Dubai is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world right now. The most prominent of the seven Emirates is a massive tourism hub and a favored home to business people and investors. Where tax exemption entices investors, Dubai is known for its fully transparent real estate transaction system and supremacy of the law.
That said, it is easier to get legal help in case of any dispute or fraud (provided that the victim has followed legal procedure throughout the process). Also, there is equal protection for the tenants, owners, and the landlords.
In this article, we will discuss how to file a rental dispute in Dubai, mainly targeting the potential reasons, the cost of the legal proceedings, and the legal roadmap.
Common Reasons for Rental Disputes in Dubai
Rental disputes in Dubai can arise for multiple reasons. Here are some of them.
1. Rent disputes
Rent disputes are one of the most common issues. Tenants may raise a dispute on the amount of rent (unfair or too high) that landlords charge. Landlords might also take tenants to court for unpaid rent.
2. Lease agreement violations
Disputes can arise when one party violates the terms of the lease agreement. It may include unauthorized subletting, late rent payments, or not maintaining the property in good condition.
3. Security deposit disputes
It is possible that the tenants may have concerns about the return of their security deposits. Disputes arise over the deductions made by landlords for damages or unpaid bills.
4. Eviction disputes
Landlords may want to evict the tenants for multiple reasons, including non-payment of rent, property damage, or violation of lease terms. Tenants might contest these eviction notices.
5. Maintenance and repairs
Disputes may arise when landlords fail to make necessary repairs and maintenance. Tenants may also raise a dispute if the owner charges for damages that were not caused by the tenants.
6. Utility bill disputes
Disagreements may arise between the concerned parties regarding the payment of utility bills. For example, the tenants may claim that landlords did not provide accurate or transparent billing.
7. Termination of lease
Another reason conflicts may arise is when one party wishes to terminate the contract before its agreed-upon end date. It can be due to personal reasons, job relocation, or other factors.
8. Subletting and sharing disputes
If tenants sublet or share their rented property without proper authorization from the landlord or owner, it can lead to disputes.
9. Unlawful entry
Tenants have their own privacy, which owners must respect. Landlords entering the property without proper notice can lead to tenant complaints and disputes.
How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai—Steps to Follow
Here are the steps involved in filing a rental dispute in Dubai.
a) Issue Verification in Accordance to the Law
In order to resolve a rental dispute in Dubai, it’s important to start by understanding the applicable tenancy laws. Dubai has established laws that protect both tenants and landlords.
You should start by determining which category your issue falls under in reference to these laws. This will help you understand whether your situation qualifies as a dispute; it is a constructive step toward resolving conflicts.
b) Send a Negotiation Invitation to the Other Party
The next step in the process is to invite the other party involved in the dispute to negotiate. It is important as well as ethical to take negotiation as the initial course of action in conflict resolution.
At this stage, you can
- Educate them about the relevant law that applies to the situation
- Caution them against their actions and
- Set a deadline for resolving the issue
If negotiation does not prove to be fruitful or the other party hasn’t shown enough interest, you can move to legal proceedings.
c) Case Registration
You can file a rental dispute in Dubai either via online platforms or by visiting the RDC head office in Deira, Dubai. When visiting the center, bring all the necessary documents (as listed later in the article).
Provide these documents to the typist; Arabic is the official language of the court, so the typist will then translate the documents into Arabic. The typist may also ask questions related to the dispute, if required, and will initiate the complaint process.
If you opt for online dispute filing, visit the official website of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and go to the “Rent Dispute Resolution Portal.”
Once you get to the portal,
- Fill in the required information and upload the necessary documents to obtain a judgment with the Execution Writ Seal.
- Pay the associated fees online.
- Participate in hearings through a tele-litigation system if needed and receive the judgment via the website.
Here are some other important things you must consider. After submitting documents and registering your case, the rental dispute process involves several steps.
- The first step is transferring the case to the Arbitration Department, which aims to resolve disputes within 15 days.
- If both parties reach a settlement agreement, the case is documented and resolved.
- However, if negotiations fail, you’ll need to file a lawsuit under RERA Dubai (Real Estate Regulatory) complaint.
- The timeline to receive a ruling on the suit is 30 days.
- Once the lawsuit is filed, RERA will schedule a date and time for presenting the rental dispute case.
- The hearing duration may vary, and you may need to appear for additional hearings depending on the case’s complexity and priority. The losing party has the right to appeal again.
- Keep in mind that this process can take weeks or months to reach a resolution.
- It’s essential for both tenants and landlords to carefully consider their options before starting a dispute.
Documents Required to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai
You will need the following documents to file a rental dispute in Dubai.
- Title deed
- Ejari certificate
- Tenancy contract (original)
- DEWA bills (recent)
- Rental payment cheques (copy)
- Emirates ID
- Copy of passport (landlord and tenant)
- Rental dispute slip
- Any written agreement or document that supports your case
The Cost of Filing a Rental Dispute in Dubai
The registration fee for rental disputes in Dubai is 3.5% of the total annual rent as per the tenancy contract. For financial claims, the fee may range from a minimum of 500/- AED to a maximum of 15,000/- AED.
However, in cases of eviction, the maximum limit can be up to 20,000/- AED. If both eviction and financial claims are involved, the fee will be 35,000/- AED.
Apart from that, you may have to pay the following fees as well.
- Knowledge fee: 10/- AED
- Innovation fee: 10/- AED
- Fast track notifications charges: 105/- AED
- Process service fee 100/- AED
- If applicable, the power of attorney or registration fee 25/- AED
- Translation cost 210/- AED per page
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai Located?
The Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) is situated within the Department of Land and Property at 10 3rd Street, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira, Dubai. You can easily access this location from any part of the city.
What is the Contact Information for the Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai?
You can reach out to the Rental Dispute Centre at your convenience. Their contact number is as follows:
+971 800 4488
What are the Operating Hours for RDC in Dubai?
The Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai operates during the following hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Fridays: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: Closed
Final Words
So, this was the process of filing a rental dispute in Dubai. Yes, the process may look convenient, but it can drain your finances, too. Therefore, it is highly recommended to initiate a negotiation with the other party and try to reach an agreement.
Also, it is better to perform due care when entering into a rental agreement in Dubai. You can hire registered real estate brokers to take care of the legal stuff and avoid future troubles.