RDC Filing — Key Numbers 2026
Before You File — 3 Prerequisites
Before filing at the RDC, make a genuine attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the other party — in writing. Send a formal written notice (email and WhatsApp) clearly stating:
- The specific violation (e.g., above-cap rent increase, unreturned deposit, refused repairs)
- The legal basis for your claim (cite the relevant RERA rule or law provision)
- A specific, reasonable deadline for resolution (7–14 days)
- That you will proceed to the RDC if the matter is not resolved
✅ Many disputes resolve at this stage — landlords often comply once they receive a formal written notice referencing the RDC. Keep all written evidence of this attempt for your case file.
Your tenancy contract must be registered on Ejari before the RDC will accept your case. Without a valid Ejari certificate, your complaint will be rejected at intake. Steps to verify:
- Open the Dubai REST app → Services → Ejari
- Or visit ejari.ae and search by contract or DEWA number
- If not registered, visit an Ejari-approved typing centre with your original contract, Emirates ID, DEWA bill, and title deed copy — registration typically takes 1 business day
- Verify the Ejari shows the correct rent amount — a discrepancy can affect your case
Never stop paying rent — even if you are in the middle of a dispute and believe your landlord is in the wrong. Stopping rent payments gives the landlord a separate non-payment eviction ground under Article 25 of Law No. 33 of 2008, which can severely weaken or entirely destroy your position at the RDC.
- Continue paying your current contracted rent (not the disputed new amount)
- Pay via bank transfer — always, never cash — so you have a permanent paper trail
- Keep all payment receipts, bank statements, and transfer confirmations in a single folder
- If your landlord refuses to accept rent payments, deposit the amount into a court-designated account and notify the RDC
How to File a Rent Dispute at the RDC — 8 Steps
Gather All Required Documents
Assemble every document you will need before starting the filing process. Incomplete submissions result in delays or rejection. Organise everything in a digital folder (PDFs preferred) and a physical folder. See the full checklist in the next section. The most critical document is your Ejari-registered tenancy contract — without it, the RDC will not accept your case. All documents must be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation.
Choose Your Filing Method — Online or In-Person
You can file your RDC case via two channels — online (recommended for speed and convenience) or in-person at the RDC office or an approved service trustee centre. Both methods result in the same case being registered in the RDC system. Online filing allows you to attend all subsequent hearings via tele-litigation without visiting the office. See the detailed filing methods section below for step-by-step instructions for each channel.
Complete the Complaint Form and Submit
Fill in the official complaint form — either online via dubailand.gov.ae / Dubai REST app, or in person at the RDC with a typing centre assistant. Key information required in the form:
- Full details of both parties (tenant and landlord names, IDs, contact details)
- Property details: full address, Ejari number, annual rent amount
- Nature and details of the dispute — be specific and factual (avoid emotional language)
- Relief sought — exactly what outcome you are asking the RDC to order (e.g., "return of security deposit of AED X", "eviction notice declared invalid", "rent reduced to AED Y per year")
- List of attached supporting documents
Pay the Filing Fee
Pay the applicable filing fee: 3.5% of the annual rent value, subject to a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000 (or AED 35,000 for combined eviction + financial claims). Online payment can be made by credit/debit card or Noqodi. In-person payment can be made by cash or card at the RDC counter. Additional minor fixed fees apply: AED 25 (power of attorney, if relevant), AED 100 (notification/advertisement), AED 10 (knowledge fee), AED 10 (innovation fee). You will receive a case number and payment receipt immediately upon successful payment — keep both safe.
The RDC Notifies the Other Party
After your case is registered and fees paid, the RDC notifies the opposing party (landlord or tenant) of the filed complaint and the scheduled hearing date. This is done officially through the RDC system — you do not need to serve notice yourself. The other party is given a specific date to appear or respond. You can track case status in real time at the RDC portal online or via the Dubai REST app using your case number.
Arbitration / Conciliation Hearing (Target: ~15 Days)
Your case is first assigned to the Arbitration Department, which aims to resolve disputes through conciliation within approximately 15 days. The arbitrator meets with both parties (in person or via tele-litigation) and attempts to broker a mutually acceptable settlement. If both parties reach agreement, the settlement is recorded and has the same legal force as a court judgment. This is the fastest and cheapest possible outcome — aim for it if the other party shows any willingness to negotiate.
- Come prepared with all documents, a clear summary of your position, and a realistic idea of the minimum outcome you will accept
- If you cannot attend in person, register for tele-litigation via the Dubai REST app to attend remotely
- Bring a certified Arabic translation of any documents not already in Arabic
First Instance Court Hearing (Target: ~30 Days After Mediation Fails)
If mediation/arbitration does not result in a settlement, the case is escalated to a First Instance Court judge. The judge reviews all submitted documents, examines notices and contracts, assesses the evidence, and hears arguments from both sides. In complex cases, the judge may appoint a technical expert (e.g., for property valuation or renovation cost assessment). The RDC targets issuing a first-instance ruling within approximately 30 days of the hearing. The ruling is legally binding and can be enforced through Dubai Courts.
