Questions & Answers
How can I claim damages from a tenant who left my commercial property in poor condition?
Hello,
I need advice on claiming damages from a tenant who left my commercial premises in poor condition (e.g., damaged flooring, broken fixtures, broken partitions, and holes in the wall).
What steps should I take to document the damage?
How can I recover the costs, and do I need to file an RDC case?
Can I withhold the security deposit, as the damages exceed the deposit amount?
Hello,
Send the tenant a formal notice detailing the damages and the total cost to repair the property, as well as your intention to use the security deposit to cover part of the repairs.
Ask them to settle the remaining balance (if any) by a specific date. If the tenant refuses to pay for the damage or if you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to file a case with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC).
For further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Hello,
To claim damages from a tenant who left your commercial premises in poor condition, follow these steps:
1. Document the Damage:
- Take photographs and videos of all damaged areas.
- Prepare a detailed report listing the damages and estimated repair costs.
2. Security Deposit:
You can withhold the security deposit if it covers the repair costs. However, if the damages exceed the deposit, you have the right to claim the additional amount.
3. Recovery of Costs:
You may attempt to resolve the issue through negotiation with the tenant. If this is unsuccessful, you can initiate a RDC case (Rental Dispute Center) to recover the damages.
4. File a Case:
If necessary, proceed with filing a case at the RDC. We can assist you in this process.
To ensure proper legal steps and protect your rights, book a consultation with us today!
We can handle all aspects of your case.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your inquiry regarding the damages caused by your tenant to your commercial property.
Based on UAE law, here is the best course of action to claim damages and recover costs related to the poor condition in which the tenant has left your premises:
1. Documenting the Damage
The first and most crucial step is to thoroughly document all the damages. Here’s how to proceed:
- Conduct a Detailed Inspection: Immediately after the tenant vacates the premises, conduct an inspection and take clear photographs and videos of the damages to the flooring, fixtures, partitions, walls, etc.
- Prepare an Inventory: Create a written list (inventory) of the damages, including the estimated repair costs for each item.
- Obtain Repair Estimates: It is advisable to get formal repair estimates from qualified contractors to substantiate the repair costs. This will help in quantifying the damages for potential recovery.
2. Withholding the Security Deposit
As per UAE law, if the damages caused exceed the amount of the security deposit, you are within your rights to withhold the deposit to cover the repair costs. However, if the repair costs surpass the security deposit, you may seek to recover the remaining balance from the tenant. The amount can be claimed through the Rental Dispute Center (RDC).
3. Recovery of Additional Costs and Legal Action
If the damages are significant and the security deposit is insufficient, the next step is to recover the remaining repair costs through legal action:
Filing a Case with the RDC: If the tenant refuses to pay the additional amount required for repairs, or if they dispute the claim, you can file a claim with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). The RDC will examine the case and issue a ruling based on the evidence submitted (photographs, repair estimates, etc.).
4. Filing an RDC Case
To file an RDC case, the following steps are necessary:
- Submit evidence such as photos, videos, written inventory of the damages, and the repair estimates.
- Provide the rental contract and proof of the security deposit paid by the tenant.
- Submit your claim for the damages that exceed the security deposit.
The RDC will issue a ruling based on the documentation provided, and if successful, the tenant will be ordered to pay the outstanding amount.
5. Conclusion
In summary:
- Document the damages by conducting a detailed inspection, taking photos, and obtaining repair estimates.
- Withhold the security deposit to cover the damages (if sufficient), and seek the remaining amount if the damage exceeds the deposit.
- If necessary, file a claim with the RDC for recovery of additional costs.
Please let me know if you need further assistance with the documentation or filing the RDC case. I am happy to help you through this process.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant

Yes, you can reserve the insurance amount. You must also obtain a report from the Land Department of the value of the damages and then file a lawsuit.
Contact us on phone number [----------] for further assistance.

Greetings of the day,
You should start by thoroughly documenting the damage with clear photographs and videos, along with a detailed written report outlining the condition of the premises.
If possible, obtain a professional assessment or repair estimate to quantify the damages. If your lease agreement includes a clause covering damage repairs, you may withhold the security deposit to cover part of the costs.
Since the damages exceed the deposit, you can formally notify the tenant and request payment for the remaining amount.
If they refuse, you may need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) to recover the costs.
Best Regards,
Sara Al Saedi Advocates and Legal Consultants

Wishing you a pleasant day ahead,
You should document the damage with photos, videos, and a repair estimate. If your lease allows, you can withhold the security deposit to cover part of the costs.
For additional recovery, formally notify the tenant and request payment. If they refuse, you may need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) to claim the excess amount.
Thank you for reaching out regarding your commercial premises!
I understand the situation you're facing with the damage caused by your tenant, and I'm happy to guide you through the process of claiming damages.
1. Documenting the Damage:
It is crucial to thoroughly document the damages to your premises. This can include:
- Taking clear photographs of all damaged areas.
- Preparing a detailed written report of the damages, highlighting specific issues (e.g., damaged flooring, broken fixtures, etc.).
- Collecting any relevant evidence, such as the tenant’s original lease agreement, communication records, and inspection reports.
2. Recovery of Costs:
You may recover the cost of repairs through several means, including:
- Withholding the Security Deposit: If the damages exceed the security deposit, you are within your rights to claim the additional amount. Ensure that you provide the tenant with an itemized list of damages and their corresponding costs.
- Filing an RDC Case: If the damages are substantial or the tenant refuses to compensate you, filing a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) may be an effective way to claim the outstanding amount. In this case, we would need to gather all necessary documents, including the lease agreement, photographs, and repair invoices, to build a strong case.
3. RDC Filing:
If the tenant disputes the claims or refuses to pay the damages, you would need to file a case with the RDC to recover the remaining amount beyond the security deposit. The RDC will assess the situation and provide a judgment based on the evidence presented.
I would be happy to assist you with the documentation and filing process, ensuring that all your legal rights are protected.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp or phone at [----------] or email at [----------] to discuss the next steps in detail.
Looking forward to assisting you.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Send a formal written communication (email and registered mail) to the tenant, clearly outlining the damages, attaching the documentation (inventory, photos, cost estimates), and demanding payment for the repair costs.
Give them a reasonable timeframe to respond. You can withhold the security deposit to cover damages, but only for legitimate damages as per the tenancy agreement and the law.
Provide the tenant with a detailed breakdown of how you are applying the security deposit, including the cost of repairs.
If the damages exceed the security deposit (as in your case), you can pursue the tenant for the remaining amount.
We will discuss the procedures in detail.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.