Renting as a tenant Updated May 2026

Resolving disputes via the Rental Disputes Centre

The RDC is a court within the Dubai Land Department. File online, pay the case fee, and most disputes resolve in weeks.

The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) is the specialist court that handles all tenancy disputes in Dubai. It sits within the Dubai Land Department.

What it handles

  • Eviction cases (both directions).
  • Rent-increase disputes.
  • Deposit return disputes.
  • Unpaid rent claims.
  • Maintenance / habitability disputes.

Filing a case

  1. You'll need: registered Ejari, your tenancy contract, Emirates ID, and any supporting evidence (photos, emails, receipts).
  2. File online via the Dubai REST app or in person at the RDC.
  3. The case fee is 3.5% of the annual rent, capped at AED 20,000 (and a minimum of AED 500). The losing party usually reimburses it.
  4. Mediation is attempted first; most cases settle there. If not, a judge hears it within a few weeks.

Practical tips

  • Bring everything in writing. Verbal agreements rarely carry weight.
  • You don't strictly need a lawyer for simple cases, but for complex ones it pays.
  • Decisions are enforceable — the RDC can order DEWA disconnection, forced eviction, or police involvement if needed.

Sources: Dubai Land Department, RDC procedures.

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Related questions

How a tenancy contract works in Dubai

Standard contracts are 12 months, paid in 1–4 cheques. Ejari registration makes the contract enforceable.

Security deposits: typical amounts and how to recover them

5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished. Document condition on day one to get it back without a fight.

Rent increases & the RERA Rental Index

Increases are capped by how far below market average your current rent is — 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. The Rental Index sets the ceiling.
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