I’ve had more than one client call us after moving out, furious that their landlord kept a chunk of their deposit for “damage” that honestly looked like normal wear and tear to me. Every single time, the pattern was the same, no move-out photos, no written record, just their word against the landlord’s. And in that argument, the landlord almost always wins.
Getting your security deposit back in Dubai is not hard. You have to do a few things before you give the keys back not after.
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Mistake 1: Not taking pictures of the property before you move in
The mistake of not taking pictures of the property before you move in ruins everything later. It happens at the very start not at the end. If you didn’t take detailed photos and video of the property’s exact condition on move-in day, cracks, scuffs, existing stains, worn fixtures, you’ve got no way to prove which damage was already there versus what happened during your tenancy. Do this the day you get the keys, not weeks later once you’ve already unpacked and the “before” state is gone from memory.
Mistake 2: Assuming normal wear and tear counts as damage
Faded paint from sunlight, minor scuff marks on walls from normal living, small nail holes from hanging pictures, these are considered normal wear and tear under most Dubai tenancy agreements, not deductible damage. Landlords sometimes try to charge for these things and understanding the difference, from the start means you can stand your ground with confidence instead of just letting whatever gets taken from you happen.
Mistake 3: Missing the move-out inspection
Many landlords and agents will take you through a walk-through inspection before your official move-out day and missing this step is a mistake. This inspection is your chance to fix small issues yourself, cheaper than letting the landlord fix them and deduct triple the cost from your deposit, and to flag any disagreements about existing damage before the final handover.
Mistake 4: Not getting cleaning and repairs done properly, or documented
If your contract requires the property to be returned professionally cleaned, and many Dubai tenancies do, get an actual receipt from whoever cleans it. “I cleaned it myself” doesn’t hold up against a landlord who claims otherwise. Same with any minor repairs, filling small nail holes, touching up a scuff, keep proof it was done.
Mistake 5: Not knowing your legal deduction limits
Dubai tenancy law doesn’t allow landlords to deduct for normal wear and tear, only for actual damage beyond that. If a deduction feels excessive or covers something that sounds like use of the property you have grounds to dispute that deduction ideally through RERA or the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre if the landlord will not budge directly.
Mistake 6: Waiting long to follow up on the refund
Deposits are not always returned instantly and it is easy to assume that deposit will just show up eventually. Get a timeline in writing from your landlord or agent, for when the refund will be processed and follow up promptly if the refund does not arrive when promised, rather than letting weeks pass and losing track of who owes you what.