Questions & Answers
Is it legal for a Dubai landlord to demand a security deposit when moving out?
My Dubai Landlord is asking for a security deposit at the time of moving out. If not paid, I will not get the NOC from them. This wasn't discussed or mentioned in my tenancy contract.
Is this legal? What can be done about this?
Be advised: Your landlord cannot demand an extra security deposit at move-out if it’s not stated in your tenancy contract. You should refuse in writing and request the NOC formally. If they still refuse, escalate the matter to RERA, which can resolve the dispute and issue the NOC.
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Thank you for your message. What your landlord is demanding is not legally valid.
A landlord in Dubai cannot impose a new security deposit at the time of move-out when such a requirement was never mentioned in the tenancy contract nor agreed at the time of signing. Any term that is not part of the contract cannot be enforced later.
Further, refusing to issue an NOC or blocking your move-out in order to force a new payment may amount to an unlawful demand and can be challenged before the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). You have the right to vacate the property without paying anything beyond what is contractually agreed and any legitimate charges supported by evidence.
I can assist you in:
• Reviewing your tenancy contract
• Drafting a legal notice to the landlord
• Filing a case at RDC if they continue with this illegal demand
• Ensuring you vacate without unnecessary payments or pressure
Feel free to reach out to me directly so I can guide you properly based on your contract and evidence. You may contact me anytime on WhatsApp or by phone to discuss this further.
It is illegal for a Dubai landlord to demand a new security deposit upon departure unless explicitly stipulated in your lease agreement. The basic security deposit (if applicable) is typically paid at the start of the lease and must be returned at the end of the lease after deducting any damages exceeding normal wear and tear.
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Law No. (26) of 2007 concerning the regulation of the relationship between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, as amended by Law No. (33) of 2008, does not permit landlords to impose any fees or deposits not expressly agreed upon in the lease agreement.
Article (15) of the Law stipulates that:
“Upon termination of the lease, the tenant is obligated to return the property in the condition it was in upon receipt, unless it has sustained damage resulting from normal use. The landlord is obligated to return the security deposit to the tenant, or any remaining balance thereof.”
Therefore, the landlord is not entitled to demand any new deposits upon your departure unless they were stipulated in the original contract. The only deposit they can claim is the one you paid at the beginning of the contract, which is used to cover any damages (if applicable) upon vacating the property. There is no legal basis for demanding a “new deposit” upon departure.
Dear Client,
Regarding your landlord’s request for a security deposit before issuing the NOC upon moving out, this request must be in line with what is stated in your tenancy contract. Under Dubai rental law, landlords typically require a security deposit at the start of the tenancy, usually around 5% to 10% of the annual rent, which is refundable at the end of the lease after deducting any legitimate costs such as unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or utility bills.
If your tenancy contract does not mention any additional security deposit or condition for withholding the NOC, the landlord cannot legally demand this payment now as a precondition for issuing the NOC. The security deposit is intended to be collected at the beginning of the tenancy and returned upon its conclusion, not requested a new at move-out unless specifically agreed upon.
What you can do:
- Remind the landlord of the tenancy contract terms, highlighting that no new deposit requirement exists.
- Request the landlord to provide the NOC without further payment, citing your contract.
- If the landlord refuses, you may file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Center for enforcement.
- Keep all communications documented as evidence.
Best regards
