Renting in Dubai offers a comfortable lifestyle at competitive prices, though rental disputes can sometimes arise. These disputes happen when landlords or tenants breach the tenancy contract. The final resort to resolve such cases is to file a rental dispute in Dubai with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).
Scroll down to learn more about filing a rental dispute with RDC, the cost and the resolution process.
- Types of Rental Disputes
- Rental Dispute Centre
- How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai
- Track Your Case
- Rental Dispute Resolution Process
- FAQs
Types of Rental Disputes
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) oversees property-related processes to ensure smooth transactions for residents. Within the DLD, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has set clear tenancy laws aimed at protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords. The Law No. (33) of 2008 outlines the main types of rental disputes, as listed below:
- Illegal rent increases
- Unpaid rent
- Subletting property
- Lack of property maintenance by the landlord
- Security deposit refund
- Renting out an apartment in bad condition
- Cutting off essential supplies or restricting entry of tenants to certain areas of a property
- Property damage
- Unfair evictions such as immediate tenant eviction for selling a property
Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai
As a tenant or a landlord, ensure that the reason for the dispute is valid. For instance, calculate the authorised rent increases using the RERA rental calculator. Or, learn about the legal rules under which a landlord can evict a tenant or increase rent.
If the dispute is valid, the first step is to communicate the issue and try to find a solution. If the issue remains unsolved, the last resort is to file a dispute with the RDC.
Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) is the official authority established by DLD. This centre is responsible for resolving rental disputes in Dubai. However, before filing a dispute, the first step is to gather evidence such as relevant bills, correspondence proof and slips.
How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai
Filing a rental dispute in Dubai is seamless with online and in-person options. Let’s first learn about the required documents and fees.
Required Documents
Gather the important documents to complete the application process easily. Please ensure that all the documents must be translated into Arabic. Here is the list of must-have documents:
- Copy of Emirates ID (tenant)
- Passport copy (tenant and landlord)
- Residence visa copy (tenant)
- Copy of commercial licence (business)
- Copy of last Ejari
- Copy of title deed of property
- Bank statement with Plaintiff’s IBAN or letter issued by the bank
- Any supporting document relevant to the case, such as bills, notices, correspondence, cheques and letters
- Copy of eviction notice sent by the landlord via registered post with acknowledgement of the tenant (if applicable)
Service Fees
The service fees for filing a rental dispute with RDC include:
- Rental disputes: 3.5% of the annual rental value. This fee can be a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000.
- Monetary claims: The service fee is 3.5% of the claimed amount. This cost can be a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000.
- General fees:
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Process service fee: AED 100
- Translation cost: AED 210 per page
- Power of attorney registration: AED 25 (if applicable)
- For registration through RDC Centres: AED 130
- Fast track fee: AED 105
Process of Filing a Rental Dispute With RDC
Using the RDC or DLD website or visiting service centres are two ways to file a rental dispute in Dubai. Let’s discuss both the processes:
1. File Via RDC Service Centres
RDC has established multiple service centres also known as service trustees, where you can file a rental dispute. The process involves these steps:
- Visit one of the RDC centres.
- Head to the counter and ask the staff about rental dispute service.
- Provide the documents to the concerned person.
- Wait for a review of the documents.
- Pay the fees in cash and receive a payment receipt.
- All set, the next step is issue resolution.
Main Centre Location
Dubai Land Department, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Working Hours
- 07:30 am to 03:00 pm: Monday to Thursday
- 07:30 am to 12:00 pm: Friday
Contact Information
+971 800 4488
2. File Via RDC or DLD Website
DLD and RDC have simplified the process with their online application systems. Here is how to quickly file a dispute online:
- Visit the RDC or DLD website and sign up using the Emirates ID or username and password.
- Choose the relevant rental dispute service.
- Fill out the form, attach the documents and pay the fees using:
- Noqodi
- Credit or Debit Cards
Track Your Case
Complainants can easily track their rental dispute case by visiting the DLD official website. Under the ‘Home’ section, click on ‘RDC’ then click on ‘Track Your Case’. Enter your case number, case type and year to view the status.
Rental Dispute Resolution Process
Now that an individual has filed a dispute, what’s next? Here is the RDC dispute resolution process which starts from an initial discussion:
1. Initial Discussion
The initial discussion is conducted through a tele-litigation system in which both parties (landlord and tenant) try to reach an agreement. If both parties mutually agree, they sign a conciliation agreement and the RDC dismisses the case.
2. Court Hearing
If the issue is not resolved, the next step is a court hearing. The judge will hear both sides and provide a resolution. Both parties can either accept the solution or file an appeal.
3. File an Appeal
If either or both parties fail to accept the solution, they must file an appeal. To do so, visit the RDC service centre or apply online through the DLD or RDC website. Here are the requirements to file an appeal:
- A complainant can file an appeal within 15 days of the initial decision. However, an appeal can be filed for disputes of above AED 50,000.
- If the dispute value is AED 330,000 or above, the complainant can file a dispute with the Court of Cassation. This appeal must be filed within 30 days of the initial decision.
Fees
- Service Fee: AED 100
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
- Power of attorney registration: AED 25 (if applicable)
- RDC In-Person Application Fee: AED 130
4. Appeal Decision
After filing an appeal, there will be a remote session on the litigation system. To know the appeal decision, you can visit the DLD website. Under the ‘Home’ section, click on ‘RDC’ then click on ‘Judicial Judgement’. Enter the case number, type and case year to view the decision. Based on the decision, the tenant or landlord can ask for monetary compensation.
FAQs
Communicate the issue with your landlord and try to reach an agreement. However, if the issue persists, file a complaint with the RDC.
Visit the Rental Dispute Centre or apply online via the RDC or DLD website. Submit the document and pay the fees to file a rental dispute in Dubai.
If the issue is resolved out of court before the hearing, it nullifies the case. Tenants and landlords can also apply online for withdrawal from the case before the hearing through the DLD website.
That was all about the process of filing a rental dispute in Dubai. This process can help you resolve differences and reach a mutually agreeable solution in a dispute.
Additionally, knowing about rental laws in Dubai as a landlord or tenant can prevent such disputes. Moreover, you can also follow this guide to rent a property in Dubai like a professional.
That said, if you are searching for a rental property, explore some of the best areas to rent a property in Dubai.
