Tenants and landlords in Dubai frequently dispute their rental deposits. According to Dubai rental laws, the security deposit must be refunded after the tenant agreement expires. If a conflict arises, tenants may file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC). Let’s look at the most common reasons for these disagreements and how to handle them in Dubai.
COMMON CAUSES OF RENT DEPOSIT DISPUTES IN DUBAI.
Rent deposit disputes in Dubai are common in the rental property industry. Tenants and landlords frequently have different expectations, which causes them to emerge. Here are the most common causes of these disputes:
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CAUSED BY TENANT
This is damage that goes beyond natural wear and tear and is normally the tenant’s responsibility. Some examples are broken tiles, holes in the walls, and major stains on the carpet.
Disputes can develop when the landlord feels there is damage that the tenant denies after an examination. However, tenants in Dubai can claim security deposit returns with appropriate proof, such as images taken before and after moving in and leaving. Such evidence can help to resolve these issues.
OUTSTANDING UTILITY BILLS
Some rental agreements require that the tenant pay for all utilities. If these expenses are not paid before moving out, the landlord may take them from the security deposit. This is one of Dubai’s most typical sorts of rent deposit disputes.
VIOLATIONS OF TENANCY AGREEMENT
If a tenant violates any of the lease agreement terms, the landlord may seek a portion or all of the deposit as compensation. Examples of common breaches are illegal changes to the property, violations of Dubai rental rules, subletting without authorization, and keeping dogs where they are not permitted.
LOST OR DAMAGED ITEM
If any things included in the property, such as furniture or appliances, are missing or broken, landlords may take the replacement or repair expenses from the deposit. Disputes may arise over the condition or worth of these things.
RESOLVING DUBAI RENTAL DISPUTES
Restoring the rental property to its original state is the first step in avoiding complications while obtaining your security deposit returned from the landlord in Dubai. Once the repairs are completed, inform the landlord to schedule a property inspection. If the landlord refuses to restore the rental deposit, the tenant can either negotiate directly or file a legal complaint.
DIRECT COMMUNICATION
Tenants and landlords may avoid many issues by communicating openly and clearly. For example, discussing and agreeing on expectations for property conditions, cleaning, and bill payments ahead of time might help to avoid misunderstandings.
FORMAL RDC COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
If a disagreement cannot be addressed through direct negotiation, tenants may submit a complaint with the RDC. The RDC offers a formal framework for resolving such conflicts using evidence and the law.
PROCESS OF RECEIVING RETURN OF RENTAL DEPOSIT IN DUBAI FROM THE LANDLORD WITH RDC
In the event of a rent deposit dispute in Dubai, tenants may obtain a repayment of their security deposit from the landlord by submitting a Payment Writ. A Payment Writ is a service that allows tenants to petition a Summary Actions Judge to issue a writ of payment, requiring the landlord to pay the outstanding sum.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO SUBMIT A PAYMENT WRIT
To record a payment, the following documents are required:
- The most recent copy of the leasing agreement (Ejari), coupled with an Arabic translation.
- Written documentation indicating the amount of debt that is now due for payment.
- Proof of the debtor’s domicile.
- Provide proof of notification requiring the debtor to pay the outstanding amount of debt.
- Proof indicating the debtor accepted receipt of the payment obligation.
- A cheque return memo from the applicable bank.
- A declaration confirming that the information supplied is accurate, as well as an indemnification guarantee for any harm or prejudice.
- If the applicant is an individual, provide a copy of their Emirates ID.
- If the applicant is a legal person or corporate entity, provide a copy of the manager’s Emirates ID (as mentioned in the Commercial Licence) and the most recent copy of the Commercial Licence.
- A letter or bank statement indicating the Plaintiff’s IBAN.
- Please provide any supporting documentation for the claim, such as a power of attorney, management contract, notifications, utility bills, checks, and letters.
After filing a request for rent deposit a refund in Dubai through Payment of Writ with the RDC, the defendant is advised of the verdict via notary public or registered mail within five days.
FAQS
WHAT IS RDC?
The Rental Dispute Center in Dubai is the regulatory authority in charge of addressing landlord-tenant conflicts.
HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE RDC?
To file a rental complaint in Dubai with the RDC, gather the appropriate documents, fill out the applicable forms, and submit them online via the RDC website. Depending on the service requested, a cost will apply.
HOW MUCH DOES A RENTAL SECURITY DEPOSIT COST IN DUBAI?
The rental security deposit in Dubai normally ranges between 5% and 10% of the annual rent, depending on the property’s conditions and agreement terms.
HOW CAN I COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SECURITY DEPOSIT IN DUBAI?
After gathering documentation and other relevant papers for the specific service, you can file an online complaint with the RDC regarding a security deposit dispute in Dubai.