Security Deposit Dispute Dubai โ€” Recover What's Rightfully Yours

Recover Your Deposit โ€ข Excessive Deductions โ€ข RDC

Landlord withholding your deposit unfairly? Excessive deductions with no proof? Taw-Theeq handles your full RDC case โ€” document prep, legal translation, and filing.

5% Max Deposit (Unfurnished)
30โ€“60 Days to Resolve at RDC
Free First Consultation
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RDC Compliant
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MOJ Certified Docs
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Fast Filing
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Tenants & Landlords
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Transparent Fees

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

How Much Deposit Is Legal in Dubai?

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, deposit amounts are strictly regulated by RERA

UNFURNISHED PROPERTY

5%

of annual rent โ€” maximum allowed security deposit for unfurnished units under RERA regulations

FURNISHED PROPERTY

5%+

Higher deposit may apply โ€” exact amount must be clearly stated in your tenancy agreement

OUR SERVICES

What Taw-Theeq Handles for You

Full support from first dispute to final RDC resolution

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Document Preparation

Organizing all evidence and paperwork needed to file your RDC claim

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Legal Translation

MOJ-certified Arabic/English translation of all case documents

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RDC Case Filing

Complete submission to the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre

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Negotiation Support

Assisting in direct communication and settlement with the landlord

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Case Assessment

Evaluating strength of your claim and best legal path forward

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Judgment Follow-up

Support after RDC decision to ensure the deposit is returned

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Important: What Landlords Must Prove to Make Deductions

โ†’ Deductions must be backed by invoices or receipts โ€” no proof, no deduction

โ†’ Normal wear and tear is NOT a valid reason to withhold the deposit

โ†’ Deposit must be held in a separate account โ€” landlords cannot use it during tenancy

โ†’ Failure to return deposit without valid cause can be taken directly to the RDC

WHY DISPUTES HAPPEN

Common Causes of Security Deposit Disputes

Understanding the root cause helps build a stronger case

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Property Damage Claims

Landlord claims damage beyond normal wear and tear without sufficient evidence

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Delayed Refund

Landlord fails to return deposit within a reasonable period after lease ends

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Excessive Cleaning Costs

Deductions for cleaning that go beyond what was agreed in the tenancy contract

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Lease Breach Allegations

Landlord claims unauthorized pets, subletting, or other contract violations

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No Deduction Receipts

Deductions made without supporting invoices, bills, or repair documentation

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Unfair Partial Return

Only part of deposit returned with no clear breakdown of what was deducted and why

HOW IT WORKS

5-Step Dispute Resolution Process

Taw-Theeq guides you through every step at the RDC

1

Review Lease

Check deposit terms & conditions

2

Collect Evidence

Photos, emails, receipts

3

Attempt Mediation

Direct negotiation first

4

File at RDC

Submit case & documents

5

RDC Decision

Enforce deposit return

EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

Documents That Strengthen Your Case

Gather these before approaching us or filing at the RDC

๐Ÿ“Signed Tenancy Contract
๐Ÿ“ทMove-in & Move-out Photos (dated)
๐Ÿ’ฌAll Emails & WhatsApp with Landlord
๐ŸงพDeposit Payment Receipt / Cheque Copy
๐ŸชชEmirates ID (tenant & landlord)
๐Ÿ“œEjari Registration Certificate
๐Ÿ”งRepair / Maintenance Receipts
๐Ÿ“‹Inventory List (if furnished property)

YOUR OPTIONS

Mediation vs. RDC Litigation โ€” Which Path?

We advise on the best route based on your specific situation

โœ… Recommended First Step

๐Ÿค Mediation / Negotiation

โœ“ Faster โ€” resolved in days, not months

โœ“ Lower cost โ€” no RDC filing fees

โœ“ Preserves landlord relationship

โœ“ Flexible outcome for both parties


โœ— No legal enforcement if landlord refuses

โœ— Requires good faith from both sides

โš–๏ธ RDC Litigation

โœ“ Legally binding decision

โœ“ RDC can enforce deposit return

โœ“ Full legal protection of your rights


โœ— Takes 30โ€“60 days on average

โœ— Filing fees: 3.5% of claim (min AED 500)

โœ— Requires full document preparation

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

A financial guarantee paid by the tenant โ€” typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, higher for furnished properties. Must be returned at lease end minus any valid, documented deductions only.
No. Under Dubai law, normal wear and tear is the landlord’s responsibility. Only damage beyond normal use โ€” backed by invoices and receipts โ€” can be legally deducted from the deposit.
RDC fees are typically 3.5% of the disputed amount with a minimum of AED 500. Taw-Theeq prepares all documents correctly the first time to avoid rejection and costly re-filing.
Most RDC cases are resolved within 30โ€“60 days. Proper and complete document preparation upfront prevents unnecessary delays and hearing postponements.
You can file directly at the RDC without the landlord’s cooperation. The RDC will formally summon them to attend. Taw-Theeq handles the full filing process on your behalf โ€” you don’t need to chase the landlord.

Deposit Withheld? Don't Wait โ€” Act Now.

We handle everything: document prep, legal translation, RDC filing & follow-up. Response within 1 business hour.