Wear and tear vs damage in Dubai: what can come out of your deposit

The line that decides most Dubai deposit arguments at move-out, with examples. General information, not legal advice.

Why it matters

A security deposit secures the upkeep of the flat. It usually covers unpaid rent, unpaid bills and damage beyond normal use. Normal wear and tear from living in a flat is generally not something a tenant pays to fix. Most deductions tenants dispute come down to which side of that line a mark falls.

Usually normal wear and tear

• Paint faded by sunlight, light scuffs near switches and doors
• Small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures (check your contract, some ban them)
• Worn grout, slightly loose door handles, carpet flattened in walkways
• Minor marks on floors from normal furniture use
• AC filters and fittings aged by normal use over the tenancy

Usually damage

• Holes, cracks or dents in walls and doors beyond small fixings
• Burns, deep stains or water damage caused by the tenant
• Broken tiles, glass, fittings or appliances
• Pet damage, chewed frames, scratched flooring
• Unapproved alterations, painting in non-original colours

What decides a grey case

Three things: how long you lived there, what the flat looked like on day one, and what it looks like on handover day. The second and third are evidence questions. Without a move-in record, it is your word against the landlord's. Without a dated move-out record, the landlord's photos taken after you left are the only record.

What to keep

1. Move-in photos or video, ideally dated, and any move-in inspection report
2. A move-out walk-through of every room on handover day, original files untouched
3. Photos of meters, keys and access cards returned
4. Final DEWA and chiller clearance
5. Any deduction claim in writing, itemised with invoices or quotes

If they deduct anyway

Ask for the itemised list and the invoices. Compare each item to your move-in and move-out records. If you can't agree, tenancy disputes in Dubai go to the Rental Dispute Centre, where organised, dated evidence matters. For advice on your case, speak to a lawyer. See also the move-out deposit checklist.