Considering moving to a new residence in Dubai? While moving requires a lot of paperwork management, from cutting off your phone and utility service to hiring the correct movers, the process may become much more time-consuming if your landlord takes a long time or doesn’t return your security deposit.
However, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) promoted awareness of the rights a tenant has in the event that their landlord does not return the security deposit through its social media platforms. Here is everything you require to know.
When can one get my security deposit back?
When a new tenant moves into a new apartment, landlords in the UAE demand a security deposit, which is calculated as a set proportion of your yearly rent. According to Dubai’s Rental Law, Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, there are a few requirements that must be met before the tenant’s security deposit can be returned.
According to the Article, the security deposit for the rental unit is due when the tenancy agreement expires, either through contract termination or at the end of the tenancy period without renewal, after the unit has been delivered to the landlord or his representative in good faith and in the proper condition and after receiving approval from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
Writ of Payment
If your landlord refuses to return the security deposit to you, you may submit a “Writ of Payment” with DLD, which is a petition requesting that DLD enforce the law.
Customers were encouraged to claim the amount of the security deposit on the DLD website, dubailand.gov.ae, or through any of the real estate services trustee offices in the awareness post that DLD released on July 28.
Applying for a writ of payment online
Follow these steps to submit an online service request:
- Click “services” on the dubailand.gov.ae website.
- Click on “Tenant” and then click “Writ of payment” under “Real Estate dispute services.”
- Next, either your UAE Pass or your Emirates ID number must be used to sign in.
- Next, you must upload the following files:
a. Written documentation of the stipulated deposit amount that is immediately due.
b. Proof of the notice to the landlord requiring payment of the security deposit and evidence of receipt of the notice.
c. If applicable, the relevant bank’s cheque return memo.
d. A statement guaranteeing the accuracy of the information and providing an indemnification guarantee for harm and prejudice.
e. Copy of your Emirates ID, item.
f. Your IBAN number (f) (International Bank Account Number).
It’s crucial to keep in mind that you have only five days from the date your landlord receives the notice before you can file the writ of payment. Additionally, all paperwork must be submitted in Arabic or be legally translated into Arabic.
- Make the following payment for the service:
- Service fee – minimum of Dh500 or 3.5 percent of the claimed amount, up to Dh15,000.
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable) – Dh25
- Processing fee – Dh100
- Fast track notification – Dh105
- Knowledge and innovation fee – Dh20
The case will be registered and assessed by a judge after you have made the money. The verdict will be delivered to you by email and on the website. You will need to go to the Dubai Land Department office to pick up your deposit if the website is on your side.
Also read: Tenants should know these 9 rules when renting in Dubai
