What to Do When Your Landlord in Dubai Ghosts You Over Your Deposit

When Your Landlord in Dubai Ghosts You Over Your Deposit

That Silent Treatment Moment

You’ve packed up, cleaned the flat, handed back the keys, and you’re ready to move on. But then nothing happens. Days go by, no replies, no transfer. The deposit you were waiting for just doesn’t show up. And suddenly, it feels like your landlord has vanished.

It’s stressful, I know. That money is yours, not a gift. And the good thing is that Dubai law actually protects you. If you’ve done your part, you can get it back.

What the Law Says

Dubai law is clear: once your rent contract ends, the landlord has to return your deposit. Most contracts even say it should happen soon; sometimes within 14 days, and in many cases, within 48 hours of the final inspection. In real life, some landlords take up to 30 days, especially if there are unpaid bills or repairs to check.

So yes, there can be delays, but legally, you’re on solid ground.

Why the Inspection Is Important

When you give back the keys, the landlord (or their agent) usually does a walk-through. This inspection is there to check if anything’s damaged.

Here’s my advice: don’t just rely on their word. Take photos and videos of the walls, cupboards, flooring, even the appliances. If you can, sign a short report together on the spot. And don’t forget; without a cancelled Ejari, your landlord can hold the money back. So get that done too.

What They Can Deduct And What They Can’t

This part always causes arguments. Landlords are allowed to deduct for things like:

• Broken tiles or holes in the walls.
• Damage to wardrobes, kitchens, or bathrooms.
• Unpaid DEWA or municipality bills.
• Cleaning or repainting if the contract says so.

But they are not allowed to charge you for normal living. Things like faded paint, small scuffs, or old appliances wearing out are just part of life. In fact, many contracts say if a repair costs more than AED 1,000, then it’s the landlord’s job, not yours.

A Real-Life Example

Let’s put this into numbers. Imagine you rented a three-bedroom in Downtown in 2021 for AED 120,000. Four years later, with increases, that rent could be around AED 150,000. Your deposit would be about AED 6,000 to 7,500.

Now, after four years of living there, of course the paint will fade, maybe a wardrobe hinge breaks, maybe the water heater stops working. These things are normal, and they don’t mean your landlord gets to keep your deposit. But the truth is, many landlords still try. That’s why you need to protect yourself with evidence.

What to Do If You’re Ghosted

Start simple. Send a polite message: “Hi, I’ve handed back the apartment in good condition and cleared DEWA. Please arrange to return my deposit by [date].”

If nothing happens, send a formal letter. Do it by registered post if you can, so you have proof.

If you still get silence, then go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC). Most cases are sorted within 2–4 weeks. It costs about 3.5% of your annual rent (with a minimum fee of AED 500 and a small admin fee). Bring all your proof: your contract, Ejari, bills, and photos.

And if even that doesn’t work? You can go to court and apply for a Payment Order. With the right documents, the judge can tell your landlord to pay up.

A Tenant’s Trick

One tenant once told me they didn’t give back the keys until the deposit was in their account. The landlord paid straight away; because changing the locks would have cost him more. But that advice I dont recommend, specially that I am in the legal field.

Final Word

Some people let small deposits go. But if it’s a bigger amount; thousands of dirhams; it’s worth standing your ground.

So if you’ve been ghosted, don’t panic. Stay calm, keep your records, and use the process. Your deposit isn’t a bonus for your landlord. It’s your money and you have every right to get it back.

✍️ Written by

Mohamed Darwish

Founder & Managing Partner, Darwish Legal Consultants Certified Mediator (IMI) | Hospitality & Real Estate Lawyer | Author | Podcaster