- Submit any additional evidence before the hearing date — late evidence may not be accepted
- Expert reports, contractor invoices, RERA calculator screenshots, and professional valuations all strengthen your position
- Legal representation is optional for many straightforward RDC matters — you may represent yourself
- For complex eviction, appeal, large financial, or multi-party matters, engaging a UAE-qualified legal adviser is recommended
Appeal or Enforcement of Judgment
After the first-instance judgment, both parties have the right to appeal within the prescribed period (typically 15 days from notification of the verdict for RDC cases). The appeal is heard by the Appellate Circuit of the RDC. If the other party wins and you need to challenge, or if the other party does not comply with an order in your favour, you can apply for enforcement through Dubai Courts — the judgment is directly enforceable. Download your final judgment from the RDC portal or request a certified copy from the RDC office.
- Monitor the RDC portal for your case status and judgment notification
- If the landlord ignores an RDC deposit-return order, apply to Dubai Courts enforcement division
- Keep the original signed judgment certificate — you will need it for enforcement
RDC Dispute Process — Timeline at a Glance
💡 Reality check: Well-documented, clear-cut disputes (above-cap rent increase with a clear RERA calculator result, or withheld deposit with move-out photos) frequently resolve at the arbitration stage within 15 days. Complex disputes involving property valuations, renovation cost assessments, or disputed eviction timelines may take 60–90 days or more, especially if appealed.
2 Ways to File — Online vs In-Person
🌐 Online Filing — DLD Portal or Dubai REST App
- Visit dubailand.gov.ae → "RDC Services" → "Register a New Rental Case"
Or: open the Dubai REST app → Services → Rental Disputes - Create an account or log in with your UAE Pass / Emirates ID-linked profile
- Select the dispute type (rent increase, eviction, deposit, maintenance, etc.)
- Complete the complaint form — enter property details, dispute summary, and relief sought
- Upload all required documents in PDF format (max file size per document: typically 5MB)
- Review the auto-calculated filing fee and pay online by credit/debit card or Noqodi
- Receive case number by SMS and email — save it for tracking
- All future hearings can be attended via tele-litigation — log in on the scheduled hearing date from any device
✅ Online filing is available 24/7 and is generally faster. Tele-litigation means you never need to physically attend the RDC — ideal for busy schedules or if you are temporarily outside Dubai.
🏢 In-Person Filing — RDC Office or Service Trustee
RDC Head Office: Dubai Land Department Building, Deira, Dubai. Working hours: Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Check rdc.gov.ae for current hours before visiting.
- Bring originals and photocopies of all required documents
- Go to the customer service counter and ask for the "Rental Dispute" service
- A typing centre assistant will help you complete the official complaint form
- Review the typed form carefully before signing — ensure all details are accurate
- Submit the documents to the RDC officer for review
- Pay the filing fee at the RDC cashier (cash or card)
- Receive your case number and payment receipt
- Service trustee centres (approved typing/PRO offices across Dubai) can handle the full filing on your behalf — check the DLD website for a current list of approved trustees
💡 In-person filing is ideal if you are unfamiliar with the online system, have complex documents to submit, or want typing assistance to ensure your complaint form is correctly completed in Arabic.
Required Documents Checklist — 2026
Prepare digital (PDF) and physical copies of all applicable documents before filing. Missing documents will cause delays or rejection of your case.
🔑 Mandatory for All Cases
- Original signed tenancy contract (all pages, including addenda)
- Ejari registration certificate (must be valid and current)
- Emirates ID copy — tenant (and landlord if available)
- Passport copy — both parties (for non-UAE nationals)
- Residence visa copy — tenant
💰 Rent Dispute — Additional Documents
- RERA Rental Index Calculator result — screenshot with date
- Rent increase notice received from landlord (with date)
- All rent payment records: bank transfers, PDC records, receipts
- Bank statement showing rent payments (last 12 months minimum)
- Written correspondence rejecting the increase
🏠 Eviction Dispute — Additional Documents
- Original eviction notice received (with date and delivery method)
- Proof of delivery method (notary stamp, registered mail receipt, etc.)
- Evidence the notice was served fewer than 12 months before eviction date (if challenging validity)
- Evidence of the landlord re-letting or selling within 2 years (if claiming personal-use compensation)
- Property listing screenshots / new Ejari of re-let property (if applicable)
🔧 Maintenance / Deposit Dispute
- Written maintenance requests sent to landlord (with dates)
- Timestamped photos/videos of defects or damage
- Contractor quotes or invoices for repairs needed
- Move-in and move-out inspection reports (if available)
- Deposit payment receipt (original amount paid)
- Itemised deduction list from landlord (if received)
- Proof landlord has not returned deposit (bank statements)
🏢 Landlord-Side Filing — Additional
- Title deed of the property (original or certified copy)
- Power of attorney (if filing through a representative)
- Trade licence (if filing as a company)
- Bounced cheque documentation (for non-payment cases)
- Written payment demand sent to tenant with date
- Evidence of lease breach if filing for non-payment/violation eviction
📑 General Supporting Evidence
- WhatsApp message exports — export the full chat as a PDF or screenshot sequence with timestamps clearly visible
- Certified email printouts
- DEWA bills (proving occupancy period and utility amounts)
- Chiller / community service invoices
- Witness statements (if applicable — must be notarised for court stage)
- Arabic translation for any document not originally in Arabic
⚠️ Arabic translation requirement: All documents submitted to the RDC that are not in Arabic should be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. This includes English-language tenancy contracts, emails, and WhatsApp exports. A certified translation from a DLD-approved legal translation office typically costs AED 100–250 per page. Budget for this in advance — last-minute translation delays are a common cause of case postponements.
