Important Questions About Rental Disputes in Dubai, Answered!
Dubai has a comprehensive and transparent legal system that safeguards the rights of every stakeholder. In a legally binding rental agreement, both tenants and landlords have the right to contest any unfair treatment and seek legal recourse through the authorities. The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), overseen by the Government of Dubai, handles rental disputes in the emirate. From understanding rights to appeal fees, there are many FAQs about rental disputes in Dubai, the answers to which reveal key insights.
FAQs About Rental Disputes in Dubai

Some of the important FAQs about rental disputes in Dubai include:
What are the conditions for filing an appeal?
A financial appeal can be filed only if the claim is AED 100,000 or more. In eviction cases, an appeal can be filed regardless of the claim value.
What is the timeframe for filing an appeal?
An appeal must be filed within 15 days of a judgment issued in person or within 15 days from the date of notification in absentia.
What are the fees for filing an appeal?
Appeal requires a refundable security deposit equal to half of the awarded amount in financial claims, plus applicable fees:
- AED 100 process service
- AED 25 power of attorney (if applicable)
- AED 10 knowledge fee
- AED 10 innovation fee
Additional trustee centre charges may apply.
Can a rental claim be filed without a tenancy contract?
Yes, but a request must be included to establish proof of the leasehold relationship.
What are the steps to register a rental dispute case?
Create an account on the RDC system, log in, enter tenancy details, provide party information, specify claims, upload documents, and submit the case.
How is the first hearing scheduled?
The system automatically assigns a committee and schedules the earliest available hearing date based on availability.
What happens if the landlord sells the property?

The tenant’s rights remain unchanged and the new owner must honour the existing tenancy contract.
Does the landlord or tenant have the right to amend lease terms?
Lease terms can only be amended if both parties agree. Any changes must be notified at least 90 days before the contract expiry date.
How can I recover my rental security deposit?
You can file a Payment Order (Payment Writ) through the Rental Disputes Centre to request a refund of the security deposit.
Can I request an extension of the eviction deadline?
Yes. You can submit an electronic request through the RDC system, which is reviewed by the Eviction Section of the Execution Department. It is one of the important queries related to rental disputes in Dubai
What is a Rental Good Conduct Certificate?
The Rental Good Conduct Certificate is an electronic certificate issued via the Rental Disputes Centre website or the Dubai REST app to check the dispute history of landlords or tenants.
What does the Smart Judge service provide?
It offers around 100 interactive rental dispute scenarios to help users understand potential judgments before filing a case. The Smart Judge service is available via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website and the Dubai REST app.
How do I create an account in the Rental Disputes system?
Go to the RDC website, select ‘Register New User,’ and complete registration by entering your details and setting a username and password.
How can I contact my committee?
Case and committee details are available in the RDC system under the case summary. General inquiries can be sent to support@dubailand.gov.ae.
These are some of the FAQs about rental disputes in Dubai and their detailed answers. A good tenant-landlord relationship is maintained when all such nitty-gritty details are understood. Knowing the answers to frequently asked questions about rental disputes in Dubai means the stakeholders involved are aware of the situation when to contest and appeal for their rights.
When renting a property in Dubai, both parties need to stay legally compliant while signing a contract. Even in the long run, if individuals want matters to be handled smoothly, they must know how to resolve rental disputes in Dubai legally.
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