Disputes & Rights · Dubai

Rental dispute in Dubai: how to
file a case at the RDC

Updated August 2026 · ⏱ Resolved in ~15–30 days · Fee: 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500) · العربية

How do you file a rental dispute in Dubai? Send the other party a written notice first; if that fails, file online at rdc.gov.ae with your Ejari certificate, tenancy contract and evidence, and pay 3.5% of the annual rent (minimum AED 500). The first hearing is scheduled within 7–15 days and most cases resolve in 15–30 days. The Rental Dispute Center (RDC) — also written as the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre — is Dubai's official judicial body for landlord–tenant conflicts, established by Decree No. 26 of 2013 under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It hears everything people loosely call a "RERA dispute": unreturned deposits, illegal rent increases, eviction notices and maintenance failures. This guide covers the full filing flow, the fee maths, the evidence checklist, what happens at the hearing, and the official RDC contacts.

rdc.gov.ae — the official RDC portal

rdc.gov.ae is the only official website of Dubai's Rental Dispute Center. If you came here to reach the portal itself, start here — then read on for what a case costs and how long it takes.

Track your case → Case status, hearing dates and decisions, by case number File a new case → Register, upload documents and pay the fee online, 24/7

Contact number	800-4488 (Dubai Land Department call centre)
Location	Dubai Land Department building, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai

Fee: 3.5% of the annual rent, minimum AED 500 · first hearing in 7–15 days · most cases decided in 15–30 days.

What type of dispute or complaint do you have?

The RDC handles every category of landlord–tenant dispute in Dubai. Identify your case type first — it determines what evidence you need. If you want to file a complaint against your landlord in Dubai, the four most common grounds are: the security deposit not being returned after move-out, maintenance being refused despite written requests, a rent increase above the RERA index limit, and eviction without the notice required by law. Landlords equally file against tenants — usually for unpaid rent, bounced cheques or property damage. In every case the venue is the same: the Rental Dispute Center, not the police and not the ordinary civil courts.

Security deposit not returned

Illegal rent increase

Wrongful eviction

Maintenance refused

Contract breach

Early termination

⚠️ The RDC only accepts cases for properties registered in Dubai. Properties in free zones with their own courts (e.g. DIFC) may have different dispute mechanisms. Many disputes trace back to vague clauses — a clean, complete DLD-format tenancy contract is your first line of defence.

Send a formal written notice first

Before filing with the RDC, send a written notice to the other party stating the issue, what you are requesting and a reasonable deadline to respond. Email or WhatsApp is acceptable — keep screenshots and delivery confirmations of everything. Remember the landlord's own obligations too: rent changes need 90 days written notice, and eviction for sale or personal use needs a 12-month notarised notice.

This step shows the arbitrator that you tried to resolve the issue directly — and in many cases the notice alone gets a response. Not sure how your situation maps to the law? Ask the AI legal assistant before you spend money on filing.

◆

Was the issue resolved after your notice?

✓ Yes

Done — no RDC needed

Get any agreement in writing. If it involves the deposit, confirm receipt of the refund.

✗ No response / refused

Proceed to RDC filing

Continue with the steps below.

No resolution → proceed

Gather your evidence and documents

Prepare everything before you open the portal. The stronger your file, the faster the resolution — many cases are decided on documents alone.

Emirates ID (and passport copy for the respondent if you have it)
Tenancy contract — signed, DLD format
Ejari certificate — a valid registration; if your tenancy was never registered, register Ejari first, and if it has lapsed, renew your Ejari before filing, since an expired Ejari blocks RDC case filing
Proof of payments — rent receipts, cheque copies, bank transfers
Communication records — emails, WhatsApp, letters, your written notice from Step 1
Photos or videos — for maintenance and damage disputes
Handover report and keys receipt — for deposit disputes; also confirm the old Ejari was cancelled at move-out
Move-out notice — if applicable

For rent increase disputes: run your property through the official RERA rental index calculator and save a screenshot showing the legal limit — it is the single most persuasive exhibit in these cases.

Go to rdc.gov.ae and file your case

Visit rdc.gov.ae and log in or create an account. Select File a New Case and enter:

Your details as the claimant
The other party's details as the respondent (name, phone, address)
Case type and a clear description of the dispute
The amount claimed, for financial disputes

Then upload all your documents from Step 2. Arabic is the language of proceedings, so key documents may need legal translation — the portal flags this during submission.

Prefer to file in person? The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre sits in the Dubai Land Department building on Baniyas Road, Deira. Online filing, however, is available 24/7 and needs no visit at all.

Pay the filing fee — 3.5%, minimum AED 500

The RDC filing fee is calculated as a percentage of what you are claiming, paid online at submission.

