--- title: "Security Deposit Dubai Arabic Contract Clause" description: "Your landlord is keeping your security deposit and citing a clause in Arabic you never read. What Dubai tenancy contracts typically say about deposit refunds." url: "https://onlinetranslation.ae/blog/security-deposit-arabic-contract-clause/" lang: "en-AE" --- [](/blog)Back to Blog *Daily Blog* # You Paid a Security Deposit. Getting It Back Requires Reading the Fine Print. In Arabic. 4 min read You're moving out. You cleaned the apartment, returned the keys, and asked for your security deposit back. The landlord says no. They're pointing to a clause in the Arabic part of your tenancy contract — a clause you've never read. The clause apparently says something about professional cleaning, or an inspection fee, or a deduction for "maintenance." But you can't verify any of this because you can't read Arabic. You're being told what your contract says by the person who benefits from your not reading it. ## What deposit clauses typically say in Arabic Standard Dubai tenancy contracts include a security deposit section. The English side usually says something vague like "security deposit refundable upon vacating per contract terms." The Arabic side is often more specific: - Professional cleaning. Many contracts require a professional deep clean before vacating. The Arabic text may specify that the tenant must provide a receipt from a licensed cleaning company. Without it, the landlord deducts cleaning costs from the deposit. - Inspection window. Some contracts give the landlord 7-14 days after vacating to inspect the property. The Arabic text may state that the deposit is held until the inspection is complete. - Outstanding utilities. The deposit may be held until the tenant provides DEWA clearance showing no unpaid bills at the address. - Repair deductions. The Arabic clause typically distinguishes between "normal wear" (landlord's responsibility) and "damage" (tenant's cost). But the definition of each can vary from contract to contract. ## Why the Arabic version matters here If your landlord cites a contract clause to justify deductions, the [](/blog/rera-dispute-arabic-english-difference)Arabic text is the legally binding version. If the English side doesn't mention professional cleaning but the Arabic side does, the Arabic requirement stands. RERA will read the Arabic when you file a dispute. This is why getting the deposit-related clauses translated before you move out — not after — gives you an advantage. You can meet every stated condition before handing back the keys. ## How to protect your deposit Before you move out: Get the Arabic deposit and maintenance clauses in your [](/legal/contracts/lease)tenancy contract translated. Know exactly what conditions you need to meet. Take time-stamped photos of the property's condition. At move-out: Provide everything the Arabic clause requires — professional cleaning receipt, DEWA clearance, key return acknowledgment. Get written confirmation from the landlord that you've met the conditions. If they still withhold it: Request a written breakdown of deductions. Compare it against the Arabic contract text. If the deductions aren't justified by the contract, file a case at RERA's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. Bring your contract (both versions), photos, and receipts. ## When you're already in the dispute If you're past the move-out stage and the landlord is holding your deposit, you need to know what the Arabic contract says before going to RERA. A [](/personal)certified translation of the relevant clauses shows you — and the RERA adjudicator — exactly what both parties agreed to. If your [](/blog/landlord-contract-arabic-signed-anyway)contract's Arabic text doesn't support the deductions your landlord is claiming, the translation becomes your evidence. Need the deposit clause in your contract translated? Send it on WhatsApp — [+971 50 862 0217](https://wa.me/971508620217). We'll tell you what the Arabic says before your landlord does. ## Common questions ### Can my landlord keep my security deposit for normal wear and tear? No. Normal wear and tear is the landlord's responsibility under RERA guidelines. Security deposits cover damage beyond normal use. However, check the Arabic contract — it may define "normal wear" specifically or include a professional cleaning requirement that affects your refund. ### How do I challenge a security deposit deduction in Dubai? Request a written breakdown of deductions. Compare it against the Arabic text of your contract. If the deductions aren't justified, file a case at RERA's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre with your contract, move-in photos, and the landlord's deduction statement. ### Should I get the deposit clause translated before moving out? Yes. Understanding the Arabic conditions before you vacate lets you meet every requirement — cleaning, inspection, utility clearance — and strengthens your position if the landlord tries to withhold your deposit. ### Know what your contract says before you move out Send your tenancy contract via WhatsApp. We'll translate the deposit and maintenance clauses so you know exactly what to do. [WhatsApp Your Contract](https://wa.me/971508620217) +971 50 862 0217 [Your document concierge](/about/#concierge-model) — we review before you pay. ## Related [](/legal/contracts/lease) ### Lease Agreement Translation MOJ-certified translation for tenancy contracts and Ejari [](/blog/rera-dispute-arabic-english-difference) ### RERA Contract Discrepancies When Arabic and English versions say different things [](/blog/eviction-notice-arabic-translation) ### Eviction Notice Translation Understanding Arabic eviction notices and your rights