How to Resolve a Rental Dispute in Dubai: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Rental disputes in Dubai are common, especially as the city grows and regulations evolve. Whether you’re facing an unfair eviction, an unreasonable rent increase, or a maintenance conflict, it’s important to understand your rights as a tenant, how the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) works, and the exact steps to resolve your issue legally.
This guide covers everything you need to know about rental disputes in Dubai, how to file a complaint against a landlord, and how to protect yourself as a tenant.
What Is the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai?
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC) is the judicial arm of the Dubai Land Department responsible for handling all rental conflicts between landlords and tenants in Dubai. It aims to resolve disputes quickly through:
- Mediation and conciliation
- Formal hearings
- Issuing binding judgments
- Enforcement of final orders (evictions, financial claims)
All rental complaints in Dubai must be filed through the RDC.
Rights of Tenants in Dubai
Dubai tenancy laws provide strong protections for tenants. Some of the key rights include:
- Protection from arbitrary eviction
A landlord cannot evict you without legal grounds and proper notice. - Rent increase regulations
Any rent increase must comply with the RERA rental index, and the landlord must notify you 90 days before contract renewal unless both parties agree otherwise. - Maintenance responsibilities
Major maintenance and structural repairs are the landlord’s responsibility unless the contract states differently. - Security deposit protection
The landlord can deduct only legitimate expenses caused by tenant damage, not normal wear and tear. - Right to file a complaint at RDC
Tenants may challenge any unfair action taken by a landlord.
Common Rental Disputes in Dubai
1. Eviction Disputes
Examples include:
- Attempted eviction without proper legal notice
- Eviction before contract expiry
- Eviction for false reasons (claiming self-use, then re-renting)
Evictions must follow strict legal steps, and tenants must be given advance written notice.
2. Unreasonable Rent Increase
A landlord may:
- Increase rent beyond what RERA allows
- Try to raise rent without 90-day advance notice
- Ignore the RERA rental index
Such increases can be challenged at RDC.
3. Maintenance and Repair Issues
Common disputes:
- Landlord refuses to fix major issues (AC failure, leaks, electrical faults)
- Repairs delayed for months
- Emergency repairs paid by tenant but not reimbursed
Tenants can file a complaint if the property becomes uninhabitable or unsafe.
4. Security Deposit Disagreements
Examples:
- Landlord refuses to return the deposit
- Unreasonable deductions
- No proof of damage
RDC often rules in favor of tenants when landlords cannot justify deductions.
5. Facility or Amenity Withdrawal
Issues include:
- Gym, pool, parking, or building services being removed or closed
- Promised facilities never handed over
- Maintenance of common areas neglected
If amenities were part of the tenancy contract or advertisement, tenants can raise a dispute.
Step-by-Step: How to Resolve a Rental Dispute in Dubai
Step 1: Try to Resolve Amicably
Before filing a legal complaint:
- Speak to the landlord
- Explain the issue clearly
- Keep all communication in writing
Many disputes arise from misunderstandings and can be resolved without going to RDC.
Step 2: Gather All Evidence
Prepare documents such as:
- Ejari certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Payment receipts
- Photos/videos of issues
- Written communication (emails, WhatsApp, notices)
- Any rent increase or eviction letters
Evidence is the most important part of an RDC case.
Step 3: File a Complaint at the Rental Disputes Center
You can file a case:
- Through the Dubai REST app
- At the RDC office in Deira
Fees typically include:
- 3.5% of annual rent
- Minimum AED 500
- Maximum AED 20,000 (or AED 35,000 for eviction + financial claim)
All submissions must be in Arabic (RDC will translate for an additional fee if needed).
Step 4: Conciliation (Mediation) Phase
Before a full case begins:
- RDC will invite both parties for mediation
- If agreement is reached, the settlement becomes legally binding
- If no agreement, the case moves to the next stage
Most simple disputes are resolved here.
Step 5: Hearing / Court Stage
If mediation fails:
- A judge reviews your evidence
- Both parties present their case
- A formal judgment is issued (usually within 30 days)
This decision is legally enforceable.
Step 6: Appeal (If Needed)
You can appeal the decision only if:
- The case value is above AED 50,000
- You file within 15 days of the original judgment
Appeals usually require a security deposit.
Step 7: Enforcement of Judgment
If you win:
- RDC’s Execution Department ensures the landlord complies
- You may receive compensation or have issues resolved
- Courts can enforce eviction, if your landlord wins the case
What to Do in Specific Scenarios
If You Face an Unfair Eviction
You should:
- Request the legal reason in writing
- Verify whether proper notice was given
- Collect all communication and your Ejari
- File a complaint at RDC if eviction is improper
Improper eviction notices are usually rejected by RDC.
If Your Rent Is Increased Unfairly
Steps to take:
- Check if the increase follows the RERA rental calculator
- Check whether 90-day notice was given
- Communicate with landlord to resolve
- File a case at RDC if increase is illegal
Many tenants successfully challenge unlawful rent hikes.
If Your Landlord Refuses Maintenance
Do this:
- Request repairs in writing
- Document the issue
- If urgent, fix it yourself and keep receipts
- File at RDC to seek reimbursement or compel repairs
You cannot be forced to pay for major fixes.
If Your Security Deposit Is Wrongly Withheld
Steps:
- Ask for a breakdown of deductions
- Compare with your move-in photos
- Challenge unfair deductions
- File an RDC case to recover withheld amounts
Wear-and-tear cannot be deducted.
If Facilities Are Removed / Not Provided
You can:
- Document the missing facilities
- Check your contract or advertising
- File an RDC complaint for compensation or enforcement
Tenants are entitled to the facilities they were promised.
Tips to Avoid Rental Disputes in the UAE
- Always sign a properly drafted tenancy contract
- Register Ejari at the start of tenancy
- Keep all communication in writing
- Check the RERA rental index before renewal
- Photograph the property during move-in and move-out
- Seek legal advice early if issues escalate
Conclusion
Rental disputes in Dubai can be resolved efficiently when you understand your rights and follow the proper procedure through the Rental Disputes Center (RDC). Whether you are dealing with eviction, rent increases, maintenance issues, or deposit disagreements, Dubai law offers strong protections for tenants.
