Guide to Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) in Dubai
Rental disputes are an inevitable part of the thriving real estate market. From disagreements over lease terms to problems related to maintenance, these issues often strain the tenant-landlord relationship. Fortunately, the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) established by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is a smart judicial system that aims to resolve tenancy-related disputes. RDC handles various problems through a structured and impartial process, providing both parties with a mechanism to address and settle disputes efficiently. Let’s learn more about the centre and the services it offers.
An Overview of the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC)
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai is a judicial system for real estate disputes. It resolves rental and jointly-owned real estate issues through a digital system.
Established by Decree No. (26) of 2013 by the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the centre’s goals is to handle rental disputes in Dubai.
RDC aims to improve dispute resolution procedures through a swift and straightforward mechanism. Its objective is to achieve social and economic stability in the real estate sector.
The RDC Dubai has exclusive jurisdiction over rental disputes between landlords and tenants. This includes free zones, counterclaims, provisional actions and appeals. It enforces decisions and judgments issued in rental disputes under its jurisdiction.
In 2019, the RDC’s scope expanded under the Dubai Land Department to cover jointly owned property disputes. This extension aligns with Law No. (6) of 2019, regulating jointly owned property in Dubai.
The aim is to boost transparency and strengthen Dubai’s global position in real estate. Disputes involving jointly owned properties are resolved using a digital and innovative judicial system known for its speed and accuracy.
Several departments make up the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. For instance, the Department of Central Support manages case registration and legal support. It also issues subpoenas for litigants. The Department of Conciliation mediates disputes, and the Department of Law Enforcement executes eviction and financial claim judgments.
LIST OF RDC DUBAI SERVICES
The Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai offers several services to ensure fair trial and case transparency.
Here’s a comprehensive list of RDC services in Dubai.
Dispute Lawsuit – Amicable Settlement
This service allows parties to file a dispute resolution request. It avoids lengthy legal processes but ensures everyone’s rights within a legal framework.
If an agreement is reached, it’s signed by the involved parties and the conciliator and a supervising judge then approves it. The Rental Disputes Centre in Dubai can enforce this agreement.
LAWSUITS
The RDC is responsible for settling and litigating lawsuits for landlords and tenants.
Here’s a list of various lawsuits under the RDC’s jurisdiction.
FIRST INSTANCE LAWSUIT (RENTAL)
RDC’s service allows customers to sue for disputes arising between landlords and tenants in the first instance. It’s considered the first degree ligitation with the Rental Dispute Centre Dubai.
Charges:
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
First Instance Lawsuit (Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Properties)
This service allows clients to file claims in the First Instance for various dispute types related to the Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Properties.
Charges
- Processing fee: AED 100
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
- Writ of Certiorari Deposit: AED 500
Writ of Certiorari Lawsuit
Use this service to submit a request for reconsideration, called a “Writ of Certiorari.” The request can be submitted within 30 days from the date of the judgment if it was passed in your presence or if the judgement was made in your absence.
Charges
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
- Writ of Certiorari Deposit: AED 500
Substantial Enforcement Dispute
Clients can initiate legal action regarding dishonoured cheques under the Substantial Enforcement Dispute lawsuit. Enforcing this legal action is facilitated through the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC).
Charges:
- Substantial Enforcement Dispute deposit: AED 5,000
- Processing fee: AED 100
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
CONTESTATIONS
REGISTER AN APPEAL: RENTAL AND JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTY
Under the contestation services by RDC Dubai, clients can appeal against a verdict delivered by the First Instance Committees, Execution Judge or Provisional and Summary Actions Judge in rental disputes. The required documents include:
- Appeal Plaint.
- Supporting documents related to the case, such as notices, penalties, utility bills, correspondences and cheques.
Charges
If the initial judgment by the First Instance Committee includes a financial claim against the party appealing, then half of that awarded amount needs to be deposited as security for the appeal. However, this deposited amount is refundable. Here’s a list of other RDC Dubai fees for appeals.
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
EXECUTION SERVICES
Register an Execution Proceeding: Rental and Jointly Owned Property
By using this Dubai Rental Dispute and Settlement Centre service, clients can ensure that different types of officially decided claims related to rental and jointly owned properties are enforced. These include lease renewals, monetary claims, eviction and more.
Charges:
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
- E-request on Execution Proceedings: AED 20
- In eviction cases, 1% of the annual lease amount is charged: AED 5,000 (maximum)
FILE AN EXECUTION FOR CHEQUES
This service allows the clients to take action to collect the amounts owed to them due to dishonoured (bounced) checks.
Charges:
- Processing fee: AED 100
- E-request on Execution Proceedings: AED 20
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
File an Injunction From a Third Party
All injunction orders through a third party are carried out through this service. It allows third-party clients to submit a formal request for an injunction in the execution files stored on the RDC’s system.
Charges:
- E-request on Execution Proceedings: AED 20
Provisional and Summary Orders
Register a Grievance
It provides a specific timeframe and conditions for clients to express dissatisfaction with certain decisions through a formal grievance process.
