Navigating rental disputes in Dubai doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a landlord dealing with unpaid rent or a tenant facing unfair eviction, the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) provides a specialized judicial system designed to resolve your concerns quickly and fairly. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the RDC, from its establishment to the exact steps for filing a case.
What is the Rental Dispute Center (RDC)?
The Rental Dispute Center is a specialized judicial authority operating under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Established by Decree No. 26 of 2013 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the RDC was created to provide a dedicated judicial system for handling rental disputes throughout the Emirate of Dubai.
The center’s primary mandate is to resolve landlord-tenant and related property disputes swiftly and fairly, ensuring a secure and stable real estate environment in Dubai. What sets the RDC apart is its fast, digital process that makes justice accessible to all parties involved in rental agreements.
Jurisdiction and Scope
The RDC has exclusive jurisdiction over:
- All rental disputes in Dubai, including those in free zones
- Related counterclaims between parties
- Provisional actions such as eviction orders
- Appeals against first-instance judgments
In 2019, the RDC’s scope expanded significantly under Law No. 6 of 2019 to include disputes over jointly-owned properties, such as owners’ association issues in strata developments. This expansion reflects Dubai’s commitment to comprehensive real estate dispute resolution.
The overarching purpose of the RDC is to regulate landlord-tenant relations, enforce fair outcomes including eviction and debt judgments, and achieve social and economic stability in the housing market.
Key Functions and Services Offered by the RDC
The RDC provides a full suite of judicial and administrative services designed to address virtually every type of real estate dispute. Here’s what the center handles:
1. Landlord-Tenant Litigation
The RDC adjudicates all first-instance rental cases between landlords and tenants. Common cases include:
- Eviction claims due to non-payment of rent or illegal occupancy
- Rent arrears cases where tenants have fallen behind on payments
- Contract terminations and disputes over lease terms
- Lease renewal disputes when parties disagree on terms
- Deposit claims for security deposit returns
- Maintenance disputes regarding property upkeep and facility use
By law, all cases involving eviction, rent claims, lease terminations, or renewals fall under RDC jurisdiction, making it the one-stop solution for rental disputes in Dubai.
2. Jointly-Owned Property Disputes
Under Dubai’s strata laws, the RDC hears disputes involving:
- Service charges in multi-unit buildings
- Owners’ association rules and governance
- Building maintenance issues among flat owners
This service is particularly valuable for residents of apartment buildings and mixed-use developments throughout Dubai.
3. Conciliation and Mediation
Before any formal trial begins, every case is reviewed by the RDC’s Conciliation Department. This crucial step aims to resolve disputes amicably without lengthy court proceedings.
Experienced conciliators use various methods to facilitate settlement, including:
- In-person mediation sessions
- Phone consultations
- WhatsApp communication
- Video conferencing
If parties reach an agreement during conciliation, they receive a 50% refund of the basic court fees paid—a significant incentive to settle disputes cooperatively.
4. Enforcement and Execution
When a judgment is issued, the RDC doesn’t just file it away. The center’s Execution Department actively enforces rulings, including:
- Arranging physical evictions
- Financial recoveries and debt collection
- Precautionary attachment of property
- Payment orders for owed amounts
All executions and financial claims fall under the RDC’s remit, ensuring judgments have real-world impact.
5. Appeals and Legal Petitions
The RDC hears appeals against its First-Instance judgments, as well as certiorari and reconsideration petitions in special cases. Parties may file an appeal within 15 days of a judgment. The center also handles related writs, including payment writs and injunctions, through its Legal Committees.
6. Digital and Auxiliary Services
The RDC embraces technology to make dispute resolution accessible and efficient:
- Online Filing: All services are available through the DLD portal at rdc.gov.ae
- Case Tracking: Monitor your case status in real-time
- Virtual Court: A metaverse-enabled platform for remote court sessions
- Rental Good Conduct Certificate: Review a party’s rental dispute history before signing a lease
- Electronic Judgments: Obtain court decisions digitally
- Virtual Hearings: Join sessions remotely with provided links
- Attorney Registration: Add legal representation to your case online
These innovations make the RDC one of the most technologically advanced judicial systems in the region, reducing time and travel requirements for all parties.
