This article is going to show how tenants in Dubai can claim a refund of their rental deposit, especially in disputed cases with the landlord. We are going to break it down into simple questions and answers.

Q1: What to do if your landlord refuses to refund your rental deposit?
An RDC, therefore, needs such a request for refund of the deposit amount in case the landlord refused to return such deposit at all, partially, or in due form and in due time.

Q2: Why is this an important issue for tenants?
This is an important issue because the deposits are a big amount for most tenants. These funds create financial stress and disturb a tenant’s life when these funds are disputed, interfering with their ability to seek new housing. A specified process of claiming refunds exists to protect the rights of tenants and ensure fair treatment for them.

Q3: What are some common reasons why landlords refuse to refund rental deposits?
Landlords do not always refund deposits for various reasons. Common examples include:

• Claiming the tenant caused damage to the property.
• Alleging the tenant left the property in an unclean condition.
• Disputing unpaid rent or utility bills.
• Citing breach of lease terms.

These can also aid a tenant in building up a case for refund arguments.

Q4: On what basis, and under what circumstances, is a landlord permitted to dispute the refund of a deposit?
Landlords can also contest a refund if, to them, there is a legitimate reason for doing so. These may include:

• Recorded evidence regarding property damage that is in excess of normal wear and tear.
• Photographic or written evidence that the property was not left in the state agreed upon.
• Unpaid rent or utility bills on record.
• Proof of the violation of lease terms by the tenant.

These claims have to be supported with clear evidence to stand in dispute resolution.

Q5: When is the request of landlords to keep the deposit valid?
The request of the landlords to keep the deposit is valid only when landlords can provide solid evidence for their claims. This includes damage, uncleanliness of the premises, bills, and violation of the lease. Without clear evidence, the request to keep deposits is not justified and can be objected to by the tenant.

Q6: How often does it happen that the landlords are able to prove that the keeping deposit is valid?
While landlords may be sometimes able to prove their reason for retention, that is not always the case. Usually, disputes arise due to subjectivity or lack of adequate evidence. For such a case, it is incumbent upon the tenants to show that the evidence does not support the reason being forwarded by the landlord for retaining the deposit.

Q7: What are the steps to make a request with the RDC?
In cases between tenants and landlords, it is supposed that the tenants will request from the RDC a “Payment Writ.” Under the New Case tab in the RDC online portal this can be accessed.

Q8: Is it complicated?
No, the process is normally easily accessible, simple, and efficient. The tenants are allowed to file their cases without any legal representation. The RDC online portal is user-friendly and negates the need for physical visits or in-person court hearings.

Q9: Can tenants use the RDC website in English?
Yes, the RDC website can be navigated in English, but all petitions and submissions have to be in Arabic. Furthermore, any supporting documents that are not originally in Arabic should be legally translated.

Q10: What is the filing fee for a case involving a Payment Writ?
The payment for filing a case in the Payment Writ is 3.5% of the claimed amount, with a minimum payment of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000.

Q11: How long will it take to get a decision on a Payment Writ case?
A decision in the case of Payment Writ usually takes one day if all required documents are provided.

Q12: What is the sequence of procedures to be followed to have a smooth process in filing a Payment Writ?

• Login to the RDC online portal.
• Click the New Case tab, then select “Payment Writ.”
• Ensure all pleadings and supporting documents are in Arabic or legally translated.
• Submit your case online and pay the required fee.
• Wait for the decision, which is usually within one day.

Conclusion
Filing a request for the refunding of your rental deposit with the RDC is relatively easy and smooth. Your smooth processing depends on just following these steps and having all your documents ready. Good luck!