Whether it is a withheld deposit, an invalid eviction notice, unpaid rent or a maintenance standoff, Dubai routes almost every tenancy conflict to one forum: the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). It is faster and cheaper than ordinary courts — if you arrive prepared. Here is the process as we walk clients through it.
Before You File
- Ejari first. Your tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari — unregistered contracts complicate everything. Register before filing if needed.
- Build the file: tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, Emirates ID/passport, title deed (landlords), rent receipts or bank transfers, cheque copies, all correspondence, photos for condition disputes, and any notices served.
- Send a written demand. Not always mandatory, but a dated demand strengthens your position and sometimes ends the dispute without fees.
Step 1 — Register the Case
File through the RDC (online portal or in person at Dubai Land Department). You submit the documents, describe the claim, and pay the fee — generally 3.5% of the annual rent, with minimum and maximum limits. Cases can be filed in Arabic; translations of English documents are arranged during filing.
Step 2 — Mediation
Most cases go first to the mediation department, which brings the parties together within days. A significant share settle here — settlement terms are recorded and enforceable. If no agreement is reached within the mediation window, the case moves to adjudication.
Step 3 — The Hearing
A judge (or panel) reviews the file, hears both sides and may request additional documents or an inspection. First-instance decisions typically issue within weeks of referral. Attend every hearing or be represented — absence is the cheapest way to lose a winnable case.
Step 4 — Appeal and Execution
Decisions above the threshold set by the RDC’s rules can be appealed within 15 days. Final judgments are enforced through the RDC’s execution department — including eviction enforcement, rent recovery from bank accounts, and deposit refunds.
Realistic Timelines
Simple deposit and rent cases: often 4–8 weeks start to finish. Contested evictions with appeals: three to six months. The single biggest driver of speed is the completeness of your documents on day one.
Related reading: our guides to eviction notices in Dubai and repair responsibilities, and our real estate lawyers page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to file at the RDC?
No — the process is designed for direct access. A lawyer becomes valuable when the amounts are large, the other side is represented, the eviction’s validity is contested, or an appeal is likely. Many clients handle mediation alone and bring us in for adjudication.
How much does it cost to file a rental case in Dubai?
Generally 3.5% of the annual rent (subject to minimum and maximum limits), plus incidental costs like translations. If you win, the judgment can include costs against the other party.
Can I file if my contract isn’t registered with Ejari?
Registration is expected, and its absence weakens and can block your filing. Regularize the Ejari registration first — it is quick and inexpensive relative to what is at stake.
How long does an RDC case take?
Mediation happens within days; first-instance decisions typically within weeks of referral. Straightforward deposit cases often finish in one to two months; appealed evictions can run several months.
Can the RDC evict a tenant or force a landlord to pay?
Yes. The RDC’s execution department enforces its judgments — eviction orders, rent recovery, deposit refunds — including through attachment of bank accounts.
Free case assessment: call +971 4 427 0845 or message us on WhatsApp.