AD
Renting a property in Dubai comes with the legal right to reclaim your security deposit, provided the property is returned in the condition it was received (excluding normal wear and tear) and all outstanding bills are settled. This is stipulated under Dubai’s tenancy law, Law No. 26 of 2007.
However, tenants sometimes face delays or disagreements when retrieving their deposit. If a landlord refuses to return the deposit without valid reason, tenants can escalate the matter through Dubai’s Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).
What is a Rental Security Deposit?
A rental security deposit is a refundable payment collected by landlords before tenants move in. It covers potential property damage or unpaid bills and must be returned once the tenant vacates the property, as long as all conditions are met.
Standard Security Deposit Amounts:
Unfurnished properties: 5% of the annual rent
Furnished properties: 10% of the annual rent
Amounts may vary depending on the lease agreement, so reviewing your contract carefully is essential.
Tips to Avoid Disputes with Your Deposit
Before Moving In:
Conduct a detailed inspection of the property.
Take photos and videos of all rooms, highlighting any pre-existing damage.
Share these records with your landlord.
Review the lease agreement thoroughly.
During Your Tenancy:
Report issues promptly to the landlord or building management.
Keep written records of maintenance requests and approvals.
When Moving Out:
Adhere to the notice period stated in your contract.
Remove all personal belongings.
Arrange a professional cleaning of the property.
Settle all bills, including electricity, water (DEWA), internet, and telephone.
Document the property again with photos or videos after cleaning.
Landlords may deduct from the deposit for damages, unpaid bills, or unclean property, but proper documentation strengthens your case for a full refund.
What to Do if Your Landlord Refuses Your Deposit
Send a formal email or written notice referencing your lease and your rights under Dubai tenancy law.
Attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
If unsuccessful, file a dispute with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).
Filing a Writ of Payment through the RDC
If a landlord refuses to return your deposit, tenants can request a Writ of Payment via the RDC’s online portal. This is a legal request asking Dubai Land Department (DLD) authorities to enforce payment.
Documents Required:
Recent copy of your lease agreement (Ejari) with legal Arabic translation.
Written proof of the deposit amount due.
Proof of the landlord’s address.
Evidence that the landlord was formally notified of the payment request.
Acknowledgment from the landlord regarding the payment.
Bank documents if applicable (e.g., returned cheques).
Signed declaration confirming the accuracy of your claim.
Emirates ID copy (or manager’s ID and company documents if filing for a business).
Bank statement showing IBAN.
Supporting documents such as notices, bills, or correspondence.
How to File:
Visit the RDC website (rdc.gov.ae) or Real Estate Services Trustees Centres.
Register a Writ of Payment under Services.
Sign in using UAE Pass or Emirates ID.
Upload all required documents in Arabic or officially translated.
Ensure at least five days have passed since notifying the landlord.
Pay applicable service fees.
Once the case is registered, a judge reviews it, and the verdict is sent via email. If the ruling is in your favour, you will receive instructions to collect your deposit from the DLD.
Fees:
3.5% of the claimed amount (minimum Dh500, maximum Dh15,000)
Dh25 – Power of Attorney registration (if needed)
Dh10 – Knowledge fee
Dh10 – Innovation fee
Dh100 – Process service fee
Additional Dh130 + VAT if using a Real Estate Services Trustees Centre
By following these steps and maintaining thorough documentation, Dubai tenants can protect their rights and recover their security deposits efficiently.
Celebrate UAE National Day on a Budget: 6 Fun Family Adventures Under Dh50
The long UAE National Day weekend has arrived, and if you're still figuring out how to keep the family entertained without overspending, you’re in luck. From peaceful cultural stops to mountain getaways and heritage-filled walks, the UAE offers plenty of low-cost experiences that deliver big memories. These ideas are perfect for families looking for simple, joyful days out—without stretching their wallets.Get the sunscreen ready, pack the snacks, and head into the break with easy, affordable adv
Watch: Residents brave heavy rains, share umbrella amid downpour in Fujairah
Heavy rains lashed parts of the UAE on Friday (January 9), with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) sharing footage of the downpour across several regions. Videos shared by the weather department showed rain-soaked roads and overcast skies as showers intensified in some areas. A clip from Fujairah captured a more heartwarming moment amid the heavy rains, showing a father and a child braving strong winds and heavy rains as they walked along a water-logged road, sharing a small umbrella for c
Dubai CEO shares key lessons that shaped her relationship with money
Meghna Dixit is founder and CEO at Mevan Consulting. The Indian expatriate, 43, has been living in Dubai for 10 years, and says that one of her greatest life lessons is learning her own value, while her business has been the greatest teacher.
