Dubai Tenants Face Greater Scrutiny Over Cleaning, Repainting and Repair Costs When Vacating Properties

As thousands of tenants across Dubai prepare to relocate at the end of their tenancy contracts, questions frequently arise over whether landlords and property management companies can require outgoing tenants to pay for cleaning, pest control treatments, repainting and other restoration work before handing back a property.

The issue has become increasingly common during pre-move-out inspections, when landlords or real estate agencies assess the condition of a property and identify any work they believe is necessary before it can be re-let. While tenants are often asked to bear these costs, their legal obligations are governed by Dubai's tenancy legislation, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Under Dubai's rent law, tenants are required to maintain rented premises in good condition throughout the tenancy period. They must treat the property with reasonable care and are not permitted to make alterations, restoration works or maintenance changes without obtaining the landlord's approval and any required permits from the relevant authorities.

The law also addresses the condition in which a property must be returned at the end of a lease. Upon expiry of the tenancy contract, the tenant is required to hand over possession of the property in substantially the same condition in which it was received, subject to ordinary wear and tear and any damage resulting from circumstances beyond the tenant's control.

This distinction is often at the centre of disputes between landlords and tenants. Minor deterioration caused by normal use over time, such as slight paint fading, small scuff marks or routine ageing of fixtures, is generally regarded as ordinary wear and tear. However, excessive damage, poor maintenance, significant staining, neglect or conditions requiring extensive cleaning or treatment may fall outside that category and could justify deductions or claims by the landlord.

Dubai law also permits landlords to collect a security deposit at the start of a tenancy as protection against damage or maintenance expenses that may arise when the lease ends. The landlord is required to return the deposit, or any remaining balance, once the tenant vacates the property and any legitimate deductions have been accounted for.

Whether a tenant must pay for repainting, deep cleaning or pest control treatment will therefore depend on the condition of the property at handover and the terms of the tenancy agreement. In some cases, tenancy contracts specifically require tenants to repaint the premises before vacating, making such costs contractually enforceable.

Where landlords or property managers seek to deduct amounts from a security deposit or demand additional payments, tenants are entitled to request evidence supporting the claimed costs. If a disagreement arises over the condition of the property or the reasonableness of the charges, either party may refer the matter to Dubai's Rental Disputes Centre, which has the authority to determine whether the deductions are justified under the law.

For tenants preparing to move out, documenting the property's condition through photographs, retaining copies of inspection reports and reviewing tenancy contract provisions can help minimise disputes and ensure a smoother handover process.

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