Now that it's time to vacate your apartment or villa, you want your security deposit refunded. When you leave the property, you must ensure that it is returned in the same condition you found it when you initially moved in if you want to receive 100% of your deposit back. You may need to explore specific legal options if the landlord refuses to return the security deposit fully. But first, here's the more straightforward process to get back your rental security deposit.

Read The Maintenance Clause In Your Contract

  • According to Ajman law, the tenant's landlord must maintain the property for the duration of the lease and fix any flaws that limit their ability to use the space. Nevertheless, leasing agreements sometimes stipulate that tenants are responsible for minor maintenance (AED 200 or less) while landlords are responsible for extensive maintenance (more than AED 200).
  • Therefore, the landlord is liable for maintenance expenses without a maintenance provision. The landlord may also deduct the cost of repairs from the security deposit, but the renter is still responsible for any harm they make to the property.
  • It also pays to keep thorough records of everything, from when you moved in and the repairs made while you were a tenant to any personal expenses incurred to what was done after you moved out.

Renovate The Walls

Tenants should consider the number of picture hooks and holes left behind before leaving. If the tenant was residing in an unfurnished apartment, it is advisable to fill in other damages or marks if there are any.

Paint The Walls Again

Wear and tear that is reasonable is acceptable. However, repainting the walls before vacating the property might be a good idea. Repainting them yourself will be less expensive than having the landlord do it and deducting the cost from your security deposit. Use neutral colors, such as off-white and white, whenever possible. However, if you moved into a home with dark-colored walls, it better consult with the landlord before making a color change.

Furniture Removal Replacement Or Repair

If the tenant moves out, all furniture must be removed from an unfurnished property; otherwise, the landlord will deduct the removal cost from the security deposit. However, while leaving a furnished home, ensure all the furniture is in its proper position and condition. The landlord had an inventory of the things in the house when it was given to you.

Pay Off Your Bills

You must inform FEWA, Etisalat, or Du that you're leaving so they can send your final bill and turn off the lights, water, and internet at the right time. Failure to do so may result in increased expenses, which no one needs when moving out, and conflict between you and your landlord.

Create Effective Communication

Contact your landlord to ask for your security deposit back after you've left. Most contracts offer the landlord up to 30 days to restore the security deposit to the tenant. To better understand the security deposit return timeframes, read your lease carefully, as regulations differ from one lease to the next. Ask for an itemized list of all deductions and damages if the landlord says they will deduct a portion of your security deposit to cover damages. For your landlord to return your security deposit as quickly as possible.

Complain When All Else Fails

Suppose your efforts to recover your security deposit are unsuccessful. In that case, lodge a formal complaint against your landlord with the Ajman Rent Disputes Committee.

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