The final days of a rental contract for many tenants in Dubai come with a familiar concern; can the landlord or property management company charge the tenant for cleaning, pest control, or painting the unit?

The legal answer is: yes, but not in all cases.

According to Dubai's rental law, tenants are required to maintain the property well during the rental period and return it in approximately the same condition as it was received at the beginning of the contract upon vacating. However, normal wear and tear from everyday use is considered an exception and should not be charged to the tenant as damages.

For this reason, if the landlord or real estate agency determines that the property requires deep cleaning, pest control, repair, or painting due to damages beyond normal wear and tear, they can charge the tenant for these costs. Additionally, if it is stated in the rental contract that the unit must be returned painted upon vacating, the landlord will have the right to request this cost.

Conversely, the law also obligates the landlord to return the security deposit to the tenant after the contract ends, unless documented legal costs for damages are deducted from it.

Legal experts recommend that if a tenant finds the amount requested to be unreasonable or excessive, they should ask the landlord or property management company for documentation and evidence of the costs. If the dispute continues, there is also the option to refer to the Dubai Rental Dispute Center for case review.

In summary: in Dubai, the costs of cleaning, pest control, or painting are only the tenant's responsibility when the damages exceed normal wear and tear or if the rental contract explicitly states such an obligation.

Source: Gulf Times