Gottlieb LLC v Graca [2016] DIFC SCT 045 (30 May 2016)

Gottlieb LLC v Graca [2016] DIFC SCT 045 (30 May 2016)

The landlord may deduct AED 1,405.75 from the security deposit for substantiated repairs beyond reasonable wear and tear, but not for full repainting or unsubstantiated items. The tenant is liable for overstay rent only until 15 March 2016, as the landlord could reasonably have mitigated further loss after that date. Both parties bear their own costs.

Citation
[2016] DIFC SCT 045
Parties
Claimant: Gottlieb LLC; Defendant: Graca
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Judgment Date
30 May 2016
Procedural Posture
Small Claims Tribunal / Judgment
Outcome
Partially allowed
Legal Topics
Security Deposit, Overstay Rent, Reasonable Wear and Tear, Tenancy Agreement Interpretation

Case Brief

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Parties

Gottlieb LLC

Claimant

Graca

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Small Claims Tribunal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the landlord is entitled to deduct repair costs from the tenant's security deposit
  2. 2 Whether the tenant is liable for overstay rent after the expiration of the tenancy agreement

Ratio Decidendi

The landlord may deduct AED 1,405.75 from the security deposit for substantiated repairs beyond reasonable wear and tear, but not for full repainting or unsubstantiated items. The tenant is liable for overstay rent only until 15 March 2016, as the landlord could reasonably have mitigated further loss after that date. Both parties bear their own costs.

Court Disposition

Partially allowed

Orders

  • Claimant may retain AED 1,405.75 of Defendant’s security deposit for repairs.
  • Claimant must return AED 5,094.25 of Defendant’s security deposit.