Martinelli's hat-trick helps Arsenal rally to beat Portsmouth in FA Cup
Gabriel Martinelli scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal as the Premier League leaders beat second-tier strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.Record 14-time Cup winners Arsenal fell behind in the third minute when Colby Bishop raised the decibel level at Fratton Park by firing in a rebound after a save by Kepa Arrizabalaga.They were only behind for five minutes, though, as Arsenal levelled with their first of three goals from corners.Portsmouth were unable to deal
Resilience in Fashion: Nafsika Skourti's Journey Amidst Turmoil
“As a community, including business owners, consumers, retailers, and influencers, we dare to believe in better days,” Nafsika states. “Against all odds, we remain optimistic, as we have a responsibility to nurture our ecosystem. Endurance in this region is second nature.”
Rent or buy? First-time buyers push UAE property market towards ownership
Overall, the UAE residential market is entering a more mature phase where ownership is no longer limited to high-income investors. Instead, it is becoming a realistic and widely adopted option for residents who are choosing to build long-term roots in the country. The trend signals a structural change in housing demand, with ownership steadily replacing renting as the preferred lifestyle choice.
Buying Freehold Property in Dubai: What Expats Need to Know About Full Ownership
Foreign buyers and overseas investors are now able to obtain full property ownership in two of Dubai’s most high-profile districts, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf, following a recent update announced by the Dubai Land Department.Under the revised framework, property owners of any nationality can convert eligible units in these locations to freehold status, granting them a direct title deed and long-term ownership rights. The move further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global real estate dest
Cheap hotels in Sharjah Al Nahda: A complete guide
Sharjah Al Nahda is a top choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly accommodation without compromising convenience. Located near the Dubai–Sharjah border, this area offers easy access to both cities, making it ideal for families, business travellers, and tourists looking for comfort at reasonable rates. Staying in Al Nahda lets you enjoy Sharjah’s calm charm while still being close to Dubai’s attractions, shopping, and entertainment.Al Nahda is well-connected by roads leading to Dubai, Dubai
How Indian schools in UAE are adjusting exam routines for students, staff ahead of Ramadan
With Ramadan expected to begin in mid-February, Indian schools across the UAE are responding in varied ways to final examinations — from modifying study schedules during school hours to spreading teacher tasks such as paper correction over multiple shorter sessions.School leaders pointed out that the key lies in preparing nearly a year in advance, aligning UAE academic calendars with the shifting Islamic lunar cycle, and ensuring that exams respect both academic requirements and the realities of
Blue Moon in UAE skies? What 2026 has in store for residents
UAE welcomed New Year with bursts of colour in the sky, and drone formations. As the country embraces 2026, nature has planned some shows of its own. Lights will shoot across the universe, giving eager UAE residents a chance to spot meteors as they zoom past. The moon will come closer to the Earth, giving residents a close up view of our planet's only natural satellite.Take a look at all that the celestial treats that UAE skies hold for residents this year:Stay up to date with the latest news. F
Abu Dhabi to invest Dh240 billion in infrastructure over the next 7 to 10 years
Abu Dhabi will invest Dh240 billion ($65.4 billion) over the coming years in infrastructure development, with a strong role for private-sector entities, as the emirate sees its population doubling by 2040, a senior official said on Monday.“A lot of people think infrastructure is construction, but it touches a lot of different economic sectors — hospitality, healthcare, education, construction and transportation, etc. When the government actually pumps a lot of investment into infrastructure and
Crypto’s coming of age: 2026 set to redefine digital assets beyond price hype
Cryptocurrency markets are entering 2026 on a footing of growing maturity, setting the stage for a year where digital assets increasingly anchor real-world use, deepening institutional roots and supporting their role as a strategic macro hedge.As Devika Mittal, South Asia Head at Ava Labs, observes, “2026 feels like the year crypto grows up. The market will move beyond pure price swings toward real utility, driven by clearer regulation, deeper institutional involvement, and more reliable infrast
