Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord in Dubai, understanding your rights and knowing how to navigate rental disputes is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of solving rental disputes in Dubai, from common reasons for disputes to the final collection of awards.
Common Reasons for Rental Disputes
Rental disputes between landlords and tenants can arise due to various reasons. Here are the most common ones:
- Unreasonable Eviction Grounds: Attempting to evict tenants without valid reasons.
- Unauthorized Rent Increase: Increasing rent without adhering to the Dubai rent increase law.
- Service Cutoffs: Cutting off essential services such as water and electricity to the tenant.
- Property Defects: Leasing properties with defects or pest infestations.
- Security Deposit Issues: Unjustified deductions from the security deposit upon move-out.
Where to File Rental Disputes
The Rental Dispute Center (RDC) under the supervision of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is the responsible entity for handling rental disputes in Dubai. Known previously as the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, the RDC ensures fair resolution of conflicts between tenants and landlords.
Location
The RDC is located within the Department of Land and Property in Dubai:
Address: 10 3rd Street, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira, Dubai.
Accessibility: The RDC is easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Contact Information
Phone Number: 800 4488
Working Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Fridays: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: Closed
Required Documents for Filing a Case at the RDC
When filing a rental dispute, ensure you have both the originals and copies of the following documents:
- Passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID
- Latest Ejari certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Recent DEWA bills
- Rental deposit slip
- Copies of cheques issued to the landlord
- Title Deed and landlord’s passport copy
- Correspondence between you and the landlord regarding the dispute
- Any other relevant documentation to support your case
Cost of Filing a Rental Dispute Case
The fee for filing a rental dispute in Dubai is 3.5% of the total annual rent. The financial claims are structured as follows:
- Minimum Fee: AED 500
- Maximum Fee: AED 15,000 (up to AED 20,000 for eviction cases, and AED 35,000 for combined eviction and financial claims)
Additional fees include:
- Translation Fee: AED 210 per page (for documents that need to be translated to Arabic)
- Administration Fees:
- Power of Attorney registration (if applicable): AED 25
- Process service: AED 100
- Fast Track notification: AED 105
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai
Filing a rental dispute can be done both online and offline:
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents.
- Visit RDC or File Online:
- Visit the RDC to file your complaint.
- The typist at RDC will translate and formalize your documents.
- Alternatively, submit your claim online through the DLD official website or at Real Estate Services Trustees Centers.
Steps to Resolve a Rental Dispute
Step 1: Lodge a Rental Dispute
To lodge a rental dispute in Dubai, you can visit the RDC head office or file online via the RDC Portal or the DLD’s official website. When visiting the RDC office, ensure you bring all required documents. These documents are presented to a typist who assists in lodging the complaint.
Step 2: Initial Resolution Attempt
After filing the dispute, both parties should attempt to resolve the issue. This step involves:
- Filing the RDC application.
- Submitting the original petition.
- Providing the current tenancy contract.
- Including a trade license (if applicable).
- Copy of the complainant’s passport or power of attorney (if applicable).
- Paying the dispute fee.
Step 3: Hearing of First Instance
If the initial attempt to resolve the dispute fails, the next step is a hearing of the first instance. Here, both parties present their claims to the court via a memorandum to the judge. The judge then hears both sides and issues a judgment based on the evidence presented.
Step 4: Appeal Filing
If the initial judgment is unsatisfactory, an appeal can be filed within 15 days. This step is applicable for disputes exceeding AED 50,000. Real estate lawyers typically handle this process, submitting the required documentation to the relevant authorities.
Step 5: Filing with the Court of Cassation
For disputes valued at AED 330,000 or more, the case can be escalated to the Court of Cassation within 30 days of the Court of Appeal’s judgment. The Court of Cassation reviews the case and makes a final ruling based on the evidence presented.
Step 6: Collection of Awards
If the judgment awards compensation or damages, the winning party should promptly collect the awarded amounts and ensure compliance with the court’s decision to avoid further legal issues.
What Happens if the Dispute Is Resolved Out of Court Before the Case Date?
If the dispute is resolved out of court, both parties are no longer required to attend the scheduled hearing. Non-attendance implies that the issue has been resolved amicably.
FAQs
Does Abu Dhabi Have a Similar Organization to RDC in Dubai?
Yes, Abu Dhabi has the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), which handles tenant-landlord disputes.
Does Sharjah Have a Rental Dispute Settlement Committee?
Yes, Sharjah has a committee overseeing tenancy matters to ensure fairness in rental agreements.
What Are the Different Types of Rental Renewal Disputes in Dubai?
Rental renewal disputes in Dubai can involve overdue rent, property maintenance, landlord’s personal use, rent hikes, and tenant insurance. The RDC mediates these conflicts under RERA laws.
Which Are the Popular Areas to Rent Apartments in Dubai?
- Luxury Apartments: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai
- Affordable Apartments: Al Nahda, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Bur Dubai
Understanding the rental dispute resolution process in Dubai is essential for both tenants and landlords. The RDC ensures fair outcomes and provides a structured process for resolving conflicts. By knowing your rights and following the outlined steps, you can navigate rental disputes effectively and ensure a just resolution.
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