How to File a Complaint Against a Landlord in Dubai

Listen to this article | 7:35 Mins

A maintenance issue, withheld security deposit, rejected rent payment, disputed rent increase, or eviction notice can leave a tenant unsure where to turn for help. If the problem cannot be resolved directly with the landlord, the next step depends on the type of complaint and the outcome the tenant is seeking.

This guide explains where to file a complaint against a landlord in Dubai, which service may apply, what documents you may need, the possible fees, and what to expect after submitting a complaint.

Is RERA the Correct Place to Complain About a Landlord?

It depends on the nature of the complaint. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), part of Dubai Land Department (DLD), regulates real estate activities. But RERA does not consider rental complaints, contractual disputes, claims for refunds or compensation, or requests to cancel a contract.

A dispute arising from a tenancy agreement will normally fall within the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) jurisdiction. The correct route therefore depends on the service the tenant needs:

Issue	Possible Route
Dispute under a tenancy contract	RDC amicable settlement or First Instance claim
Urgent need to restore electricity, water or access to the property	RDC Petition Order; a police report may also be relevant
Landlord refuses to accept rent or the return of keys	RDC Offer and Deposit service
Complaint about a real estate company or broker	DLD Real Estate Violation System
Enforcement of an RDC judgment	RDC rental execution proceeding

When Can a Tenant File a Complaint Against a Landlord?

Not every disagreement amounts to a legal breach. Before filing a complaint, review the tenancy contract, the applicable rental rules, and the evidence supporting your position.

The Landlord Does Not Complete Required Maintenance

Landlords are generally responsible for maintenance and defects that affect the normal use of the property, unless the tenancy contract assigns certain responsibilities to the tenant. Some contracts require tenants to cover minor repairs below a specified amount.

The Rent Increase Is Disputed

A tenant may dispute a proposed rent increase if it does not follow the applicable rental rules, Rental Index result or notice requirements. Keep copies of the existing tenancy contract, renewal offer, landlord correspondence and any Rental Index result used to justify the increase. Advertised rents in the area do not by themselves determine whether an increase is permitted. You can learn more in our guide to the Dubai Rental Index.

The Security Deposit Is Withheld

A landlord may make reasonable deductions for damage caused by the tenant, but normal wear and tear should not be treated in the same way as damage. If the deposit is withheld, ask for an itemised explanation of the deductions. Move-in photographs, inspection reports, repair invoices and proof of key handover can help support a claim for the remaining amount.

The Eviction Process Is Disputed

A tenant may challenge an eviction where there is a dispute over the legal reason, notice period, method of service or supporting evidence. Do not assume that an eviction notice is automatically valid simply because it has been issued. Tenants should always review the notice carefully against the applicable requirements.

The Landlord Interferes With the Tenant's Use

A tenant may have grounds to complain if the landlord disconnects essential services or prevents normal access to the property. Depending on the situation, the tenant may report the incident to the police and seek an RDC remedy.

The Landlord Refuses Rent or Property Keys

If a landlord refuses to accept rent or the return of property keys, the tenant may consider using the Rental Dispute Center Offer and Deposit service. This allows the tenant to formally offer the rent or keys while preserving their position under the tenancy.

What Should You Do Before Filing a Complaint?

Before filing a complaint, identify what obligation may have been breached and what outcome you want. Different issues may require different evidence and RDC services.

Review the tenancy contract, addenda and Ejari certificate
Contact the landlord or authorised property manager in writing
Clearly explain the issue and the remedy you are requesting
Keep proof that your notice or request was delivered
Organise payment records, photographs, reports and correspondence by date
Calculate any amount you are claiming and keep supporting records
Check which RDC service is appropriate for the issue
Arrange legal Arabic translation for documents where required

Binghatti Wraith

Starting AED 799,999
£ 163,250 *
Al Jaddaf
STUDIO | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR

View Project

Binghatti Skyflame

Starting AED 585,000
£ 119,376 *
Majan
STUDIO | 1 BR | 2 BR

View Project

VIEW ALL PROJECTS

How Do You File a Complaint Through the RDC?

A tenant can file a rental complaint through the RDC website or an approved Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.

Choose the Right RDC Service

Select the service that matches your issue, such as amicable settlement, a First Instance claim, Offer and Deposit or a Petition Order.

Enter the Case Details

Provide the tenant, landlord, property and tenancy information, along with a clear summary of the dispute.

Upload the Required Documents

Submit the Ejari certificate, identification documents and supporting evidence. Arabic translations may be required for documents in another language.

Pay the Applicable Fees

Complete the required verification and pay the fee for the selected RDC service.

Follow the Case Process

Depending on the service, the matter may proceed to settlement, a remote hearing or review by the relevant judge.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Complaint Against a Landlord?

The cost depends on the service and the type of remedy requested. A formal tenancy dispute is not treated as a free regulatory complaint.

RDC Cost or Service	Current Amount
Specified rental claims (eviction, renewal, rent claims, termination)	3.5% of the annual rent or lease value, from AED 500 to AED 20,000
Monetary claim	3.5% of the amount claimed, from AED 500 to AED 15,000
Process service for a standard rental claim	AED 100
Knowledge and innovation fees for a standard rental claim	AED 10 each
Power-of-attorney registration	AED 25, where applicable
Trustee-centre service for a rental claim	AED 130 plus VAT on the service fee
Offer and Deposit	AED 50, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees
Petition Order request	AED 20; inspection is 2.5% of the annual rent, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change. Always check the latest fees with the official Rental Disputes Center (RDC) before proceeding.

Documents Required to File a Rental Claim

The exact documents depend on the complaint, but an RDC rental claim will generally require:

The latest tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
Emirates ID for an individual tenant
Commercial licence and the manager's or owner's identification for a company
A bank letter or statement showing the claimant's IBAN
The statement of claim and requested remedy
Notices and proof of service
Rent cheques, bank statements and payment receipts
Emails, messages and other correspondence
Photographs, videos, inspection reports, quotations or invoices
Move-in, move-out and key-handover records where relevant

Conclusion

Filing a complaint against a landlord in Dubai starts with understanding the issue and choosing the right process. Before taking formal action, review your tenancy documents, notify the landlord in writing, gather your evidence and clearly identify the outcome you are seeking. If the matter remains unresolved, choose the RDC service that best matches your case and prepare for any filing, translation or related costs.

For enquiries about Binghatti properties, contact Binghatti property consultants on +971 800 15, and they will guide you throughout your purchase journey.