Question: My tenancy contract is due to expire at the end of March, and I have told the landlord that I plan to move out then.
I’m worried about getting my security deposit back and what I might owe the landlord legally. I was told that any charges are limited to the deposit amount, but this doesn’t seem right to me.
Our landlord has been difficult from the start of our two-year tenancy. He was supposed to paint, deep clean, and fumigate the property before we moved in. However, the fumigation was done just a day before we were supposed to move in, and we had to stay in a hotel at our own expense because of that. The property wasn’t clean when we arrived. The agent arranged some cleaners the morning we moved in, so the place wasn’t very clean.
Then, we noticed the landlord changed all the appliances to smaller, cheaper ones. This was after he said he would leave all the appliances in the property, so we had to sell ours and buy new ones.
He refused to pay us back for repairs we had to do ourselves, agreeing only to pay for work done by his company, which was poorly done.
I’m thinking about leaving without painting or cleaning the apartment and losing my deposit. I’m worried he might ask for more money to fix all the problems caused by his neglect.
— CD, Dubai
Answer: Getting your rental deposit back can be stressful and often leads to disagreements. Generally, the deposit should be returned to the landlord at the end of your tenancy in the same condition it was when you moved in.
You’ve clearly explained what happened when you moved in. However, unless you have solid proof that the property wasn’t in good condition when you arrived, it might be hard to prove your case. If you don’t clean and paint, you could lose your deposit.
Legal Advice
If the landlord tries to ask for more money beyond your deposit, it’s unlikely unless they have a strong case, because taking it to civil court can be expensive. However, if they do take action, you can present evidence like photos to support your side. I recommend using the remaining time to talk with the landlord and try to resolve any issues.
Question: I stayed in a tower in Dubai’s Barsha Heights for a year starting September 2022 under a signed tenancy contract.
In August 2023, I wanted to renew my contract, but the real estate agency managing the building disappeared. In September 2023, my contract ended, and I stayed in the apartment without a new contract until February 2024.
I decided to leave the apartment in February 2024 because there were rumors that everyone in the building was being evicted due to a change in management, and I didn’t want to stay there anymore.
Now, after several months, the real estate agency has sent me a legal notice saying that I’m still living in the building and have to pay the outstanding amount.
Can you please advise me on what to do? Can they make me pay if there was no new contract? No Ejari was issued after September 2023.
— TB, Dubai
Answer: If your rental contract ends, it usually renews automatically under the same terms unless you and the landlord agree otherwise. Since you tried to contact the managing agents without success, your original contract still applies, and so does any money you owe.
I suggest you pay the amount you owe to avoid bigger fines.
Important Note: This advice is for information only and is not legal advice. For more help, email Info@erehomes.ae
