Disputes between landlords and tenants in Dubai — over eviction, unpaid rent, rent increases, deposits or maintenance — are heard by the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC) at the Dubai Land Department, not by the ordinary courts. Rental cases are usually decided on documents, so preparation matters.
1. A registered tenancy contract
Tenancy contracts in Dubai are registered through Ejari. A registered contract is the foundation of any rental case. Make sure you have the registered contract and any renewals or addenda.
2. The right notice, served the right way
Many rental disputes turn on notices. Dubai's tenancy law sets specific requirements for certain notices — for example, a landlord who wants to recover the property at the end of the contract for one of the reasons the law allows (such as own use or sale) must give the tenant twelve months' written notice through a notary public or by registered post. Changes to the terms of the contract on renewal, including rent, generally require notice at least ninety days before the contract expires.
A notice that is late, sent the wrong way or missing required content can defeat an otherwise strong case.
3. Rent increases follow the index
Rent increases in Dubai are limited by reference to the Dubai Land Department's rental index. Before agreeing to or demanding an increase, check what the index allows for the property.
4. A clear payment record
- Copies of all rent cheques and bank transfers
- Records of returned cheques and any bank return memos
- Receipts for the security deposit
- Any written agreement to defer or reschedule payments
5. Evidence of condition and maintenance
For disputes about maintenance or deposits, keep move-in and move-out photos, inspection reports and all maintenance requests and replies.
Before you file
Settlement is often possible, and the RDSC itself encourages it. A clear letter setting out the position and the documents can resolve the matter without a hearing. Where it does not, a well-prepared file shortens the case.