Fee rate	3.5% of the annual rent or claimed amount
Minimum fee	AED 500
Maximum fee (rental cases)	AED 20,000
Maximum fee (financial claims)	AED 15,000

Worked examples: annual rent AED 60,000 → 3.5% = AED 2,100. Annual rent AED 100,000 → AED 3,500. A small claim of AED 10,000 → 3.5% is only AED 350, so the AED 500 minimum applies instead. If you win, the tribunal can order the other party to reimburse your filing fee.

⚖️ Ask the AI rental lawyer about your case — AED 50 vs AED 1,500/hr at a firm

Before you spend AED 500+ on filing, check how your case maps to Law 26/2007, Law 33/2008 and Decree 43/2013. Cited answer and a clear next step in 60 seconds — first question free.

Ask about my case →

Receive your case number and hearing date

After filing, you receive a case number and the file is assigned to the Arbitration Department. Both parties are formally notified. The first hearing is usually scheduled within 7–15 days of registration.

Keep the case number safe — it is your key to the follow-up service on rdc.gov.ae, where you can check your RDC case status, see hearing dates and download decisions. You also receive SMS updates as the case progresses.

✓

Arbitration — resolved in 15–30 days

Both parties attend the hearing, in person or via video call. The arbitrator reviews the evidence, may propose an amicable settlement, and otherwise issues a binding decision. Most straightforward cases — deposit refunds, clear-cut rent increase breaches — resolve in a single session.

Day 1–3

Case registered, other party notified

Day 7–15

First hearing — arbitration session

Day 15–30

Decision issued, binding on both parties

If no appeal

Decision is enforceable via Dubai Courts

What happens at the RDC hearing?

The hearing is an arbitration session, not a courtroom trial — it usually lasts 15–30 minutes and you do not need a lawyer for a standard residential case. Here is the typical sequence:

Check-in — attend in person at the DLD building on Baniyas Road or join the video session from the link sent by SMS. Bring your Emirates ID and originals of key documents.
Claimant speaks first — you summarise the dispute and what you are asking for. Keep it factual; the arbitrator has already read your file.
Respondent replies — the other party presents their side and any counter-evidence.
Settlement attempt — the arbitrator usually proposes an amicable settlement. Roughly half of deposit and maintenance cases end here with a signed agreement.
Decision — if there is no settlement, the arbitrator issues a binding decision, typically within days of the session. It is sent through the portal and by SMS.

Proceedings are conducted in Arabic, but arbitrators commonly switch to English for expat parties, and you may bring a translator. Either party can appeal within 15 days if the claim exceeds AED 50,000; otherwise the decision is final and enforceable through the RDC's execution department.

⚖

Landlord vs tenant — who files what, and who usually wins?

Both sides use the same portal, the same 3.5% fee and the same hearing process. What differs is the evidence that decides each scenario:

Tenant files: deposit not returned	Tenant wins when the handover report shows normal wear and tear only. Landlords must prove actual damage beyond normal use to withhold anything.
Tenant files: rent increase above the RERA index	Nearly automatic win with a RERA calculator screenshot — an out-of-cap or un-notified increase is simply unenforceable.
Tenant files: eviction without 12-month notarised notice	Tenant stays. Notice served by email/WhatsApp instead of notary or registered mail is invalid.
Landlord files: unpaid rent / bounced cheque	Landlord wins with cheque copies and bank statements; the tribunal typically orders payment plus eviction if arrears continue.
Landlord files: property damage	Decided on the move-in/move-out reports and photos — which is why both parties should document the handover.

Whichever side you are on: the party with the cleaner paper trail wins. A registered Ejari, a complete DLD-format contract and dated photos beat verbal agreements every time.

Rent increase disputes — know the law first

A landlord cannot increase rent mid-contract. At renewal, increases are capped by Decree No. 43 of 2013 according to the gap between your rent and the market average in the RERA rental index:

Your rent is within 10% of market rate	0% increase (no increase allowed)
11–20% below market	Max 5%
21–30% below market	Max 10%
31–40% below market	Max 15%
More than 40% below market	Max 20%

🧮 Check your exact cap in seconds with our free RERA rent increase calculator, and see the full rules in the rent increase guide. The landlord must also give 90 days written notice before any increase takes effect (Law No. 33 of 2008, Art. 13(2)) — less than 90 days means the increase is not enforceable. The full texts of Law No. 26 of 2007, Law No. 33 of 2008 and Decree No. 43 of 2013 are on the Dubai Legislation Portal. Renewal timing and the 90-day rule are covered in our Ejari renewal guide.

RDC contacts, working hours and official channels

rdc.gov.ae is the only official website of Dubai's Rental Dispute Center. Everything case-related happens there: you can file a new case, follow up and check your case status with your case number, and pay filing and service fees online. Treat any other "RDC Dubai" site offering to file for a fee with caution — intermediaries are not the Center itself.

