Rental Dispute Centre process

What the RDC handles

The Rental Dispute Centre was set up under the Dubai Land Department to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Typical landlord claims include unpaid rent and bounced cheques, eviction for breach, eviction at contract end after a valid 12-month notice, recovery of damage costs and rent increase disagreements at renewal. Tenants can bring claims too, so expect counter-arguments on maintenance or deposits.

Before you file: try to settle

A case costs money and time. Send a clear written demand first, setting out the breach, the amount and a deadline. Offer a payment plan where it makes sense. Many disputes end here, especially when the tenant sees that you have the paperwork in order. Our rent collection and tenant management services exist largely to stop issues reaching this point.

Documents to prepare

• Ejari-registered tenancy contract and any addendum.
• Title deed and owner ID, or power of attorney.
• Notices served and proof of service, such as notarised notices or registered-mail receipts.
• Payment records: cheque copies, bank return memos, statements.
• Photos, inspection reports and invoices for damage claims.
• Correspondence showing attempts to resolve.

Documents in languages other than Arabic may need certified translation. Confirm current filing requirements on the RDC website.

Filing and the fee

Claims can be filed online or through approved typing centres. The filing fee is reported as 3.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000. Fees and procedures change, so check the current schedule on the RDC website before filing. For small deposit or damage sums, weigh the fee against the amount at stake.

Settlement, hearing and judgment

Many cases begin with an attempt at amicable settlement. If agreement is reached, it is recorded and becomes enforceable. If not, the case moves to a hearing where a judge reviews the documents and arguments and issues a judgment. Present a short, chronological account backed by the documents. Judges respond to clear evidence and correct procedure far more than to emotion. There are routes to appeal, subject to time limits and thresholds; take advice if you need one.

Enforcing the decision

A judgment in your favour still has to be executed. Execution can involve recovering money through the tenant's bank accounts or other assets, or an eviction order carried out through the proper authorities. Keep paying any building service charges and keep the property insured while this happens. The case does not pause your obligations as owner.

Timeline and practical tips

How long a case takes depends on its complexity, whether the tenant engages and whether a settlement is reached early. Keep your contact details current so you do not miss hearing notices, respond to requests for documents quickly and keep copies of everything you submit. If you live abroad, a manager or lawyer with a power of attorney can attend on your behalf.

Avoiding the RDC next time

Most RDC cases trace back to weak screening, an unregistered contract, informal notices or no move-in report. Tighten those four and disputes become rare. Read tenant screening in Dubai and Ejari registration for landlords, or ask for a proposal from our property management team.