
- Deposit is used for maintenance of property
The law does not state the exact amount deductible from the tenant’s security deposit amount for wear and tear.
Tips to Ensure You Get Security Deposit Back;
Do plan to rent short-term in Dubai or long-term? Either way, here are some tips to ensure you get your security deposit back.
Know Your Rights About The Security Deposit
As a renter in Dubai, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. Strict laws and regulations are exercised to ensure tenants know their rights and fight for them if needed. Here are some you should know before moving in:
- As per article 15 in Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is bound to hand over the real property in livable condition.
- Per Article 16, the landlord is responsible for real property maintenance.
- As per Article 17, the landlord cannot make any changes to the amenities and annexes that would preclude the tenant from full use of the property as intended.
- The landlord is responsible for returning the agreed security deposit amount upon expiry of the lease.
Final Maintenance and Repair
Tenants might not get their deposit back due to major damages and required wall repairs. Here are some tips for final maintenance and repair:
- Fill in wall holes
- Remove hooks and nails drilled into the walls
- Repaint chipped walls
- Replace broken knobs or handles on cabinets
- Remove or replace broken furniture in case of returning an originally unfurnished apartment
Inspect Property Before Move-In
As the security deposit return amount depends on the property’s condition, tenants should inspect the property before moving in. Take photographic evidence of pre-damaged walls, holes, pipelines, heat and refrigeration issues.
Read Your Contract Before Moving in
Most tenants only skim through their lease contracts before moving in. Here are some things you should know before signing a tenancy agreement. It helps renters guarantee their rights:
- Make sure the property is a verified listing
- Ask the landlord for proof of payment regarding service charges and utilities
- Road maintenance agreements on both ends
- Ensure the landlord signs the agreement too
- Read the terms and conditions beforehand
Clear Your Bills For Security Deposit
Before moving out, clearing any final bills and dues is essential. Some ways to ensure full payment are as follows:
- Inform DEWA regarding your move out date and request a final bill
- Pay your outstanding bills and keep proof of payment
- Cancel subscriptions such as internet, cable TV or gym memberships
- Return internet modems or devices to service providers
Do a Final Inspection
Before returning your apartment keys, conduct a final inspection with your landlord to ensure you get your deposit back. Some steps that you should follow are:
- Schedule a convenient inspection time and date
- Note down any major or minor damages
- Capture pictures of the property’s condition
- Sign a final document confirming the final inspection and retain copies
How to File a Complaint if Landlord Does Not Return Security Deposit
If the landlord has not returned your deposit despite you following the required measures, here are the steps to take:
- File a formal complaint with the RDC (Dubai Rental Dispute Centre) of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
- Pay a 3.5% fee of your annual rent and submit the required documents
- The RDC assigns a case manager to find a settlement between both parties
Document Proofs to Keep in Case of Dispute;
Filing a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre helps settle disputes between landlords and tenants. However, keeping documents as proof in case of a future dispute is necessary, including:
- Tenancy Contract
- Ejari certificate
- Inventory list
- Inspection report
- Utility bills
- Maintenance requests
- Rent receipts
FAQs
When registering a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre, here are the documents that you need to submit:
– Tenancy contract
– Proof of payment for rent and bills
– Inspection report
– Ejari certificate
The security deposit is acquired at the beginning of a rental lease for maintenance and repair purposes. The landlord has the right to deduct a certain amount to pay for damages by the tenant.
That concludes all there is to know about how to get your security deposit back in Dubai. Knowing your tenant rights, keeping document proof and knowing the Dubai Rental Laws ensures you get your money back.
Keep reading Property Finder blogs to learn more about Dubai’s rental laws!
