If your landlord in Ajman hasn't returned your security deposit, ask in writing for a refund and an itemised explanation of any deductions, with supporting evidence. At the same time, gather your Tasdeeq-attested tenancy contract, deposit receipt and move-out photos. If you cannot settle it directly, landlord-tenant disputes in Ajman are decided by the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, which replaced the Rental Disputes Committee on 1 February 2026. Ajman's rules are not Dubai's, so follow Ajman procedures.

Can a Landlord Keep Your Security Deposit in Ajman?

Quick answer: A landlord in Ajman may keep all or part of a security deposit if they claim the tenant has an outstanding contractual obligation or is responsible for damage to the property. Whether a deduction is justified depends on the tenancy contract, the applicable law and the evidence. If the landlord and tenant cannot agree, the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre decides.

A security deposit is money the landlord holds as security for the tenant's obligations. The tenancy contract usually states the amount and refund conditions, so the deposit clause is the first thing to read.

Ajman tenancies are governed by the Real Estate Lease Law issued under Emiri Decree No. (2) of 2017, together with the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which, since 1 June 2026, is Federal Decree-Law No. (25) of 2025. Under the Civil Transactions Law, a tenant holds the leased property in trust, must look after it with the care of an ordinary person, and is liable for deficiency, damage or loss resulting from a cause attributable to them. Article 724 requires the property to be returned in the condition it was received, except for damage caused by something not attributable to the tenant.

It helps to separate three kinds of claim:

  • Outstanding obligations: unpaid rent or charges your contract makes you responsible for.
  • Actual damage: something broken, stained or missing because of how the property was used.
  • Ordinary use: the normal signs of living in a home over time.

We found no official definition of "normal wear and tear" in the Ajman or federal sources reviewed. Whether faded paint or small wall marks count as damage depends on your contract, the property's condition when you moved in, and the evidence each side can produce.

What Should You Do Before Moving Out of an Ajman Property?

Items marked * appear in Tasdeeq's published requirements for cancelling a lease contract; the rest are practical recommendations.

  • Re-read your tenancy contract, especially the notice period, deposit clause and any painting or cleaning terms.
  • Give notice in writing as your contract requires, and keep proof it was received.
  • Pay outstanding rent and settle final utility bills.
  • Obtain clearance certificates from Ajman Sewerage Company and the electricity and water provider.*
  • Make sure the Tasdeeq contract is cancelled. The published service also lists a letter from both parties and copies of the contract.*
  • Photograph and video every room: walls, floors, doors, kitchen, bathrooms, air-conditioning units, appliances and fixtures.
  • Ask for a joint inspection and a written handover note.
  • Return keys and access cards against a written acknowledgement.
  • Keep payment receipts and every WhatsApp and email message.

Moving soon? Browse rental properties in Ajman on Ajman Properties and compare homes across the emirate's communities.

What Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit in Ajman?

Deductions are easier to justify when tied to a clear obligation, for example:

  • Unpaid contractual amounts, such as rent or charges the contract assigns to the tenant.
  • Damage resulting from a cause attributable to the tenant, for which the Civil Transactions Law makes the tenant liable.
  • Missing or damaged items listed on a signed inventory for a furnished property.
  • Other costs specifically supported by the contract or the law.

Repainting and cleaning cause most disagreements. We found no published Ajman rule that automatically allows a landlord to charge every outgoing tenant for repainting, and none that automatically prohibits it. A clear contract clause, the paint's condition at move-in, and whether the walls show damage beyond normal occupation will all matter. If you are charged, ask for the invoice or quotation behind each amount.

What If the Landlord Claims You Damaged the Property?

Respond with evidence, not argument. The most useful records are:

  • Dated move-in photos and videos.
  • Move-out photos and videos taken on handover day.
  • A move-in condition report or inventory listing existing defects.
  • Maintenance requests you made during the tenancy, and the replies.
  • Invoices, receipts or quotations for the repairs being charged.

If a defect appears in your move-in images, or you reported it during the tenancy, that context matters if the matter reaches the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre.

Landlord Refusing to Return the Deposit? Follow These Steps

  1. Review the tenancy contract. Note the deposit amount, refund terms and any deduction clauses.
  2. Request the refund in writing. Use email or WhatsApp so you have a dated record.
  3. Ask for an itemised explanation. Request each deduction and its amount.
  4. Request supporting evidence for anything you dispute, such as photos, invoices or quotations.
  5. Gather your documents: contract, receipts, photos, handover note and messages.
  6. Try to settle in writing. Propose a specific solution, such as accepting one documented repair and disputing the rest.
  7. Escalate to the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre if you still cannot agree.

