How to File a Tenancy Dispute in Dubai (Rental Disputes Centre)
Dubai tenancy disputes go to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC). The RDC is part of the Dubai Land Department. You file your case online. You pay a fee of 3.5% of the annual rent or the claimed amount. There are minimum and maximum limits on the fee. The system books your first session for you. The session is at least 7 days after you pay. The judgment comes to you by email. If your claim is AED 100,000 or more, you can appeal within 15 days. You can also enforce the judgment through an execution file.
At a glance
- Cost:
- From AED 500 (3.5% of annual rent / claim, capped)
- Total time:
- First session at least 7 days after payment; full timeline varies
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- dubailand.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Varies
Try conciliation first
First try to settle the dispute. Register a dispute case with the RDC's Conciliation and Settlement Department. Use the Amicable Settlement e-service. Sessions are held by tele-litigation. If you try conciliation and you reach a settlement, you get half of the court fee for basic claims back.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Same day
File the case online
Create an account on the RDC dispute-resolution system. Log in. Add the lease-contract information. Add the parties. Add the lawsuit requests. Then add the lawsuit documents. Save the electronic list and submit it.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At filing From AED 500
Pay the filing fees
For lease claims (eviction, renewal, rent claim, termination, return to premises), the fee is 3.5% of the annual rent or lease value. The minimum is AED 500 and the maximum is AED 20,000. For money claims, the fee is 3.5% of the claimed amount. The minimum is AED 500 and the maximum is AED 15,000. You also pay AED 100 for process service. If it applies to you, Power of Attorney registration costs AED 25. The Knowledge fee is AED 10 and the Innovation fee is AED 10. If you file at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, you also pay a partners' service fee of AED 130 + VAT.
Click to mark as done
- Wait At least 7 days after payment
First session is auto-booked
The system books the first session for you after you pay. It is at least 7 days after the payment date, on the earliest session date available. Join through the session link sent by the RDC. The link is also shown in the Case Summary.
Click to mark as done
- Go Per hearing schedule
Present your evidence
WhatsApp messages and emails can be used as evidence. Courts rely on them in rental-dispute verdicts. But the parties must be asked about them, and they must accept them in the case record. Bring the originals of everything you filed.
Click to mark as done
- Receive After hearings conclude
Get the judgment
Once the judgment is issued, the system sends a copy to both parties by registered email on its own. A copy is also available on the RDC website.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Appeal within 15 days
Appeal or enforce
You can appeal a final judgment within 15 days, if the claimed amount is AED 100,000 or more. You can challenge an eviction judgment no matter what the contract value is. The person who appeals must deposit 50% of the amount awarded. This deposit is refundable. To enforce the judgment, open an execution file. Wait 15 days from the day after the judgment is issued (in presentia). Or wait 15 days from the day you are notified (in absentia). There is no fee to enforce financial claims. During execution, each electronic request costs AED 20.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file?
The fee is 3.5% of the annual rent for lease claims. The minimum is AED 500 and the maximum is AED 20,000. For money claims, the fee is 3.5% of the claimed amount. The minimum is AED 500 and the maximum is AED 15,000. You also pay AED 100 for process service, AED 10 for the Knowledge fee, and AED 10 for the Innovation fee.
Can my landlord disconnect electricity or water during a dispute?
No. Per DLD, the owner has no right to disconnect the tenant's electricity, water, or other facilities.
What if my landlord refuses to accept my rent?
Use the "Offer and Deposit" motion. Deposit the rent into the RDC treasury, following RDC procedures. The landlord is told about it. The law treats you as having paid the rent from the date the judge accepts it.
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