Official website	rdc.gov.ae — file a case, case status, fee payment
Location	Dubai Land Department building, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai
Contact number	800-4488 (Dubai Land Department call centre)
Working hours	Monday–Friday, government working hours · online services 24/7

Looking for the "Rental Dispute Center contact number"? The RDC does not run a separate hotline — the DLD call centre on 800-4488 handles RDC enquiries, including help with an rdc complaint filing or a stuck case-status page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I file a rental dispute in Dubai?

Send a written notice to the other party first, then file online at rdc.gov.ae — the portal of Dubai's Rental Dispute Center. Create an account, select File a New Case, upload your tenancy contract, Ejari certificate and evidence, and pay the filing fee. You will receive a case number and a hearing date, usually within 7–15 days.

How do I file a complaint against my landlord in Dubai?

Complaints against a landlord — deposit not returned, no maintenance, an illegal rent increase or eviction without proper notice — all go to the Rental Dispute Center, which operates under the Dubai Land Department. Document the problem, send the landlord a written request, and if nothing changes file a case at rdc.gov.ae or call 800-4488 for guidance.

How much does it cost to file a case at the RDC?

The filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rent or the claimed amount, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000 for rental cases (AED 15,000 for financial claims). For example, on an annual rent of AED 60,000 the fee is AED 2,100. If you win, the tribunal can order the other party to reimburse your filing fee.

How long does an RDC case take?

Most rental disputes in Dubai are resolved within 15–30 days of filing. The first hearing is usually scheduled within 7–15 days, and straightforward cases are decided in a single arbitration session. Complex cases involving expert reports, multiple parties or appeals can take longer.

What happens at an RDC hearing?

The hearing is a 15–30 minute arbitration session, in person at the Dubai Land Department building or by video call. The claimant summarises the dispute, the respondent replies, and the arbitrator usually proposes a settlement first. If no settlement is reached, a binding decision is issued within days. Proceedings are in Arabic, though arbitrators commonly accommodate English speakers, and no lawyer is required for standard residential cases.

How do I check my RDC case status?

Log in to rdc.gov.ae and open the case follow-up service, then enter your case number to see the current status, hearing dates and decisions. The RDC also sends SMS updates at every stage of the case. If you cannot access the portal, call the Dubai Land Department call centre on 800-4488.

Can I file an RDC case online?

Yes. Online filing at rdc.gov.ae is available 24/7 and is how most cases are submitted — you register, upload documents and pay the fee without visiting an office. If you prefer to file in person, go to the Rental Dispute Center at the Dubai Land Department building on Baniyas Road, Deira, during government working hours, Monday to Friday.

Do I need a lawyer for an RDC case?

No. The RDC is designed for direct filing by tenants and landlords, and most residential cases are handled without legal representation. A lawyer or legal consultant can still be worth the cost in complex commercial disputes or appeals.

Can I file a case without an Ejari certificate?

Technically yes, but the RDC strongly prefers registered tenancies and an unregistered contract weakens your position. Without Ejari you must prove the tenancy with the signed contract and payment records, and evidence requirements are stricter. Register or renew your Ejari before filing whenever possible.

How to check open case in RDC website?

Sign in at rdc.gov.ae and open the case follow-up service, then enter your case number to see whether the case is still open, when the next hearing is and what has been decided. The RDC also sends SMS updates at every stage of the case. If the portal will not load, call the Dubai Land Department call centre on 800-4488.

What are RDC charges?

The filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rent or of the amount claimed, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000 for rental cases (AED 15,000 for financial claims). On an annual rent of AED 60,000 that comes to AED 2,100. If you win, the tribunal can order the other party to reimburse your filing fee.

What is the RDC case in the UAE?

An RDC case is a landlord–tenant dispute filed with Dubai's Rental Dispute Center, the judicial body established by Decree No. 26 of 2013 under the Dubai Land Department. It covers unreturned deposits, illegal rent increases, eviction notices, maintenance failures and unpaid rent. The RDC only accepts cases for properties in Dubai — free zones with their own courts, such as the DIFC, may have different dispute mechanisms.

⚖️ Not sure how your case fits the law?

Ask our AI legal assistant — trained on Law 26/2007, Law 33/2008, Decree 43/2013 and RERA rules. Get a citation-backed answer and a clear next step in under a minute. Ask one question free as a preview, then AED 50 unlocks 30 minutes of unlimited chat.

Start AI Legal Chat →

Start with a proper contract

Many disputes arise from informal or incomplete tenancy contracts. Ejari Helper generates a legally compliant DLD-format contract that clearly states all terms. 15 AED, no account required.

Generate contract now →

Rental dispute in Dubai: how tofile a case at the RDC