The majority of the disagreements that arise in Dubai regarding rental properties are related to maintenance problems, rent increases, eviction notices, security deposits, and differences in the lease. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency is in charge of monitoring the rental market, and the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, which is a division of the Dubai Land Department, is in charge of resolving any official Dispute that require resolution regarding rentals.
In the year 2025, this blog post discusses the official RERA process, your legal rights, and the step-by-step process to file and settle rental Dispute. It also includes information about the RERA.
1. Understanding Rental Dispute Cases in Dubai
When a tenant and landlord can’t work out their differences about the rental agreement, they have a rental dispute. Some common problems are:
- Rise in rent above what the RERA allows
- Not giving back the security deposit
- Forcible eviction
- Fix carelessness
- Problems with early termination
- Cutting off of services
- Dispute about renewing contracts
- Renting out without permission
2. Try to Resolve Dispute Peacefully First
Before approaching the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, both the parties should focus on the following- :
- Direct communication
- The property management company will handle the mediation.
- Going over the rental agreement and Ejari
- Looking at the official RERA rental rules
3. When you Should Approach the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
You should file a case at Rental Dispute Settlement Centre if:
- Tenancy laws are broken by the landlord and tenant.
- A deal has been broken.
- Peaceful attempts to settle have failed.
- You need the law to back you up.
- There is fraud, illegal eviction, or unsafe conditions
4. RERA Process to Solve Rental Dispute Cases in Dubai
1: Prepare All Evidence & Documents
- Rental agreement
- Certificate from Ejari
- UAE ID and a copy of your passport
- Proof of payments, like bank transfers or rent receipts
- Records of conversations (text messages, emails, and notices)
- DEWA bills (if they’re related)
- Photos and videos (problems with upkeep)
- Any other paperwork that helps
2: File a Case at Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
You can file a case through following areas:
- DLD Website
- Dubai REST App
- Rental Dispute Settlement Centre office in Deira
3: Pay the Rental Dispute Fees
- 3.5% of annual rent, stated at AED 20,000
- Translation fees ( only if the document is in another language)
- Admin fees
4: Attend the Mediation Session
Rental Dispute Settlement Centre often arranges a conciliation/mediation stage where both parties attempt settlement.
If both sides agree – case closes.
If this doesnt happens – case proceeds to the tribunal.
5: Rental Dispute Settlement Centre Tribunal Hearing
A judge goes through the following-
- Evidence submitted
- Laws under RERA & tenancy legislation
- Market regulations and rental index
6: Final Judgment Issued
The tribunal problems a ruling related to:
- Rent adjustment
- Eviction validity
- Refund of security deposit
- Payment dues
- Contract enforcement
- Compensation (if applicable)
7: Execution of the Judgment
If one party does not comply, Rental Dispute Settlement Centre’s Execution Department enforces the ruling:
- Freezing bank accounts
- Appointing bailiffs
- Issuing eviction orders
- Collecting outstanding dues
5. Quick Overview of the RERA Rental Dispute Rules
Rent Increase Rules
- Allowed only as per the RERA Rental Index
- 90-day notice before renewal
- Rent increase must follow the permitted percentage brackets
Eviction Rules
- 12-month written notice by notary public or registered mail
- Valid reasons only (owner use, sale, major renovation)
Maintenance Responsibility
- Landlord handles major repairs
- Tenant handles minor fixes as per contract
Security Deposit Rules
- Must be returned unless damage beyond wear and tear
- Cannot be deducted unfairly
6. Tips to Avoid Rental Dispute
- Sign a written lease agreement every time.
- Sign up Ejari right away.
- Keep records of your rent payments.
- Stick to the notice periods.
- Write down all of your problems.
- Know what the RERA law says about your rights.
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FAQs
Depending on how hard the case is, most of them take 30 to 60 days.
Yes, but having an Ejari certificate makes your case stronger. RERA could ask you to sign up for it first.
Up to 20,000 AED in annual rent plus translation and processing fees, or about 3.5% of the rent.
Not at all. For an eviction to be legal, you must give written notice for 12 months.
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