Are you moving out from a rented apartment in UAE? then you must know your rights specially about receiving security deposit back from landlord
But how can you make sure that you receive the full security deposit back from your landlord without any hassle or dispute? Here are some tips and steps that you can follow to protect your rights and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Steps for Receiving Security Deposit Back From Landlord
there are some of the steps that you need to do to guarantee receiving security deposit back which include
the following
Read Your Contract Regarding Maintenance
The law in Dubai states that the landlord is responsible for maintenance works during the term of the lease, and for repairing any defect that affects the use of the property. However, lease contracts often state that the tenant is responsible for minor maintenance (AED200 or less), and the landlord is responsible for major maintenance work (more than AED200).
Therefore, if the lease does not include a clause on maintenance, the landlord is responsible to cover maintenance costs. However, you’ll still remain liable for any damage you cause to the property, and the landlord might deduct the repair costs from the security deposit.
It also pays to keep good records of everything from the moment you moved in, to repairs carried out during your tenancy, any personal costs incurred and finally what has been done upon moving out.
Some of the documents that you should keep as proof are:
- Your tenancy contract
- Your Ejari certificate
- Your rent receipts
- Your utility bills
- Your maintenance requests and receipts
- Your inventory list
- Your inspection report
These documents will help you in case of any dispute with your landlord over the security deposit.
Repair The Walls
One of the most common reasons for not receiving security deposit from landlord is the condition of the walls. Here’s also some tips that can help you with this:
- If you have left behind any holes, marks or stains on the walls, you should fill them in and repaint them before vacating the property.
- Use neutral colours, unless you moved into a house with bright walls and have the landlord’s permission to paint them differently
- You should also remove any picture hooks, nails or stickers that you have used on the walls.
Remove, Replace or Repair furniture
If the tenant is leaving an unfurnished property, all furniture needs to be removed, otherwise, the landlord will deduct the removal costs from the security deposit. On the other hand, when leaving a furnished property, make sure that all the furniture is in its place and in proper condition. The landlord is likely to have an inventory of the items present when the property was handed to you.
Some of the common furniture issues that landlords may deduct money for are:
- Scratches or dents on wooden furniture
- Stains or tears on fabric furniture
- Cracks or chips on glass furniture
- Missing or broken knobs or handles on drawers or cabinets
- Malfunctioning or damaged appliances
Clear Your Bills
Another important step to get your security deposit back in full is to clear all your bills and utilities before moving out.
- Inform DEWA and either Etisalat or Du about your move-out date and request a final bill.
- Cancel any subscriptions or services that you have signed up for, such as internet, cable TV or gym membership.
- pay all your outstanding bills and fees and keep a proof of payment for each one.
- You should also return any equipment or devices that belong to the service providers, such as routers or modems. If you fail to do so, the landlord may deduct these costs from your security deposit.
Do a Final Inspection With Your Landlord
To ensure the full refund of your security deposit, it is essential to conduct a final inspection with your landlord before returning the keys. Follow these steps:
- Schedule a mutually convenient time and date for the inspection, and accompany your landlord to walk through every room of the property.
- Identify and point out any issues or damages that were already present when you moved in, as well as those resulting from normal wear and tear.
- Capture evidence of the property’s condition by taking photos or videos of every part.
- Request your landlord to sign a document confirming their inspection of the property, expressing satisfaction, and agreeing to refund your security deposit in full or with specified deductions.
- Retain a copy of this signed document fort your records.
Establish Good Communication
Communication and good manners remain the key to positive dealings with landlords. Make sure you establish a healthy relationship early on in your tenancy, and try your best to stay on good terms. Landlords would typically return your rental security deposit in full soon after you vacate and everyone can then move on to the next chapter in their lives.
FAQs
How to Ensure receiving your Security Deposit Back from the Landlord?
You need to follow these essential steps to increase your chances of successfully receiving your security deposit back at the end of your tenancy:
- Thoroughly review your tenancy contract.
- get detailed “check-in” and “check-out” reports.
- Repair any damages and repaint walls as necessary.
- Settle all outstanding bills related to utilities and services.
- Remove any personal furniture or belongings from the property.
- Clean the property, making sure it is in a presentable condition for future tenants.
- Maintain a safe-living environment by addressing potential hazards.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that you receive your security deposit back from your landlord without complications or disputes
What should I do if my landlord refuses to refund my security deposit?
If you have followed all the necessary steps and still face difficulties in obtaining your security deposit from the landlord, you may consider taking legal action.
- File a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which handles rental disputes in Dubai.
- Pay a fee of 3.5% of your annual rent (minimum AED 500) and submit relevant documents
- . The RDC will assign a case manager to mediate between you and your landlord to seek a settlement. If no settlement is reached within 15 days, the case will be referred to a judge who will issue a verdict within 30 days.
- You have the option to appeal this verdict within 15 days by paying an additional fee of 3.5% of annual rent (minimum AED 500), and the appeal verdict will be final and binding on both parties.
What documents do I need to submit when filing a complaint with the RDC?
When filing a complaint with the RDC, make sure to submit essential documents to support your case. These documents may include your
- tenancy contract
- Ejari certificate
- proof of payment of rent and bills, photos or videos demonstrating the property’s condition
- the inspection report signed by the landlord.