RDC Filing Fees — Full Breakdown 2026
| Annual Rent (AED) | 3.5% Calculation | Actual Fee Charged | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AED 30,000 | AED 1,050 | AED 1,050 | Above minimum — 3.5% applies |
| AED 60,000 | AED 2,100 | AED 2,100 | Standard residential Dubai mid-range |
| AED 90,000 | AED 3,150 | AED 3,150 | Common for 2-bed in Dubai |
| AED 120,000 | AED 4,200 | AED 4,200 | Typical for larger apartments |
| AED 200,000 | AED 7,000 | AED 7,000 | High-end residential |
| AED 400,000 | AED 14,000 | AED 14,000 | Premium villa / commercial |
| AED 600,000 | AED 21,000 | AED 20,000 (capped) | Fee capped at AED 20,000 for standard cases |
| AED 1,000,000+ | AED 35,000+ | AED 20,000 (or AED 35,000 if combined claim) | Cap always applies regardless of rent value |
💡 Fee recovery: If you win your case, the RDC may order the opposing party to pay your filing fees as part of the judgment. This is common in clear-cut cases (above-cap rent increases, undocumented deposit withholding). Always confirm the latest fee schedule at rdc.gov.ae before filing as fees are subject to change.
Types of Cases the RDC Handles
| Dispute Type | Who Usually Files | What the RDC Can Order | Key Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above-cap rent increase | Tenant | Set rent at the legal maximum; order return of any excess already paid | Ejari certificate, RERA calculator screenshot, increase notice received |
| Invalid eviction notice | Tenant | Declare notice invalid; order tenant allowed to remain; award compensation | Original eviction notice with date, proof of notice delivery method and timing |
| Deposit not returned / unjust deductions | Tenant | Order full or partial deposit return; award compensation; impose RERA fine on landlord | Move-in/out photos (timestamped), deposit receipt, itemised deduction list, contractor quotes |
| Landlord refusing maintenance | Tenant | Order landlord to carry out specific repairs within a fixed timeframe; authorise tenant to carry out repairs and deduct cost from rent | Written repair requests, timestamped defect photos, contractor quotes |
| Eviction for non-payment (landlord filing) | Landlord | Order tenant to pay overdue rent and/or vacate by a specified date | Ejari, payment demand letter, bank statements showing non-receipt of rent, bounced cheque records |
| Breach of contract / illegal use (landlord filing) | Landlord | Order tenant to comply with lease terms or vacate; award damages | Ejari, lease contract, 30-day breach notice sent, evidence of the breach |
| Personal-use eviction compensation | Tenant (post-eviction) | Award compensation (typically ~1 year's rent) if landlord re-let/sold within 2 years of personal-use eviction | Original eviction notice, proof of vacation date, evidence of re-letting/sale within 2 years (listing screenshots, new Ejari, title deed transfer) |
| Early termination penalty dispute | Either party | Determine the enforceable penalty amount; order refund of excess penalty charged | Signed tenancy contract, written termination notice, payment records |
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing at the RDC
The RDC will not accept a case without a valid Ejari-registered contract. Always verify registration via the Dubai REST app before starting your filing. If unregistered, register first — this adds 1–2 days but is non-negotiable.
Documents not in Arabic (including English contracts and email printouts) need certified Arabic translations. Submitting without translations causes rejections or postponements. Budget AED 100–250 per page for certified translation from a DLD-approved office.
Tenants who stop paying rent "in protest" hand the landlord a non-payment eviction ground under Article 25, Law No. 33 of 2008 — completely undermining the original dispute. Always continue paying current contracted rent throughout.
The complaint form should state specific facts, dates, amounts, and law citations — not emotional grievances. Clearly state the exact relief you seek (specific AED amounts, specific dates, specific orders). Vague complaints result in weaker outcomes even in legitimate cases.
Failing to appear at a scheduled hearing (in person or via tele-litigation) can result in your case being dismissed or a default judgment against you. Set multiple reminders and register for tele-litigation via Dubai REST app if you cannot attend in person.
Saying "the increase exceeds the RERA cap" without the official RERA calculator screenshot is easy for a landlord to dispute. Run the RERA Rental Index calculator, screenshot the exact output with the calculation date visible, and attach it as Exhibit A of your case.
Many tenants wait months hoping the dispute resolves itself. Waiting means witnesses' memories fade, screenshots may be deleted, and some deadlines (like the 2-year window for personal-use compensation) may lapse entirely. File promptly once direct resolution fails.
Filing at the RDC without first sending the other party a formal written notice weakens your case and makes early settlement less likely. The RDC and courts look favourably on parties who made a genuine attempt to resolve amicably. Always send a written notice first and keep proof.