Question: I rented a car in Dubai and left a deposit of 12,000 dirhams. They promised to return it a month after returning the car. They still haven’t returned the money, it is 2 months 10 days already.
Deposit Return Policy: According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), car rental companies are required to return the security deposit within 30 days of returning the vehicle (from 3,000 dirham to 10,000 dirham, depending on the age of the driver and the cost of the car), provided there are no fines or damages. Deposits should be held as a blocked amount on a credit card.
Keep all rental agreements, receipts, and communication records. If they have paid fines and damages, ask them for proof.
You can choose to file a complaint with various websites or government authorities that handle consumer issues related to car rentals.
File a complaint with consumer protection using this link
https://consumerrights.ae/en/Pages/consumer-complaint.aspx
Contact: +971 600 545555
Email: consumerrights@dubaided.gov.ae
Tourism Police
https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/wps/portal/websps/webspsserviceslist/touristSecurity/
Helplines for tourists
Call toll-free number 901
email: touristpolice@dubaipolice.gov.ae
Also, If you search the rental company on the below places, leave a review mentioning the problem you faced in detail… sites like Tripadvisor.com, Google Map Review, trustpilot.com and Reddit.
Use social media platforms to share your experience and tag the car rental company. Public exposure can sometimes expedite the resolution process.
If they have taken the deposit through your credit card, raise a dispute with the bank.
Prepare a documentation/evidence to support your claim to chargeback.
Consider using well-known car rental services or apps next time that offer better consumer protection and clear policies.
