How to Resolve Rental Disputes Through the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai — A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Rental disputes are common in Dubai, especially involving eviction notices, rent increases, maintenance delays, security deposit disagreements, or issues with landlords. The good news: Dubai has a clear and efficient system to handle these issues through the Rental Disputes Center (RDC).
Below is a simple, detailed, and highly practical guide explaining how the RDC works, how to file a case, and what to do for each type of dispute. It also includes whether you need a lawyer (not mandatory, but highly recommended).
What Is the Rental Disputes Center (RDC)?
The Rental Disputes Center is the official judicial body under the Dubai Land Department responsible for handling all rental conflicts. It offers:
- Conciliation/Mediation
- Formal hearings
- Binding judgments
- Enforcement of decisions (including eviction enforcement and recovery of money)
Any rental dispute in Dubai must be resolved through the RDC unless it is exclusively criminal (harassment, threats, etc.).
Documents You Need Before Filing at RDC
Prepare these documents to avoid delays:
- Ejari certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Passport, Emirates ID
- Rental payment proof / bank transfers
- Copies of notices (rent increase, eviction, etc.)
- Photographs, videos, repair reports
- Screenshots of WhatsApp, emails, call logs
- Security deposit receipts
RDC Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Attempt Amicable Resolution
Before filing, try to resolve the issue with your landlord or tenant.
Keep everything in writing — emails, texts, WhatsApp messages. These will serve as evidence later.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
Organize all documents:
- Contract
- Ejari
- Receipts
- Communications
- Photos/videos
- Any expert reports
Prepare everything in a clear chronological order. This speeds up the case significantly.
Step 3: File the Case at the RDC
You can file:
- Through the Dubai REST app, or
- At the RDC center / typing offices
You will pay a filing fee of around 3.5% of annual rent or claim value, with minimum and maximum limits depending on the case type.
Documents may need to be translated into Arabic — RDC can arrange this.
Step 4: Mandatory Mediation / Conciliation
Before the case goes to a judge, both parties must attend a mediation session.
- If you both agree on a settlement, RDC makes it legally binding.
- If no agreement is reached, the case moves to a full hearing.
Many disputes are resolved at mediation.
Step 5: Hearing Before the Committee
If mediation fails:
- A judge reviews your evidence
- Both sides explain their case
- A formal binding judgment is issued
Judgments typically come within a few weeks depending on workload and complexity.
Step 6: Enforcement or Appeal
If you win, the RDC Execution Department will enforce:
- Eviction
- Payment
- Refund of security deposit
- Repair orders
- Compensation
If you disagree with the judgment, you may appeal (within certain financial thresholds and deadlines).
Issue-by-Issue Procedures
Below is what to do for each common rental dispute in Dubai.
1. Unlawful or Forced Eviction
Examples:
- Eviction notice without legal grounds
- Eviction before contract expiry
- “Owner wants the property” but no legal notice served
- Eviction threats to force rent increase
What To Do:
- Save all eviction notices and messages.
- Gather contract, Ejari, rent receipts.
- File at the RDC requesting protection.
- Attend mediation.
- If unresolved, proceed to a hearing.
The RDC can stop unlawful evictions and penalize landlords for misuse.
Do you need a lawyer?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended because eviction cases affect your residency, finances, and stability.
2. Unreasonable Rent Increase
Examples:
- Increase above RERA rent index
- No 90-day notice
- Sudden request for a higher renewal price
- “Pay this or vacate” pressure tactics
What To Do:
- Check if the increase follows the legal rent calculator.
- Check if proper notice was given.
- Respond to landlord in writing.
- If not resolved, file a dispute at RDC.
The RDC can cancel illegal increases or adjust rent according to regulations.
Do you need a lawyer?
Not required, but helpful if the landlord tries linking rent increase to eviction threats.
3. Maintenance & Repair Issues
Examples:
- AC not working
- Water leaks
- Electrical failures
- Mold, health or safety issues
- Landlord ignores repair requests
What To Do:
- Send written repair requests.
- Document the damage.
- Arrange emergency repairs only if essential; keep invoices.
- File at RDC for compensation or an order for repairs.
RDC often rules that major maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility.
Do you need a lawyer?
Optional, but legal advice is useful for proving liability and calculating compensation.
4. Security Deposit Disputes
Examples:
- Landlord refuses to return the deposit
- Deducts unnecessarily
- Claims “painting charges” or “deep cleaning” without proof
What To Do:
- Request detailed deduction list.
- Show move-in condition photos.
- File an RDC case to recover the amount.
Wear-and-tear is NOT chargeable to tenants.
Do you need a lawyer?
Small disputes rarely require one, but for large deductions legal help is beneficial.
5. Loss of Amenities or Misrepresentation
Examples:
- Pool/gym closed permanently
- Parking removed
- Promised facilities not delivered
- Construction noise, hazards, or unusable areas
What To Do:
- Gather proof and contract terms.
- Screenshot building ads that promised amenities.
- File a case for compensation or reduction in rent.
Do you need a lawyer?
Not mandatory, but helpful if damages are sizeable.
6. Harassment or Illegal Entry by Landlord
Examples:
- Landlord entering without notice
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassing messages
- Turning off electricity or water
What To Do:
- Record incidents and keep messages.
- File at RDC for tenancy violations.
- You may also file a police report if behavior is abusive or threatening.
Do you need a lawyer?
YES — legal advice is strongly recommended for any case involving harassment or privacy violation.
Do You Need a Lawyer for RDC Cases?
- Not mandatory:
Individuals can file and represent themselves. - However, legal advice is highly recommended when:
✔ Your case involves eviction
✔ Large financial claims
✔ A complicated contract
✔ The landlord is aggressive or uncooperative
✔ You need representation in appeals
✔ You’re unfamiliar with evidence rules or legal procedures
A lawyer can prepare documents, argue your case effectively, and speed up the process.
Practical Tips to Avoid or Win Rental Disputes
- Always register Ejari
- Keep everything in writing
- Take move-in and move-out photos
- Know your rights (notice periods, rent caps, maintenance responsibilities)
- Don’t sign any document you don’t understand
- Seek legal advice early when conflict begins
Conclusion
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai provides a straightforward, efficient, and fairly tenant-friendly system to resolve rental conflicts. Whether you’re facing eviction, rent increases, maintenance issues, or deposit disputes, the key is to:
- Document everything
- Follow the RDC process
- Get legal advice when needed