How to File a Rental Dispute: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Filing a case with the RDC is straightforward when you know what to prepare. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all relevant paperwork before beginning your filing. Essential documents include:
Required for All Cases:
- The tenancy contract and Ejari (registered lease), with Arabic translation if needed
- Copies of Emirates IDs for all parties
- Copies of passports and visas for landlord and tenant
- For corporate parties: trade license and manager’s ID
- Bank details: Letter or statement showing the claimant’s IBAN for any monetary awards
For Eviction Cases:
- Legally required eviction notice
- Proof of service (notarial notice or registered mail receipt)
Supporting Evidence:
- Power of attorney (if using legal representation)
- Maintenance bills
- DEWA (utility) bills
- Copies of cheques
- Email or written correspondence
- Photos of property damages
- Any other documentation supporting your claim
Important: All documents must be in Arabic or officially translated into Arabic.
Step 2: Register or Login to RDC e-Services
Visit the official portal at rdc.gov.ae and create an account if you’re a first-time user, or log in to your existing account.
Select the service “Register First-Instance Lawsuit (Rental)” from the available options.
Alternatively, you can visit a Dubai Real Estate Trustee Service Centre in person, where staff will assist you in submitting your case.
Step 3: Enter Case Details
In the online form, provide complete information:
- Lease details and dates
- Full names of landlord and tenant
- Detailed description of your claims (e.g., rent arrears, eviction, deposit return)
- Specific relief sought (e.g., “evict tenant and recover unpaid rent” or “compensate for property damages”)
Be as specific and detailed as possible to help the court understand your case.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Attach all required documents via the portal. If filing at a trustee office, provide physical or digital copies to the staff. Include the Ejari, IDs, eviction notice (if applicable), and any invoices, photos, or correspondence that support your case.
Step 5: Pay Filing Fees
The RDC charges fees based on the type and value of your claim. Here’s the complete fee structure:
Basic Court Fee:
- 3.5% of the annual rent or claimed amount
- Minimum: AED 500
- Maximum: AED 20,000 for eviction/rent cases
- Maximum: AED 15,000 for purely financial claims
Additional Fixed Fees:
- AED 100 for process service (serving summons)
- AED 25 for registering a Power of Attorney (if applicable)
- AED 10 for “knowledge” fee
- AED 10 for “innovation” fee
- AED 20 for e-service charge (online applications)
If Using Trustee Service Center:
- AED 130 + VAT for trustee service
- AED 100 for handling fee
All fees are payable online through the portal using various payment methods.
Step 6: Submit Your Claim
After completing payment, review your information and confirm submission. The RDC system will register your case, typically within 1 business day. You’ll receive a case number that allows you to track your lawsuit’s progress through the portal.
Step 7: Conciliation Process (Optional but Recommended)
After filing, a conciliator may invite both parties to a mediated session. While participation is not mandatory, successful settlement during conciliation results in a 50% refund of basic filing fees—a substantial saving.
The conciliation process is informal and designed to help parties reach mutually beneficial agreements without the need for formal trial.
Step 8: Hearing and Judgment
Once registered, the RDC automatically assigns your case to a First-Instance Committee (judge panel) and schedules the earliest available hearing date.
Hearings are now conducted electronically via the RDC’s Virtual Court. You’ll receive a remote link to attend the session, where you’ll present your case and evidence. The Committee will then issue a written judgment based on the facts, evidence, and applicable law.
Step 9: Appeals and Follow-Up Actions
If you disagree with the judgment, you have the right to file an appeal within 15 days of the judgment date. The appeal process requires a deposit of 50% of the judgment amount and involves similar formalities to the initial filing.
If you win your case and the other party fails to comply, you can open an execution file for eviction, debt recovery, or other enforcement actions after the prescribed notification period.
Throughout the entire process, all filings, notices, and documents are handled digitally via the RDC portal or through DLD’s Dubai REST system, making the process convenient for all Dubai residents.
RDC Location and Contact Information
Physical Address: Dubai Land Department Building Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai P.O. Box 1166 Makani: 3040494991 (The RDC office is located on the 2nd floor of the DLD headquarters)
Phone Contact:
- General RDC Inquiries: +971 800 4484
- Broader Real Estate Help: +971 800 4488
Email: For case-related or general inquiries: [email protected]
Website: Official portal: rdc.gov.ae (accessible through Dubai Land Department’s website)
Working Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Customer Service (phone/email/chat): Weekdays 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (UAE time)
The Rental Dispute Center represents Dubai’s commitment to maintaining a fair, efficient, and modern rental market. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to recover unpaid rent or a tenant fighting unfair eviction, the RDC provides a structured, transparent process for resolving your dispute.
The center’s mandate and procedures are defined by Tenancy Law in Dubai (Decree 26/2013 and related regulations), ensuring all rental disputes are handled formally and transparently by qualified judges. With its innovative digital services, including the Virtual Court and online case tracking, the RDC makes justice accessible to everyone in Dubai’s diverse community.
