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Can a property agency refuse to refund my deposit after I canceled within the 14-day policy?

Hi,

I went to see an apartment, and the property agency asked for a 1,000 AED security deposit to block the apartment. They told me I would receive a receipt for the payment.

Before giving the money, I asked for a sample contract to review the cancellation terms, and it stated: "Applicable Cancellation Policy: If canceled or modified up to 14 days before the date of arrival, no fee will be charged."

After one day, due to a change in plans, I requested a cancellation and demanded my 1,000 AED back, as the cancellation was well within the 14-day period.

The agency refused and is not refunding my money.

Please advise!

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Mohamed Bakheet Advocates & Legal Consultants
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16 Dec 2024, 18:09

Hi,

If the real estate agency has stated in the contract form a cancellation policy that allows cancellation within 14 days without charging fees, then you are legally entitled to a refund of AED 1,000.

16 Dec 2024, 18:12

Thanks a lot for your reply. I will put it legally if required.

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Dar Al Haqooq Legal Consultancy
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16 Dec 2024, 18:09

Dear Client,

Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.

To reclaim your AED 1,000 security deposit, first confirm that the cancellation policy allows for a full refund if cancelled within 14 days, which you have adhered to.

Contact the property agency formally to request your refund based on this policy. If they refuse, consider filing a complaint with the Dubai Land Department or consulting with us for further legal options.

For any further legal assistance, you can WhatsApp us. We have an extensive team of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers to provide the legal assistance you need.

We will be happy to help you.

Thanks & Regards,

ABDUL WAHIED

16 Dec 2024, 18:12

I didn't enter into a contract. Before giving the token (security amount), I asked them to provide me with a sample contract to review the terms and conditions.

In that contract, I saw the 14-day policy. I have a copy of it.

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Al Fahad Legal Consulting
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17 Dec 2024, 00:40

Dear Questioner,

Good morning!

In your case, the agency’s refusal to refund the AED 1,000 security deposit appears to contradict the cancellation terms outlined in the sample contract. Here’s what you can do:

1. Send a Legal Notice:

Issue a formal notice to the property agency demanding the refund of the AED 1,000. Attach a copy of the contract terms and proof of payment for the deposit.

2. File a Complaint:

If the agency continues to refuse, file a complaint with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the emirate where the agency operates. DED handles disputes related to real estate agency practices.

3. Legal Action:

If the matter remains unresolved, you can pursue a civil claim through the court to recover the deposit. We can assist in preparing the necessary documentation and filing the case.

For personalized legal support, send the contract and payment proof to [------------], or contact us directly for further assistance.

Best regards,

Mohammad Salah

Legal Consultant

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Alawi Aljaberi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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17 Dec 2024, 04:17

Usually, the deposit in such a situation is not refundable.

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London Center for Legal Consultancy Office
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17 Dec 2024, 05:44

Based on the cancellation policy in the contract, you are entitled to a refund of the 1000 AED if the cancellation was made within the 14-day period.

If the agency is refusing to return your money, you may take legal action to claim it.

You can contact us via our office's WhatsApp, as we specialize in such matters and can provide you with the correct legal advice.

Laila Hamza Al Mulla Advocates and Legal Consultants
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17 Dec 2024, 13:46

Dear questioner,

You can file a complaint in the small claims court or at a Dubai police station for the recovery of the deposit amount.

If you need further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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18 Dec 2024, 09:43

Based on the information provided about the cancellation policy and your timely request for cancellation, you should have grounds to request your 1,000 AED back from the agency.

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