The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre Dubai is a legal service in Dubai that helps resolve rental problems fairly. It was set up in 2013 and works under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The RDC plays an important role in making sure tenants and landlords can solve their issues peacefully.
The Role of Rental Dispute Settlement Centre Dubai in Rental Disputes
The RDC aims to be the main government body for managing landlord-tenant issues in Dubai. It works to solve disputes with fairness, transparency, and accuracy. The center ensures both parties are treated equally and helps resolve conflicts in a clear and efficient way.
Departments within the RDC Dubai
The RDC is made up of different departments that handle specific tasks related to rental disputes:
1. Department of Central Support
This department manages case registrations. It also provides legal help to people involved in disputes, such as issuing subpoenas and offering legal support.
2. Department of Conciliation
This department focuses on mediating between tenants and landlords to help them reach an agreement without going to court.
3. Department of Law Enforcement
It is responsible for carrying out eviction orders and managing financial claims that result from rental disputes.
Services Offered by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre Dubai (RDC)
The RDC provides a variety of services to help resolve rental disputes. These services are designed to ensure fair resolutions for both tenants and landlords. Let’s explore the different services offered by the RDC.
1. Register Dispute Lawsuit for Amicable Settlement
The RDC allows individuals to file a dispute for conciliation, which aims for an amicable settlement within a legal framework. This process ensures that everyone’s rights are protected. Once the dispute is settled, the conciliator and involved parties sign the agreement, which is then approved by the judge.
How to Access this Service?
You can access this service through the official RDC website.
Required Documents for this Service
- A copy of the latest lease contract (Ejari).
- A bank letter or statement that shows the Plaintiff’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN).
- A copy of the Emirates ID for individuals or a copy of the manager’s or owner’s Emirates ID, along with the commercial license for companies.
- A notarized eviction notice and the notification officer’s report or details of registered post with acknowledgment of receipt (for eviction claims).
Additional supporting documents like power of attorney, electricity and water bills, correspondence, cheques, management contracts, etc.
Service Fees
Fees range from AED 500 to AED 20,000, based on 3.5% of the annual rent or lease value. This applies to lease renewal, eviction, rent claims, termination, and returning to the property after eviction for reconstruction or demolition.
For money claims, fees range from AED 500 to AED 15,000, based on 3.5% of the claimed amount.
Other fees include:
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 100 for the process fee.
2. Registering Lawsuits with RDC
The RDC also allows users to register lawsuits for various rental issues. Notable services Include:
- Rental Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants: This service helps resolve disagreements related to eviction, rental terms, or other rental issues.
- Ownership Claims of Jointly Owned Properties: If there is a dispute over the ownership of a shared property, the RDC helps resolve this issue.
Required Documents
- The latest copy of the lease contract (Ejari).
- Bank statement showing the Plaintiff’s IBAN.
- Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- A notarized eviction notice and registered post details (for eviction cases).
Supporting documents like power of attorney, correspondence, electricity and water bills, cheques, or management contracts.
Service Fees
For rental disputes, fees range from AED 500 to AED 20,000, based on 3.5% of the annual rent or lease value.
For money claims, fees range from AED 500 to AED 15,000, based on 3.5% of the claimed amount.
Other fees include:
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 130 + VAT for partners’ service fees if the claim is registered through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
3. Registering an Execution Proceeding (Rental)
The RDC also helps enforce court judgments related to rentals. This includes enforcing eviction orders, lease renewals, or monetary claims.
Required Documents
- The enforcement writ with a stamp.
- Offer and deposit motion receipt (for lease renewal).
- Receipt of the appeal security deposit (if applicable).
- Bank letter or statement showing the Execution Claimant’s IBAN.
- Any other supporting documents.
Service Fees
- AED 5,000 maximum or 1% of the annual lease amount for eviction cases.
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
- AED 20 for each electronic request generated during the Execution Proceeding.
4. Contesting a Judgment
The RDC allows customers to contest or appeal judgments made by the
- Execution Judges,
- First Instance Committees, or
- The Provisional and Summary Actions Judge.
This applies to disputes in:
- Jointly owned property cases
- Rental cases
Required Documents
- Appeal statement or plaint.
- Any supporting documents, such as correspondence, cheques, utility bills, penalties, letters, etc.
Service Fees
For appeals involving financial claims, the appellant must deposit half of the awarded amount as appeal security. This deposit is refundable.
Other fees include:
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
5. Registering a Substantial Enforcement Dispute
This service allows customers to register a lawsuit for dishonored cheques.
Required Documents
- The latest copy of the lease contract (Ejari) (with an Arabic translation).
- A bank letter or statement showing the Plaintiff’s IBAN.
- A copy of the Emirates ID (for individuals)
- The manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
Any supporting documents like power of attorney, cheques, utility bills, management contracts, correspondence, etc.
Service Fees
- AED 5,000 for lodging a Substantial Enforcement Dispute.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
6. Registering a Writ of Certiorari Lawsuit
If a customer wishes to request a judicial review, they can register a Writ of Certiorari with the RDC. This can be done within 30 days from the date of the judgment.
Required Documents
An explanatory memo or statement explaining why the Writ of Certiorari is being requested.
Any supporting documents for the claim, such as power of attorney, cheques, utility bills, management contracts, correspondence, etc.
Service Fees
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 500 for the Writ of Certiorari deposit.
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
7. Registering an Offer and Deposit
This service allows customers to request an order for depositing rent or surrendering keys to the property owner while protecting leasehold rights for both parties.
Required Documents
- Offer and deposit motion.
- Copy of the last signed lease and the new lease agreement.
- Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- Copy of any cheques deposited with the new lease.
- Any correspondence between the parties (if available).
