Is my landlord legally able to sue me for door scratches caused by my dog?

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your question regarding potential liability for door damage caused by a pet.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendments, a tenant is responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Scratches on doors caused by a dog could be classified as such, meaning the landlord is generally within their rights to deduct repair costs from the security deposit.

However, if the landlord has already withheld your security deposit and confirmed they will use it to cover the cost of repairs, this is typically viewed as the appropriate and final remedy.

In most cases, landlords do not have legal grounds to pursue additional compensation through the courts unless the damage is extensive and repair costs exceed the deposit amount, and they must provide proof of actual expenses incurred.

In summary:

Minor door scratches are usually deductible from the deposit.

If the deposit covers the cost, the landlord generally cannot claim anything more.

Legal action would require justification and documentation.

Please let us know if you'd like assistance reviewing your tenancy contract or communicating formally with your landlord.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Yes, your landlord has the legal right to sue you for damage caused by your pets, including door scratches, if the damage exceeds the amount set forth in the security deposit.

If the security deposit is withheld, the landlord may consider the amount deposited as insufficient to cover the repair costs or the damage caused by your pets.

If the security deposit is insufficient to cover the repair costs, or if the damage is considered unusual or requires more complex repairs, the landlord may file a lawsuit against you to recover the remaining amount.

On the other hand, if the security deposit provides adequate coverage for repairing the damage, no further legal action should be required. However, legal negotiations should be conducted to determine whether the repairs will cost more than the security deposit.

Dear Inquirer,

We are pleased to serve you and address your inquiries.

You must refer to the contractual provisions regarding damage coverage, and you can repair those damages and recover your insurance.

Kindly contact us via phone or email for further assistance.

Dear questioner,

While your landlord technically has the right to sue for damages, their chances of success in this specific scenario are likely reduced because they have already withheld your security deposit and indicated they would manage the repairs.

Their actions suggest the security deposit was intended to cover this. You have a strong argument against a separate lawsuit for the same issue.

Focus on obtaining a clear breakdown of the deposit deductions and seek legal advice if needed.

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

Dear Inquirer,

Minor wear and tear, such as small door scratches caused by a pet, is generally not considered sufficient grounds for legal compensation under UAE tenancy laws, especially if the landlord has already withheld your security deposit to cover repairs. If the damage is not excessive or structural, a lawsuit is unlikely to succeed.

However, each case depends on the extent of damage, tenancy contract terms, and any documented agreements.

To protect your rights and respond appropriately, we recommend booking a consultation or appointing us to handle the matter on your behalf.

Under UAE tenancy law, landlords can deduct from a tenant’s security deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear, such as door scratches caused by a pet.

However, if the landlord has already stated they would handle the repairs, this may weaken their claim to sue you, especially if it's not explicitly stated in the tenancy contract that you’re responsible for such damage.

If your landlord withholds your deposit unfairly or still attempts legal action, you can file a complaint with the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee. For more details, contact us.

Thank you!