Questions & Answers
Filing a case with RERA to get the deposit that the landlord used to paint the villa?
Hi,
My landlord will not refund my AED 4,500 deposit for my rented villa, because he claims it was used to paint it, as per the request of the new tenant.
I lived in the villa for less than 10 months, I left it in great condition and my contract doesn’t state I have to paint it upon the end of the contract.
All the contract says is that the rental is bound by law 26 of 2007, in which article 21 states that normal wear and tear is acceptable.
Initially, I was informed by the agent that the villa is in great condition and I will get all my deposit back. Then the landlord changed agent and the new agent claims that it is their practice to paint the properties before a new tenant moves in, irrespective of the terms of the contract.
Should I file a case with RERA to get my deposit back?
Hi,
Pursuant to your query, as per the law, the tenant must surrender possession of the real property to the landlord in the same condition in which the tenant received it at the time of entering into the lease contract except for ordinary wear and tear or for damage due to reasons beyond the tenant's control.
As you have mentioned that the previous agent informed you that the villa was handed over by you in good condition and you have all the evidence to substantiate it, you have full rights to raise it to the tribunal.
Dear questioner,
Yes, you have the right to file a complaint as long as you do not ask for paint and the maintenance deposit is for the damages caused by you in the property as long as there are no damages that you are entitled to recover.
