أسئلة وأجوبة
How can I refund the deposit I paid to a car dealer if the receipt stated it is refundable?
Dear all,
I’m seeking legal advice regarding a refundable deposit of AED 1,000 paid to a car trading company around a year ago while considering the purchase of a used car.
The receipt clearly states the deposit was refundable at the time of purchase, but I ultimately did not proceed with buying a car from them.
Despite numerous follow-ups over the past year, I have not received any refund or official response.
Today, a representative informed me that the deposit is non-refundable if no car is purchased, which contradicts what is written on the receipt.
I would appreciate guidance on:
- Whether I have a legal claim based on the receipt wording
- What steps can I take to recover the amount through legal or consumer protection channels
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
M.
Since the receipt clearly states that the amount is refundable, this is considered conclusive written evidence in your favor.
Article (472) of the UAE Civil Code stipulates that the contract (or receipt) is binding between the two parties, and the contracting party is bound by its provisions unless proven otherwise.
Therefore, a company changing its story after some time does not change the fact that you have a receipt confirming that the amount is refundable when the purchase is not completed.
For assistance, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp.
Dear M.,
Thank you for reaching out regarding the refundable deposit of AED 1,000 paid to a car trading company.
Based on the details you have provided, particularly the receipt stating that the deposit is refundable, you may indeed have a legal claim for the recovery of this amount.
Here is an outline of the process:
Legal Claim Based on Receipt
The receipt clearly stating that the deposit is refundable constitutes evidence of your entitlement to a refund.
Any statement by the company contradicting the receipt may not be legally enforceable.
Initial Steps
We recommend sending a formal written demand to the car trading company requesting the refund. This should include a copy of the receipt and a deadline for repayment.
Consumer Protection Channels
If the company does not comply, you can file a complaint with the UAE Consumer Protection Department under the Ministry of Economy.
They handle cases where businesses violate consumer rights, including refundable deposits.
Legal Proceedings
Should the company continue to ignore your request, we can assist you in filing a claim in the UAE civil courts for recovery of the deposit.
We will guide you throughout the legal process, including evidence preparation and court representation.
If you wish to proceed, we can assist you in recovering the deposit through the appropriate legal channels.
Kindly confirm if you would like to schedule a consultation to initiate this process.
Best regards,
Mohammad Salah
Legal Consultant
Dear questioner
In the UAE, a written agreement is a powerful form of evidence.
The receipt creates a contractual obligation for the car trading company to return the money under the condition stated, that the deposit is refundable if a purchase is not made.
You have a legal claim; you can file a complaint in consumer protection channels.
If you need more details, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Hii,
Thank you for reaching out.
Based on the details you've shared and the documentation you possess, particularly the receipt stating that the AED 1,000 deposit is "refundable," you appear to have a strong legal position under UAE law.
Specifically, both the UAE Civil Transactions Law and the Consumer Protection Law support your right to a refund in this case, as the dealer cannot contradict the written agreement by later claiming the deposit is non-refundable.
As your next step, I recommend compiling all related documentation (receipt, communications, and payment proof) and filing a formal complaint with the Ministry of Economy’s Consumer Protection Department as well as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).
These authorities typically intervene in such matters, and many disputes are resolved at this stage.
Should the dealer remain non-compliant, you may have grounds to escalate the matter to the civil courts, or, if there is evidence of misrepresentation, consider filing a police complaint.
Please let me know if you'd like assistance drafting your complaint or pursuing legal action. I’d be happy to guide you through the process.
Kind regards,

Dear Client,
You send them a legal notice by email if they don't give it back, and you can file a case against them.
Should you wish to obtain our legal services, you may contact us.