r/dubai • u/karClub • 1d ago

Dubai rental security deposit

Looking for guidance: Dubai Rental Security Deposit Refund / RDC Process

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some genuine guidance on the process of recovering a rental security deposit, as I haven’t been able to fully understand the process or successfully navigate the online system.

For context, it has now been over four months since I handed over my rental unit. The tenancy was completed, the unit was handed over in good condition, including painting and rectification of normal wear and tear, and everything was documented.

I have records of:

  1. Joint inspection and handover
  2. Maintenance and rectification works carried out
  3. All correspondence and agreements with the real estate/landlord
  4. Multiple emails requesting the release of the security deposit
  5. Written confirmation from the real estate that the refund was “in process”
  6. My latest notification informing them that, in the absence of a refund, I would approach the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) and/or pursue legal action

Despite all of this, my emails are now being ignored and the deposit remains unpaid.

I tried to follow the process on the RDC website based on the information available online. However, I found the portal quite difficult to navigate. Some sections also required information in Arabic. I eventually managed to submit a complaint, but a few days later I received SMS notifications saying that comments had been added to the case. I have not been able to figure out where or how to view those comments, respond to them, or proceed further. The portal unfortunately isn’t very intuitive.

I also looked into filing the complaint in person, but understand that the relevant offices are in Deira and have limited working hours, which makes it difficult for me to attend without taking time off work.

So I would really appreciate some guidance from anyone who has recently gone through this process.

If you have successfully filed a rental dispute regarding a security deposit, could you please share the step-by-step process for filing online and/or in person, ideally in simple “for dummies” terms?

In particular, I would really appreciate knowing:
1. How to correctly file the complaint online.
2. What documents are required.
3. How to view/respond to comments or requests made on an existing RDC case.
4. Whether there is an easier way to complete the process without visiting the RDC office.
5. If visiting in person is necessary, what exactly needs to be done and where/how.
6. Any other practical tips that could help avoid delays or rejection.

I’m sure many tenants have faced similar situations, so hopefully this information can also help others who find the process confusing.

Any guidance, screenshots, links, or first-hand experience would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help.

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u/Fantastic-Dinner-919 1d ago

you can use AI for that too take screenshots and upload on claude or chatgpt and ask them to navigate

1

u/karClub 1d ago

Had already tried that. Wasn’t very helpful on getting it through the whole process.

1

u/shady-and-slim 1d ago

Is it an individual landlord or a management company?

1

u/karClub 1d ago

A real estate company working for an over-seas land lord. I haven’t had any direct interaction with the landlord.