Disputes between landlords and tenants can arise over unpaid rent, security deposits, eviction, lease renewals, maintenance, or other tenancy obligations. When the parties cannot resolve the issue between themselves, the dispute may need to be referred to Dubai's Rental Disputes Center (RDC).
The RDC is the authority responsible for resolving rental disputes in Dubai. However, starting a case requires more than submitting a complaint. The applicant must use the appropriate service, provide the required documents, pay the applicable fees, and clearly state what they are asking the RDC to decide. This guide explains how to file a rental dispute in Dubai, the documents and fees involved, and what to expect at each stage.
What is the Rental Disputes Center in Dubai?
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC) is the specialised judicial body established by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in accordance with Dubai's tenancy laws. It provides a structured legal process for resolving rental disagreements efficiently through amicable settlement, First Instance proceedings, appeals, and judgment enforcement.
The RDC has jurisdiction over most disputes relating to residential, commercial, and industrial tenancy contracts registered in Dubai. Common cases include:
Unpaid rent and returned rent cheques
Lease renewal disputes and contested rent increases
Eviction notices and early lease termination
Security deposit disputes and other financial claims
Maintenance responsibilities and breaches of tenancy agreements
Service charge, utility, and contractual obligation disputes
Compensation claims arising from violations of tenancy laws or lease terms
Before filing a case, parties are generally encouraged to resolve disputes through the RDC's amicable settlement process. If no agreement is reached, the dispute proceeds through the appropriate judicial stages, where legally binding decisions can be issued and enforced.
Review the tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, payment records, and any notices exchanged. Your claim should be supported by appropriate evidence. For example, an unpaid rent claim requires a clear payment history, while an eviction claim depends on the applicable legal grounds and the notice served.
Attempt to Resolve the Dispute Amicably
Send a written request outlining the issue, the action required, and a reasonable deadline for a response. Keep proof of delivery, as this correspondence may help establish the sequence of events. However, informal communication does not replace any notice required by law.
Ensure Eviction Notices Comply with Legal Requirements
For eviction-related cases, notices must be served using the legally prescribed method, such as a notarised notice with proof of service or registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
Which RDC Service Should You Use?
The correct filing route depends on what the applicant needs the RDC to do.
Applicant's Objective
RDC Service
Reach an agreed resolution
Amicable settlement
Obtain a decision on a rental dispute
First-instance rental lawsuit
Offer rent or property keys when the other party refuses them
Offer and Deposit
Enforce a final RDC judgment
Rental execution proceeding
What Documents Are Required to File a Rental Case?
The RDC's First Instance service requires the following core documents:
The latest tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
Emirates ID for an individual applicant
The commercial licence and manager's or owner's photo ID for a company
A bank letter or statement showing the claimant's IBAN
The required notice and proof of service for an eviction claim
A power of attorney or management agreement where relevant
Evidence supporting the requested remedy
Evidence may include cheques, bank records, correspondence, maintenance requests, utility bills, inspection reports, photographs and handover records. Documents must be in Arabic or legally translated into Arabic. The RDC requires electronic uploads rather than hard copies.
How to File a Case with the RDC in Dubai
A landlord, tenant, or authorised representative can register through the RDC website or an approved Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, by following a few steps.
Step 1: Select the Service and Sign In
Choose the appropriate RDC service and sign in using any method, including UAE PASS where applicable.
Step 2: Complete the Claim
Enter the tenancy, property and party details. State every requested remedy, such as payment, eviction, renewal, termination or return of a deposit.
Step 3: Upload the Documents
Upload the Arabic documents and legal translations in the correct sections. Check that every file is complete and readable.
Step 4: Complete Verification and Payment
Complete the payment electronically or use a trustee centre, where staff check the documents, enter the case information, and collect payment.
Step 5: Attend the Session and Review the Decision
Conciliation and litigation sessions are conducted through the tele-litigation system. Once the case is concluded, the RDC issues the settlement agreement, order, or judgment electronically. Review the outcome carefully as soon as it is issued, particularly if you are considering an appeal, as applicable appeal deadlines are strict.
How Much Does It Cost to File an RDC Case?
The main registration fee depends on the type of claim.
Claim Type
Main RDC Fee
Eviction, lease renewal, rent claim, termination of an active lease or return after eviction for demolition and reconstruction
3.5% of the annual rent or lease value, subject to a minimum of AED 500 and maximum of AED 20,000
Monetary claim
3.5% of the amount claimed, subject to a minimum of AED 500 and maximum of AED 15,000
Other charges include AED 100 for process service, AED 10 as a knowledge fee, and AED 10 as an innovation fee. Where applicable, registering a power of attorney incurs an additional AED 25 fee. Depending on the nature of the dispute, you may also incur additional costs for document translation, notarisation, expert reports, legal representation, appeals, and judgment enforcement.
Conclusion
The Rental Disputes Center Dubai (RDC) is the primary authority for resolving landlord and tenant disputes in Dubai. Before filing a case, ensure you choose the correct service, prepare the required documents, and comply with the applicable legal requirements. Proper preparation can help streamline the filing process and reduce unnecessary delays.
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How much does it cost to file a rental dispute in Dubai?
The main fee is 3.5% of the annual rent or lease value for specified rental claims, from AED 500 to AED 20,000. Monetary claims use 3.5% of the amount claimed, from AED 500 to AED 15,000. Other charges may apply.
Can I file an RDC case online?
Yes. Applicants can register, upload Arabic documents, pay electronically and attend sessions through the RDC’s tele-litigation system.
Can I file a rental case without Ejari?
The published First Instance requirements include the latest lease and Ejari. If the tenancy was not registered or documents are incomplete, obtain case-specific guidance before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file a rental dispute in Dubai?
Individuals can register directly, so a lawyer is not automatically required. Advice may be useful for a complex claim, disputed notice, substantial amount, or appeal.
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