Service Fees
- AED 50 for the offer and deposit request.
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
8. Registering a Writ of Payment
Customers can file a petition to request a writ of payment to settle an outstanding amount.
Required Documents
- Proof of the debtor’s residence.
- The latest copy of the lease contract (Ejari) with Arabic translation.
- Bank letter or statement showing the Plaintiff’s IBAN.
- Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- Cheque return memo.
- Proof of the debt, including the amount due.
- Proof of the debtor acknowledging receipt of the payment notice.
- Proof of notice sent to the debtor requesting payment.
- A declaration from the applicant affirming the accuracy of the provided information.
Supporting documents like power of attorney, utility bills, correspondence, management contracts, cheques, etc.
Service Fees
- AED 500 to AED 15,000, which is 3.5% of the claimed amount.
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
9. Registering a Petition Order
Customers can request a petition for immediate orders that affect both parties in various cases.
Required Documents
- An indemnity guarantee for an exit ban request.
- The latest copy of the lease contract (Ejari).
- Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- Proof of debt for exit ban requests, such as dishonored cheques and the bank’s return memo with Arabic translation.
- A valid passport and residence visa page (for expatriates) along with Emirates ID.
Service Fees
- 2.5% of the annual rent for inspection requests.
- AED 20 for the Petition Order request.
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
10. Registering a Grievance
Customers can file a grievance within 8 days from the date of the decision they want to contest, such as against a Petition Order or Offer and Deposit.
Required Documents
- Grievance motion plaint.
- A copy of the decision against the complainant.
Service Fees
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
11. Filing an Injunction from a Third Party
Third-party customers can file an injunction through this service.
Required Documents
- A copy of Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- The plaint of the injunction from the third party.
- Any supporting documents like power of attorney, utility bills, correspondence, cheques, management contracts or letters.
Service Fees
- AED 20 for each electronic request generated during the Execution Proceeding.
12. Registering an Execution Proceeding for Jointly Owned Properties
This service allows customers to enforce claims related to jointly owned properties, similar to other execution proceedings.
Required Documents
- A bank letter or statement showing the Execution Claimant’s IBAN.
- The enforcement writ with the notification from the Mollak System.
- Any additional supporting documents for the claim.
Service Fees
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 20 for each electronic request generated during the Execution Proceeding.
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
13. Filing an Execution for Dishonoured Cheques
This service helps customers recover owed amounts if they have received dishonored cheques.
Required Documents
- A bank letter or statement showing the Execution Claimant’s IBAN.
- The latest copy of the lease contract (Ejari).
- A copy of Emirates ID (for individuals)
- Manager’s Emirates ID and commercial license (for companies).
- The return memo of the dishonored cheque from the bank.
- A copy of the dishonored cheque.
- A copy of the offer and deposit receipt for tenancy contract renewal (if applicable).
Service Fees
- AED 100 for the process fee.
- AED 25 for the power of attorney registration (if applicable).
- AED 10 for knowledge and innovation fees (each).
- AED 20 for each electronic request generated during the Execution Proceeding.
- AED 130 + VAT for the partner’s service fee if the claim is processed through the Real Estate Trustees Centre.
Miscellaneous Services Offered by RDC Dubai
In addition to its main services, the RDC provides several other useful services for both landlords and tenants. Here are some of the additional services available:
a. Request to Add an Attorney
Customers can also request to add an attorney to their case. This service allows individuals to involve their legal representatives in their rental disputes.
b. Issuance of ‘Whom It May Concern’ Certificate
RDC offers a service to issue a certificate known as the ‘Whom It May Concern’ Certificate. This certificate is often required for various legal or personal purposes.
c. Request for Exemption from Lawsuit Fees
If you face financial difficulties, you can apply for an exemption from lawsuit fees. This helps reduce the financial burden of resolving disputes.
4. Smart Judge
Smart Judge is a service provided by the RDC to offer free legal advice regarding rental contracts.
The following are the notable features of Smart Judge:
- It helps users understand procedures and the risks of being involved in lawsuits before taking legal action.
- This service informs individuals about their legal rights in rental agreements.
- The service is free, and users can download the legal advice instantly.
5. Rental Good Conduct Certificate
The Rental Good Conduct Certificate is a service that helps build trust between tenants and landlords by providing rental history.
Purpose of the Rental Good Conduct Certificate
- Tenants and landlords can use this certificate to inquire about each other’s rental records with mutual consent.
- The certificate shows if there are any current or past rental issues or cases against either party.
This service helps in fostering mutual trust and understanding. It is particularly useful for:
- Keeping a record of eviction cases.
- Reporting issues related to rent.
- Asking about a potential landlord or tenant.
- Gaining a better understanding of Dubai’s real estate laws.
6. Track Your Case
The Track Your Case service helps you keep track of the status of your rental dispute. You can access this service through:
- The RDC website.
- The Dubai Land Department (DLD) website.
- The Dubai REST App.
How to use this service?
- Simply enter your mobile number or case number.
- Click on ‘Inquire’ to get the latest information on your case.
RDC Contact Details
If you need assistance with a rental dispute or have any other questions, you can reach out to the RDC using the following contact details:
- Location: Dubai Land Department, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai
- Contact Number: +971 800 4488
- Makani Number: 30404 94991
- Email: info@dubailand.gov.ae
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Customer service is also available by phone, email, and chat from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday).
Conclusion
The RDC offers a variety of services to help resolve rental disputes, provide legal advice, and track case progress. With its range of services, RDC ensures that both landlords and tenants have the support they need for a fair and transparent resolution of rental issues in Dubai.
Note: The fee structure may change from time to time. Therefore, visit RDC’s official website for confirmation.