Submit a complaint or grievance that a party would disagree with within eight days after a decision is enforced. The decisions that can be contested includes the Petition Order and Offer and Deposit. Some paperwork that requires submission includes:
- A copy of the decision issued against the complainant (decisions by Provisional and Summary Actions or Execution Judges)
- Motion plaint detailing reasons for grievance.
Charges:
- Processing fee: AED 100
- Registration of Power of Attorney (if applicable): AED 25
Register a Writ of Payment
In any case, if pending payments are due by a party, use this service to file a petition to request the Summary Action Judge to issue a writ of payment to settle the amount.
Documents Required for Writ of Payment
- Ejari copy with legal Arabic translation.
- Proof of specified debt amount due for immediate payment.
- Proof of debtor’s residence.
- Proof of notice compelling the debtor to pay the debt.
- Proof of debtor acknowledging receipt of Payment Obligation.
- Cheque return memo from the relevant bank.
- Applicant’s declaration affirming information validity and indemnity guarantee.
- For individuals: Attach Emirates ID copy. For legal entities: Manager’s Emirates ID and latest Commercial License copy.
- Bank letter or statement with plaintiff’s IBAN.
- Supporting documents like power of attorney, management contract, correspondence, notices, utility bills, cheques, letters, etc.
Charges:
- Processing Service fee: AED 100
- Power of Attorney Registration (if applicable): AED 25
- 3.5% of the claimed amount if the fee ranges between AED 500 and AED 15,000
Register a Petition Order
This service allows clients to request a Provisional and Urgent Affairs Judge for temporary actions in urgent cases. Some instances may include renewing a commercial license, restoring utilities, activating building or parking access cards, inspecting leased property to assess damages and more. Customers can request these temporary actions to address specific issues swiftly.
Charges:
- Petition Order Request: AED 20
- Knowledge fee: AED 10 ( for inspect only requests)
- Innovation fee: AED 10 ( for inspect only requests)
- 2.5% of the annual rent is applicable in the event of an inspection request
Register an Offer and Deposit
Tenants can use this service to file a legal request with a special Provision and Summary Actions Judge to issue an order to protect the tenant’s leasehold rights (the right to live in a property).
Depending on the case proceedings, a judge may submit rent to a court instead of paying directly to the landlord. Similarly, the landlord is obligated to return property keys to the tenant.
Documents Required to Register Offer and Deposit with RDC
- Offer and Deposit motion.
- For individuals: Attach Emirates ID copy. For legal entities: Manager’s Emirates ID and latest Commercial License copy.
- Offer and Deposit motion.
- Copy of last signed lease deposited with a new lease
- Copy of correspondence between parties (if applicable).
Charges:
- Offer and Deposit fee: AED 50
Miscellaneous Services
Rental Good Conduct Certificate
Use this service to check the rental history of the other party. The Rental Dispute Centre Dubai keeps a record in its system before drawing a lease, so getting a Rental Good Conduct Certificate from RDC is a good idea. Use the Dubai REST app or the RDC official website for the certificate.
Whom It May Concern Certificate
This certificate can be used for various purposes. Apply through the Dubai REST app, Dubai Land Department’s official website and WhatsApp chatbot.
Charges:
- Real Estate Services Trustee Centres: AED 120
- Service Partner fees along with VAT: AED 50
- Certificate Charges: AED 50 per certificate
Besides issuing certificates, other services on the portal include:
- Track your case
- Request to add an attorney
- Exemption of lawsuit fees
RDC DUBAI SERVICE CHARGES
While each service has its fees, here’s a list of the commonly applicable charges on all services:
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Processing fees under Execution, Lawsuits and Contestation Services: AED 100
Furthermore, it’s important to note that if a claim is registered through the Real Estate Services Trustees Centers, then the Partners’ service fees of AED 130 + VAT are applicable on all lawsuits and other services under the RDC.
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RDC DUBAI SERVICES?
- A copy of the Ejari contract
- Emirates ID copy for individuals | Copy of commercial license for companies and copy of manager’s or owner’s photo
- Bank statement or bank letter with the plaintiff’s IBAN
- A copy of the notorised notice along with notification officer’s report or registered post along with receipt of notice acknowledgement if it’s an eviction claim
- Other documents required may include power of attorney, management contract, correspondence, notices, utility bills and letters
FAQs about the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) DUBAI
What is a rental dispute?
Rental dispute arises when the relationship between a landlord and tenant is strained. There are several reasons behind a conflict. Some common ones are rental disagreements, unfair rent increases, maintenance issues, noise, rules and regulations regarding property usage, and lease terms and conditions.
How to file a dispute for an unfair rent increase?
The RDC and RERA offer several options to contest the unfair rent increase. However, before filing for dispute resolution, make sure that the increase is per RERA’s rent index. The notice must be sent electronically or through a registered mailing service.
How do I resolve a rental dispute in Dubai?
Visit the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre’s official website to learn where to file complaint against landlord in Dubai.
Where can I file a complaint against a landlord in Dubai?
You can visit your nearest Real Estate Services Trustees or the official RDC website to file a rental dispute in Dubai with the landlord.
This concludes our guide to the Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Centre and the services it offers. It’s essential to be aware of the Dubai Tenancy Law if you ever find yourself in a dispute.
