Move-out painting is the single most common source of deposit disputes between Dubai tenants and landlords. Understanding what is actually required — versus what landlords sometimes claim is required — helps you negotiate fairly and avoid paying for painting that is not your responsibility.
What the Law Says
Under standard RERA tenancy terms, tenants are responsible for returning the property in the same condition as the check-in report, minus fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear has a specific legal meaning: the gradual deterioration that occurs through normal use over time. Faded paint from sunlight, minor scuffs from furniture against walls, and slight discolouration around light switches are all fair wear and tear. Holes in the wall from removed TV mounts, large stains from spills or children's drawings, and paint damage from adhesive hooks or tape are not fair wear and tear — these are tenant-caused damage and are legitimately deductible from the deposit. The grey area is the overall condition of the walls. A landlord cannot reasonably demand a full repaint because of one scuffed wall, but if the walls throughout the apartment are visibly marked beyond what normal use would produce, the landlord has grounds to claim. The check-in report is the reference document — if it notes pre-existing marks or damage, the tenant cannot be held responsible for those.
What a Move-Out Paint Job Costs
For a standard Dubai apartment, move-out painting costs: studio AED 700 to 950, 1-bedroom AED 1,000 to 1,400, 2-bedroom AED 1,500 to 2,000, 3-bedroom AED 2,000 to 3,000. These prices include labour, materials (Jotun or National Paint), furniture protection, and cleanup. The painting typically takes 1 day for a studio or 1-bedroom and 1 to 2 days for a 2 to 3-bedroom. Book at least 3 to 4 days before your handover inspection to allow for drying and any touch-ups. Photograph the apartment in detail after painting — these photos with metadata timestamps are your strongest evidence if the landlord later disputes the condition. Keep the painting invoice — it documents the date, scope, and professional execution of the work.