How to File a Rental Dispute in Ajman

Since 1 February 2026, the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre has handled landlord-tenant disputes in Ajman, established under Law No. (1) of 2026. According to WAM, the Centre replaced the previous Rental Disputes Committee, hears rental cases for properties across the emirate, including free zones, and the law sets out how to appeal its decisions. Dubai's Rental Disputes Centre handles Dubai properties, not Ajman ones.

Tasdeeq and your tenancy contract

Tasdeeq, run by the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, is Ajman's system for authenticating lease contracts. Your Tasdeeq-attested contract is the official record of your tenancy terms, so keep a copy ready before you raise a dispute.

Fees

Under Emiri Decree No. (2) of 2026, announced by WAM on 3 March 2026, the Centre collects fees for registering cases and applications. The decree also sets an AED 1,000 security deposit for certain appeals against Primary Rental Committee rulings, and AED 2,000 for a petition for reconsideration. These amounts relate to specific appeal and reconsideration procedures and should not be confused with the initial fee for filing a security-deposit claim. The official announcement did not include the standard case-registration fee, so confirm it directly with the Centre before filing.

Where to start

We could not find a published online filing page for the Centre. To confirm the current way to register a case, call the Ajman Government call centre on 80070 or check the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department e-services portal.

Documents to Keep if Your Security Deposit Is Disputed

Officially required documents: The Centre has not published a filing checklist that we could verify, so ask for the current list when you register your case.

Useful supporting evidence:

  • Tasdeeq-attested tenancy contract
  • Emirates ID or passport copy
  • Deposit receipt or cheque copy
  • Rent payment records
  • Move-in and move-out photos and videos
  • Inventory, for furnished properties
  • Inspection or handover records
  • Key-return confirmation
  • Sewerage and utility clearance documents
  • WhatsApp and email messages
  • Repair invoices or quotations linked to the deductions

Common Mistakes Tenants Should Avoid

  • Moving out without photographing the property.
  • Handing over keys without written proof.
  • Relying on verbal promises about the deposit.
  • Losing the deposit receipt or cheque details.
  • Leaving the Tasdeeq contract uncancelled or utility accounts unsettled.
  • Signing a handover or settlement form without reading it.
  • Assuming Dubai tenancy rules apply in Ajman.
  • Waiting weeks before collecting evidence.

How to Reduce Security Deposit Disputes When Renting Your Next Ajman Property

Before signing your next contract, read the deposit, maintenance, painting and cleaning clauses. On move-in day, photograph the property and send the landlord a written list of existing defects. For furnished homes, agree on a signed inventory. Pay by traceable methods, keep every receipt, raise maintenance issues in writing, and make sure the contract is attested through Tasdeeq. Our guide to the paperwork required to rent a home in Ajman covers the documents you need to prepare.

Looking for your next home in Ajman? Explore apartments for rent in Ajman and villas for rent in Ajman on Ajman Properties.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my security deposit back from a landlord in Ajman?

Ask for the refund in writing, with an itemised list of any deductions and evidence, and keep your contract, receipts, photos and messages. If you cannot agree, the dispute goes to the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, which has handled landlord-tenant cases since 1 February 2026.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ajman?

We found no fixed refund deadline in the official Ajman sources we reviewed. Check your tenancy contract first, as it may set a timeframe. If it does not and the landlord is unresponsive, put your request in writing and ask the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre how to proceed.

Can an Ajman landlord deduct money for painting?

No published Ajman rule automatically allows or prohibits a repainting charge. The outcome usually depends on any painting clause in your contract, the walls' condition when you moved in, and whether the damage goes beyond normal wear and tear. Ask for the quotation behind the charge before accepting it.

Can a landlord deduct money for property damage?

A landlord can claim for damage the tenant is responsible for. Under the UAE Civil Transactions Law, a tenant is liable for deficiency, damage or loss resulting from a cause attributable to them. Ask the landlord to show what was damaged and how they calculated the repair cost, and dispute anything unsupported.

What if my landlord refuses to explain the deductions?

Send a written request for each deduction, its amount and the supporting evidence, and keep a copy. If the landlord still refuses, the lack of explanation and your own records can form part of a claim at the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre.

Where can I complain about a landlord in Ajman?

The Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre decides landlord-tenant disputes in Ajman, established under Law No. (1) of 2026. To confirm how to register a case and the current fee, call the Ajman Government call centre on 80070. Dubai's Rental Disputes Centre does not handle Ajman properties.

What role does Tasdeeq play in a deposit dispute?

Tasdeeq is the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department's system for authenticating lease contracts. Your attested contract is the official record of the tenancy terms, and Tasdeeq also handles contract cancellation when you move out. Ask the Centre when you register whether you need an attested contract for your claim.

Can I file an Ajman rental dispute online?

We could not find an official online filing page for the Ajman Rental Dispute Resolution Centre. Call the Ajman Government call centre on 80070, or check the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department e-services portal to confirm the current filing route before you start.

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