Dubai Rental Dispute Center: RERA Filing Process, Fees & Lawyer Guide 2025

Executive Summary

The Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC) serves as the primary judicial authority for resolving landlord-tenant disputes in Dubai, operating under the Dubai Land Department and established pursuant to Law No. 26 of 2007. The RDC provides a specialized forum for rental disputes with streamlined procedures, mandatory filing fees, and specific documentation requirements. The filing process involves case registration, fee payment, conciliation attempts, and formal hearings before specialized judges. Legal representation is permitted but not mandatory, with specific requirements for lawyer accreditation and power of attorney documentation. This guide covers the specific requirements and procedures in UAE.

Table of Contents

1. Legal Framework in UAE
2. Dubai Rental Dispute Center Structure
3. RERA Filing Process
4. Filing Fees and Costs
5. Required Documentation
6. Legal Representation Requirements
7. Dispute Resolution Procedures
8. Judgment and Enforcement
9. Recent Legal Updates

Legal Framework in UAE

The legal foundation for rental disputes in Dubai is established through Federal Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, as amended by subsequent legislation. This law created the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC), commonly known as the Rental Dispute Center, as an independent judicial body under the Dubai Land Department's jurisdiction [1].

The RDC operates with exclusive jurisdiction over all rental disputes arising from tenancy contracts for real property in Dubai, including disputes related to rent increases, eviction notices, maintenance obligations, and security deposit returns. The center's authority extends to both residential and commercial properties, with specialized procedures designed to handle the high volume of rental disputes in Dubai's dynamic real estate market [2].

Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008 further refined the rental dispute resolution framework, establishing specific procedures for case filing, evidence submission, and judgment enforcement. The legislation emphasizes expedited resolution of rental disputes, with most cases required to be resolved within specific timeframes to minimize disruption to both landlords and tenants [2]. This guide covers the specific requirements and procedures in UAE.

Dubai Rental Dispute Center Structure

The Dubai Rental Dispute Center operates through a hierarchical judicial structure comprising specialized rental dispute judges, conciliation committees, and administrative departments. The center is headquartered in the Dubai Land Department building at Baniyas Road, Deira, with additional service centers strategically located throughout Dubai to improve accessibility for residents and property owners [1].

The RDC judicial structure includes:

• Primary Court: Handles initial dispute filings and conducts formal hearings
• Conciliation Committee: Attempts amicable settlement before formal litigation
• Administrative Department: Manages case registration, documentation, and scheduling
• Enforcement Department: Executes judgments and monitors compliance

The center operates with specialized judges who possess expertise in real estate law and rental regulations, ensuring informed decision-making in complex rental disputes. Cases are typically assigned to individual judges based on their specialization and caseload, with provisions for panel decisions in particularly complex matters [3].

RERA Filing Process

The RDC filing process follows a structured sequence designed to encourage amicable resolution while providing formal judicial recourse when necessary. The process begins with case registration and progresses through conciliation attempts before proceeding to formal litigation if required.

Filing Process Steps:

1. Case Registration: Submit initial complaint through RDC online portal or in-person at service centers
2. Document Verification: RDC staff review submitted documents for completeness and validity
3. Fee Assessment: Calculate applicable filing fees based on annual rental value
4. Payment Processing: Complete fee payment through approved channels
5. Conciliation Scheduling: Automatic referral to conciliation committee within specified timeframe
6. Conciliation Hearing: Both parties meet with conciliation committee to attempt settlement
7. Formal Litigation: If conciliation fails, case proceeds to formal hearing before judge
8. Judgment Issuance: Judge renders decision based on evidence and applicable law
9. Appeal Period: Parties have limited timeframe to appeal decisions if applicable

The conciliation phase is mandatory for most rental disputes, with parties required to participate in good faith settlement attempts. Conciliation hearings typically occur within 15-30 days of case registration, depending on case complexity and party availability [2]. This guide covers the specific requirements and procedures in UAE.

Filing Fees and Costs

RDC filing fees are calculated based on the annual rental value of the disputed property, with different fee structures for various dispute types. The fee system is designed to be accessible while ensuring commitment from both parties to the dispute resolution process.

Standard Filing Fees:

Additional fees may apply for specific services including:

• Document Translation: AED 100-200 per page for certified translations
• Power of Attorney Registration: AED 200 for legal representation authorization
• Judgment Execution: Variable fees based on enforcement complexity
• Case File Copies: AED 50-100 per document set

Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals upon submission of appropriate documentation demonstrating financial hardship. Government entities are exempt from standard filing fees when acting in their official capacity [4].

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is essential for successful RDC case filing, with specific requirements varying based on dispute type and party status. All documents must be submitted in Arabic or accompanied by certified Arabic translations.

Core Documentation Requirements:

• Tenancy Contract: Original or certified copy of current lease agreement
• Ejari Certificate: Valid registration certificate from RERA's Ejari system
• Passport/Emirates ID: Valid identification for all parties
• Title Deed: Property ownership documentation for landlord claims
• Payment Records: Bank statements or receipts showing rent payment history
• Notice Correspondence: Written communications between parties
• Power of Attorney: If represented by legal counsel or authorized representative
• Evidence Documentation: Photographs, inspection reports, or witness statements

Dispute-Specific Requirements:

• Eviction Cases: Formal eviction notice with proof of delivery
• Rent Increase Disputes: Official rent increase notice and RERA calculator results
• Maintenance Claims: Property inspection reports and repair estimates
• Security Deposit Disputes: Move-in/out inspection reports and damage documentation

Document authentication requirements vary based on document origin, with international documents requiring embassy legalization and domestic documents needing notarization or official certification [2]. This guide covers the specific requirements and procedures in UAE.

