Guide to Rental Dispute Settlement Committees Abu Dhabi
Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s real estate industry has thrived over the past decade. While there are different factors behind this, the government’s positive role in protecting all stakeholders’ rights is one of the key reasons. For example, Rental Dispute Settlement Committees in Abu Dhabi oversee any disputes between landlords and renters and bring about resolutions as per the law. Here, we look at the function of the Rental Dispute Settlement Committees – Abu Dhabi.
OVERVIEW OF RENTAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT COMMITTEES ABU DHABI
Rent Dispute Settlement Committees (RDSC) are under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) purview. The relationship between the tenant and the property owner is governed by Law No. 20 of 2006.
Any dispute between the landlord and the tenant that cannot be resolved mutually is registered with the committee. As per law, Rental Dispute Settlement Committee working is only possible when it includes at least one chair judge and two member judges.
RENTAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE WORKING
Here is a look at the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee working process
ARBITRATION & RECONCILIATION DEPARTMENT
After filing the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee complaint, both parties are given time to avoid legal processes and are encouraged to find an out-of-court solution.
COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE
If the first stage fails, the court will arrange a hearing where each party will submit their cases as a memorandum. A judgment is passed after the due process.
COURT OF APPEAL
If the claim is for more than AED 10,000, an appeal can be filed within 15 days of the judgment of the Court of First Instance.
COURT OF CASSATION
If the claim is for more than AED 500,000, an appeal to the prior judgment can be made to the Court of Cassation. This has to be done within 30 days of the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Once a final decision is made, the Enforcement Department ensures the order’s implementation.
FILING A CASE WITH THE RENTAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT COMMITTEES – ABU DHABI (RDSC)
If you feel all avenues have been exhausted and the only way forward is a Rental Dispute Settlement Committee complaint filing, here is how to proceed.
- Visit the RDSC office at 16, Al Nawfal Street, Al Rawdah, with the following documents.
- Copy of the rental agreement
- Trade licence for businesses
- Copy of passport
- Two copies of the original petition
- Power of Attorney where applicable
- Complaint form
- Pay the fees, usually 4% of the annual rent, capped at AED 10k.
- The cost of newspaper advertisements when needed and additional service/deposit charges are also included.
Once this process is complete, you will be given the date for the first session.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE RENTAL DISPUTE CENTRE ABU DHABI CONTACT NUMBER?
Rental Dispute Centre Abu Dhabi contact numbers are +971-2-651-2222 and 600-599-799.
For rental dispute centre case inquiries, visit the ADJD portal.
HOW CAN I BUILD A GOOD TENANT-LANDLORD RELATIONSHIP?
Please read our guide on building a good tenant-landlord relationship to avoid potential problems. Tenants have to take care of the property. Meanwhile, landlords must ensure tenants’ rights in Abu Dhabi are not infringed upon.
WHAT ARE THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH FILING A DISPUTE?
The basic cost would be 4% of the annual rent, capped at AED 10k.
Can landlords evict tenants during the tenancy period?
Evictions are only possible in certain situations. This typically involves non-payment of rent, unapproved subleasing, using property for illegal activity, and property damage.
Rental Dispute Settlement Committees in Abu Dhabi play an essential role in protecting the rights of landlords and tenants. However, as a tenant or a landlord, it is always preferable to find an out-of-court settlement. You can save money and time if a solution can be found mutually.
If you are thinking of buying a property in the capital instead, here’s how to transfer property in Abu Dhabi.
