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Security deposits for Dubai rentals
Law 26 of 2007 Art. 20 lets a landlord take a maintenance deposit, refundable in full or remainder when the lease ends. The law sets no amount; market practice is 5% of annual rent unfurnished and 10% furnished. Unpaid refunds go to the RDC at 3.5% of the claim (AED 500-15,000).
Sources checked 20 Oct 2026 · official sources first · Sources
“Photograph every wall and appliance the day you move in. That is how you get the deposit back.”
Security deposits for Dubai rentals
Law 26 of 2007 Art.
Step by step
- Record the unit's condition with photos and video at move-in.
- At move-out, clear DEWA, cooling and other bills, clean the unit and record its condition again.
- Ask for the refund in writing, citing Art. 20 of Law 26/2007.
- If refused, file a monetary claim (or an amicable-settlement request) with the Rental Disputes Centre.
What it costs
Documents you need
- Ejari lease
- Proof of deposit paid
- Move-in and move-out photos/reports
- Final DEWA clearance
- Emirates ID
- Bank letter showing IBAN
How long it takes: No statutory refund deadline was found. Gulf News says at least five days must pass after your payment notice before filing at the RDC (secondary).
The numbers behind Dubai renting: 480,371 residential Ejari leases started in Dubai between 1 Jan and 15 Oct 2026: 187,978 new market leases (39%) and 286,377 renewals (60%). Source: Dubai Land Department Ejari open data.
Where the sources disagree
- The 5% unfurnished / 10% furnished norm comes only from secondary sources; no official percentage exists.
- RDC monetary-claim minimum: the DLD amicable-settlement and RDC pages say AED 500; Gulf News's dispute guide gives only the AED 15,000 cap.
We quote the official figure where there is one. Check the official page before you pay.
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Questions
What can the landlord deduct?
Under Art. 20, the deposit secures maintenance of the property. Landlords cannot charge for wear and tear not caused by the tenant (Art. 17). Typical deductions are damage beyond wear and tear, cleaning and unpaid bills (Gulf News; secondary).
Is there a legal cap on the deposit?
No cap appears in Law 26/2007 or Law 33/2008. 5% and 10% are market norms only.
Sources (checked 20 Oct 2026)
More guides: Register Ejari · Ejari online · Renew Ejari · Ejari certificate · Tenancy contract · DEWA move-in · Rent cheques · Eviction notice · Rental disputes
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