If you and your landlord cannot settle a rent, deposit or maintenance disagreement, you can file a case at the Rental Disputes Center, known as the RDC, which is part of Dubai Land Department. You do not need a lawyer to start, and most straightforward cases begin online through the Dubai Land Department website or at an authorised typing centre. The key is to file with a complete set of documents, a clear statement of what you are asking for, and proof that you tried to resolve the matter first.
When the RDC Is the Right Place
The RDC handles disputes between tenants and landlords over properties in Dubai, including unpaid rent, refusal to return a security deposit, eviction notices, rent increases that do not follow the RERA calculator, and landlords failing to carry out major maintenance. It does not handle disputes about a property in another emirate, and commercial cases follow slightly different fee rules from residential ones. If the issue is a bounced cheque or a criminal matter, that may go to the police or courts separately, so check which route applies before you file.
Before filing, send your landlord a written notice by email or registered message giving a reasonable deadline to fix the problem. Keep copies of that exchange. Judges look favourably on tenants and landlords who can show they attempted an amicable settlement, and in some situations a formal notice is a required step, particularly around eviction and non-payment.
Documents You Will Need
- Your Emirates ID and passport copy
- The signed tenancy contract and its Ejari certificate
- Proof of rent payments, such as bank transfers or cheque copies
- The security deposit receipt or proof of transfer
- Written correspondence with the landlord or agent about the dispute
- Photos, inspection reports or maintenance invoices, if relevant
- A trade licence copy instead of personal ID if the tenant is a company
Documents not in Arabic will usually need a legal Arabic translation before the hearing. Budget time for that step, because an incomplete file is the most common reason a first hearing gets postponed.
Step-by-Step: Filing the Case
- Prepare your documents and write a short statement setting out the facts, dates and the exact outcome you want, such as return of a deposit or cancellation of an increase.
- Submit the case through the Dubai Land Department portal, the Dubai Now app route where available, or an approved real estate trustee centre.
- Pay the case filing fee. As a guide, residential cases typically attract a fee calculated as a percentage of the annual rent, with a minimum and a cap, and you should check the official Dubai Land Department portal for the current figure before paying.
- Receive your case number and first hearing date by SMS and email, and make sure the respondent is formally notified through the system.
- Attend the amicable settlement stage if offered. Many deposit and maintenance cases settle here without a full hearing.
- If settlement fails, attend the hearing, present your documents in order, and answer the committee’s questions briefly and factually.
- Collect the judgment, note the appeal window, and follow the enforcement steps if the other side does not comply voluntarily.
Costs and Timelines to Expect
Filing fees are typically a small percentage of the annual rent for residential disputes, as a guide often quoted around three and a half per cent with minimum and maximum limits, plus small administrative and typing charges. Translation, if needed, is an extra cost that varies with document length. Always confirm the current fee schedule on the official portal, because figures are updated and your case type matters. Straightforward cases can be heard within a few weeks of filing, while contested cases with multiple hearings can take a few months. The winning side can usually ask for the filing fee to be awarded as part of the judgment, though that is at the committee’s discretion.
During the case, keep paying rent as agreed or deposit it as directed if the dispute itself concerns payment. Stopping rent without instruction weakens an otherwise strong case.
Preparing for the Hearing Day
Arrive early with two organised copies of every document, one for the committee and one for yourself, in the order your statement mentions them. Dress and speak as you would for any formal proceeding: short factual answers carry more weight than long emotional explanations. If you need an interpreter, arrange that in advance rather than at the door. Whatever the outcome, stay polite with the other party in the corridor; settlement conversations sometimes restart after a first hearing, and a workable relationship still matters if you will remain in the property for the rest of the lease term.
FAQ
Can I file if my Ejari was never registered?
It is much harder. The RDC generally expects a registered contract, so register the Ejari first if possible and bring proof of the tenancy and payments with you.
Do I need a lawyer?
No, individuals can represent themselves. For high-value or complex commercial disputes, legal advice can help, but it is not a filing requirement.
Can I appeal the decision?
Yes, judgments above a certain value can usually be appealed within a set period from notification. Check the deadline printed on your judgment carefully, because it is strict.
For more step-by-step help with renting, Ejari and everyday paperwork, visit DXB Talk and browse our How-To guides for Dubai residents.
