Do I need to repaint my Dubai apartment before moving out?

No — faded paint and minor scuffs from normal everyday use are classified as fair wear and tear under Dubai tenancy law and cannot be legally deducted from your deposit. After 3 years of normal occupancy, some paint fading and light marks are entirely expected and are the landlord's cost to address between tenancies, not yours.

This is one of the most common and most disputed deposit issues in Dubai. Many landlords attempt to charge for repainting knowing that tenants don't know their rights.

What IS legitimate: if you painted walls a non-standard colour without permission, the landlord can deduct the cost of repainting back to the original colour. If there are significant marks, stains, or damage beyond normal everyday living, some deduction may be justified.

What is NOT legitimate: charging for repainting walls that have simply faded or acquired minor marks from 3 years of normal use.

If your landlord deducts repainting costs for normal wear and tear: request an itemised breakdown in writing, dispute the specific items you believe are normal wear and tear, and if they refuse to return the money, file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre. The RDC frequently rules against landlords on unreasonable wear and tear deductions. Filing fee is 3.5% of annual rent (minimum AED 500) and most cases resolve within a few weeks.