Landlord not returning your deposit in Dubai?

Yes, the deposit or the remaining balance must be returned when the tenancy ends. Valid deductions can reduce the refund. Dubai tenancy law, Article 20

Article 20 does not give a fixed number of extra days after the tenancy ends. Check any refund term in your contract and request a payment date in writing. Article 20

Not automatically. The RDC says routine interior repainting and comprehensive cleaning on departure are normally the owner's responsibility. Ask for each deduction's reason, cost and supporting photos. RDC guidance

Check any restoration work agreed in your contract. Actual damage is different from ordinary wear and tear, which Article 21 allows. Articles 19-21

Collect your evidence, then write to the landlord.

• Keep your contract, deposit receipt and payment record.
• Save dated move-in and move-out photos, inspection reports and messages.
• Get written confirmation of property and key handover. RDC guidance
• Contact the landlord named in the contract; copy the agent handling the refund. Request any undisputed balance now.

Use this as an ordinary refund request:

"My tenancy ended on [date], and I handed back the property and keys on [date]. I paid a security deposit of AED [amount]. Please return the deposit or provide an itemised breakdown of deductions with supporting evidence. Please confirm the amount to be refunded and the payment date by [date]. My payment and handover records are attached."

Choose a reasonable response date. This is not the formal payment-writ notice explained below.

For tenancies within its authority, contact the RDC. Its guidance identifies a payment writ as a possible deposit-recovery route. If deductions or the amount owed are disputed, ask whether you need a rental claim instead. RDC guidance · Rental claim service

Free zones with their own rental tribunals or special courts use a different route. RDC jurisdiction

Only if the claim meets the requirements. A payment writ asks a judge to order payment of a specified debt already due, supported by written evidence.

The RDC requires notice through a notary public or registered mail, followed by five days without payment before applying. Keep proof of notification and receipt. An ordinary WhatsApp reminder is not the notice method listed for this service. Confirm the required documents for your case before filing. Payment writ requirements

Budget for fees before filing. For a money-only rental claim, the RDC lists a registration fee of 3.5% of the amount claimed, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000.

Additional listed fees include AED 100 for serving the case, AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee. Translation, formal notices and service-centre charges can add more. Check the total against the deposit you are trying to recover. Official claim fees

Start with your latest Ejari, Emirates ID and bank confirmation of your IBAN, plus your payment, handover and correspondence evidence. Ejari is Dubai's registered tenancy record; an IBAN identifies your bank account.

The RDC requires documents in Arabic or legally translated into Arabic. Payment writs require additional proof. Rental claim documents · Payment writ checklist

Keep these documents private and submit them through the official service. Filing a case does not guarantee a refund or a payment date.