How to go about filing a rental dispute in Dubai

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Dubai tenants and landlords are advised to first seek direct negotiation for rental disputes before escalating unresolved cases to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), which handles formal adjudication and requires specific documentation and procedures. Key details include strict notice periods for rent and eviction claims, the necessity of Arabic translations for all documents, and the finality of RDC judgments on claims under AED 100,000 without the possibility of appeal.

Tenants and landlords facing rental disputes in Dubai are encouraged to initially attempt direct negotiation to resolve their issues. If these efforts fail, parties may escalate the matter to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), the official authority responsible for adjudicating rental-related conflicts.

According to Awatif Al Khouri, Senior Emirati Advocate and founder of Awatif Mohammad Shogi Advocates and Legal Consultancy, informal resolution attempts should be documented in writing. Al Khouri noted that formal notice requirements vary depending on the nature of the claim. For instance, landlords seeking overdue rent typically must provide tenants with a 30-day payment notice, while eviction cases require a minimum 12-month notification delivered via a Notary Public or registered mail.

When filing a case with the RDC, certain documents are generally required. These include a valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract, Emirates ID, a bank statement or letter confirming the claimant’s IBAN, and any relevant correspondence or evidence such as notices, cheques, or utility bills. In eviction proceedings, proof of issuing the legally mandated notice must also be submitted.

Applications can be initiated online through the RDC website or at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. The process involves creating an account, inputting tenancy and case details, uploading supporting documentation, and paying the applicable fees. Hearings are conducted through the RDC’s tele-litigation platform. Additionally, the RDC facilitates an amicable settlement process, allowing parties to seek reconciliation before litigation proceeds.

Ahmed Elngaggar, CEO of Elngaggar & Partners, pointed out some common pitfalls for tenants. He cautioned that under Article 17(a) of Decree No. 26 of 2013, judgments issued by the RDC on claims below AED 100,000 are final and cannot be appealed. Tenants often mistakenly believe they have the option to contest these decisions later.

Elngaggar also highlighted that the RDC operates exclusively in Arabic, requiring all English-language documents—including lease agreements, WhatsApp messages, emails, and contractor invoices—to be translated by a Ministry of Justice-certified legal translator before submission. Furthermore, he noted that a fast-track Payment Order is only applicable when the landlord has formally acknowledged the exact amount owed and no disputes exist regarding repairs or damages.

These guidelines aim to provide clarity for both landlords and tenants navigating Dubai’s rental dispute resolution procedures and emphasize the importance of adhering to legal requirements throughout the process.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.