Legal Representation Requirements

Legal representation at the RDC is governed by specific regulations established under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 regarding the legal profession. Parties may represent themselves or engage qualified legal counsel, with specific requirements for lawyer accreditation and authorization documentation.

Lawyer Qualification Requirements:

• UAE National Lawyers: Must hold valid practicing certificate from Ministry of Justice
• Foreign Lawyers: Require special licensing for Dubai courts with local partnership
• Legal Consultants: May provide advice but cannot represent in court proceedings
• Authorized Representatives: Must hold valid power of attorney with specific litigation authority

Power of Attorney Requirements:

Legal representation requires specific power of attorney documentation that explicitly grants litigation authority. General commercial powers of attorney are insufficient for RDC representation. The power of attorney must:

• Specifically mention RDC representation authority
• Include property address and dispute details
• Be notarized by competent UAE authority
• Include Arabic translation if originally in foreign language
• Specify representation scope and limitations

Corporate entities must provide additional documentation including trade license copies, board resolutions authorizing legal action, and authorized signatory verification. Government entities require official authorization letters signed by competent authorities [2].

Dispute Resolution Procedures

The RDC employs a multi-stage dispute resolution process designed to encourage settlement while providing formal judicial determination when necessary. The process balances efficiency with thoroughness, recognizing the time-sensitive nature of rental disputes.

Conciliation Phase:

All rental disputes automatically proceed to conciliation within 15-30 days of filing. The conciliation committee comprises experienced mediators who facilitate settlement discussions between parties. Conciliation sessions typically last 1-2 hours, with multiple sessions scheduled if progress is demonstrated. Settlement agreements reached during conciliation become legally binding and enforceable through RDC execution procedures.

Formal Litigation Phase:

Cases failing conciliation proceed to formal litigation before specialized rental dispute judges. The litigation process includes:

• Case Management Conference: Judge reviews issues, evidence, and scheduling
• Evidence Exchange: Parties submit documentary evidence and witness lists
• Hearing Presentation: Oral arguments and witness testimony
• Judgment Deliberation: Judge considers evidence and applicable law
• Decision Issuance: Written judgment with findings and orders

The entire process from filing to judgment typically requires 60-120 days, depending on case complexity and party cooperation. Expedited procedures are available for urgent matters such as utility disconnections or immediate eviction cases involving property damage [2].

Judgment and Enforcement

RDC judgments are legally binding and enforceable throughout the UAE, with specific procedures for execution and compliance monitoring. The enforcement process ensures that judicial decisions translate into practical outcomes for prevailing parties.

Enforcement Procedures:

1. Judgment Registration: Winning party registers judgment with RDC enforcement department
2. Compliance Notice: Losing party receives formal notice with compliance deadline
3. Voluntary Compliance: Opportunity for voluntary adherence to judgment terms
4. Forced Execution: Bank account freezing, property liens, or other enforcement measures
5. Compliance Verification: Enforcement department confirms satisfaction of judgment

Appeal Process:

Parties may appeal RDC judgments to the Dubai Court of Appeal within 30 days of judgment issuance. Appeal grounds are limited to legal errors, procedural violations, or manifest injustice. The appeal process typically requires 3-6 months for resolution, with appellate decisions being final in most cases.

Cross-Border Enforcement:

RDC judgments are enforceable throughout the UAE through the federal court system. International enforcement requires separate legal proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction, with UAE judgments generally receiving favorable treatment in GCC countries and other jurisdictions with reciprocal enforcement agreements [1].

Recent Legal Updates

Dubai's rental dispute framework continues evolving to address emerging market challenges and improve dispute resolution efficiency. Recent updates reflect the emirate's commitment to maintaining a balanced rental market while protecting both landlord and tenant interests.

2024-2025 Key Updates:

• Digital Filing Enhancement: Expanded online case management system with mobile application integration
• Expedited Procedures: Streamlined processes for low-value disputes under AED 50,000 annual rent
• Mediation Expansion: Increased conciliation committee capacity to reduce processing times
• Fee Structure Adjustment: Modified fee caps to improve accessibility for lower-value disputes
• Evidence Rules: Updated documentation requirements for digital communications and electronic payments

Upcoming Changes:

Proposed legislative amendments include enhanced tenant protection measures, revised rent increase calculation methods, and expanded RDC jurisdiction to include short-term rental disputes. These changes reflect Dubai's dynamic real estate market and evolving rental relationship patterns [3].

Conclusion

The Dubai Rental Dispute Center provides a comprehensive framework for resolving landlord-tenant conflicts through specialized judicial procedures designed for rental market efficiency. The RDC's structured approach, from mandatory conciliation to formal litigation, ensures accessible dispute resolution while maintaining judicial rigor. Understanding filing requirements, fee structures, and procedural timelines enables effective navigation of the rental dispute system. Legal representation, while not mandatory, can significantly impact case outcomes, particularly in complex disputes involving substantial rental values or novel legal issues. As Dubai's rental market continues evolving, the RDC framework adapts to address emerging challenges while maintaining its core mission of providing fair, efficient dispute resolution for all market participants.

Sources

[1] Rental Disputes Center - Official Website - Primary government portal for rental dispute resolution services and procedures

[2] Rental Disputes Center - Frequently Asked Questions - Official guidance on common rental dispute questions and procedures

[3] Handling Dubai Rental Disputes: A 2025 Guide for Landlords and Tenants - Comprehensive 2025 guide covering rental dispute procedures and legal updates

[4] Dubai Land Department - Frequently Asked Questions - Official Dubai Land Department guidance on rental regulations and dispute procedures

[5] How to File a RERA Rental Dispute in Dubai - Step-by-step guide to filing rental disputes with RERA procedures