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How to resolve a rental dispute

How to Solve a Rental Dispute in Dubai ?

Rental disputes in Dubai occur between landlords and tenants when both parties are disagree about things related to renting a property in Dubai. This could be about how much rent to pay, who should fix things that break, or how to get back a security deposit.

These rental disputes in Dubai can be stressful and confusing, but there are ways to solve them fairly.

Understanding, how to solve a rental dispute in Dubai is important because it helps you know what to do if you have a problem with your landlord.

If you know your rights and the steps to take, you can protect yourself and avoid being taken advantage of. It also means you can resolve issues faster and get back to enjoying your home.

10 Common Reasons for Rental Disputes in Dubai

  • Unjustified Rent Increases in Dubai: Tenants may dispute sudden or excessive rent hikes that are not in line with the Dubai Tenancy Law.
  • Maintenance and Repair Issues: Disputes can arise if landlords fail to address maintenance or repair needs promptly, especially for essential services like water or electricity.
  • Security Deposit Disputes in Dubai: Tenants may disagree with landlords over deductions from the security deposit, especially if they are the deemed excessive or unjustified.
  • Leasing Property with Defects in Dubai: Rental Dispute can occur if landlords lease properties with known defects or issues that affect the tenant’s quality of life.
  • Unlawful Eviction Attempts: If landlords attempt to evict tenants without valid reasons or without following the proper legal procedures.
  • Failure to Return Security Deposit: Disagreements can occur if landlords fail to return the security deposit at the end of the tenancy, withholding it without valid reasons.
  • Disputes Over Lease Terms: Tenants may dispute lease terms that they believe are the unfair or not in accordance with the Dubai Tenancy Law.
  • Unauthorized Entry or Privacy Violations: If landlords enter the rented the property in Dubai without permission or violate the tenant’s privacy rights.
  • Utility Payment Disputes: Disagreements can occur regarding the payment of utility bills, especially if the landlord fails to provide necessary services or overcharges for them.
  • Property Damage Disputes in Dubai: Disputes may arise over responsibility for damages to the property in Dubai, especially if the cause is disputed or if the landlord fails to make repairs promptly.
Rental agreement dispute

How Rental Disputes Are Handled in Dubai

Overview of Dubai’s Rental Laws

In accordance with Dubai Decree No. 26/2013, tenants in Dubai who feel they are facing unfair eviction or rights violations can file a complaint by visiting or online, at Rental Disputes Centre (RDC).

File a Complaint Against a Landlord at the Rental Dispute Center

In Dubai, the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai is the specialized judicial arm of RERA that handles all your rental disputes. 

The RDC acts as a specialized tribunal for landlord-tenant rental dispute in Dubai. After receiving relevant documents, the RDC tries to mediate a resolution between landlords and tenants.

After the complaint is being filed. If mediation fails between the landlord and the other party, a formal hearing is scheduled where both sides present arguments and evidence.

Based on the law and evidence, the RDC will make a judgment.

If the eviction was deemed unlawful or the tenant’s rights were violated, the RDC may order compensation for damages, including relocation costs and emotional distress.

Contact Information of RDC

  • Address: 10 3rd Street, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira, Dubai
  • Contact: 800 4488
  • Timings: 
  • Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
  • Fridays: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday are off-days.
Solving the rental dispute

Step by Step: How to Solve a Rental Dispute in Dubai

Required Documents to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai

To initiate file a rental dispute case in dubai, you will need to gather essential documents. All documents must be translated into Arabic, and hard copies are not entertained.

Agreements

  • The Ejari Verified Lease Agreement (copy)

Identity Verification

  • For individuals
  •  For UAE Residents, an Emirates ID (copy)
  • For Non-UAE Residents Passport and Visa
  • For companies
  • A Commercial License (copy) 
  • And the manager’s or owner’s photo ID.

Bank Verification

  • A letter from the bank or a bank statement containing the plaintiff’s IBAN (International Bank Account Number).

In case of an eviction claim

  • A copy of notarized notice along with the notification officer’s report or registered post receipt showing acknowledgment of the notice.

Other Supporting Documents

  • Power of attorney
  • Management contract e.g Tenancy contract
  • Correspondence copies regarding the tenant-landlord rental dispute
  • Letters and Notices
  • Electricity and water bills e.g Recent DEWA bills and Rental deposit slip
  • Cheques copies issued to a landlord
  • Title deed and passport copy of a landlord

These documents are helpful as evidence to support your case.

Filing Fees Breakdown for a Rental Dispute

File a rental dispute comes with a specific fees for various services related to your rental dispute in Dubai are as follows:

  • For cases such as eviction, lease renewal, Claim of rent in Dubai, termination of lease, and return to premises for demolition and reconstruction, the fee for the rental dispute is 3.5% of the annual rent in Dubai or lease value, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000.
  • For monetary claims, fee is the 3.5% of the claimed amount, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000.
  • AED 25 for the registration of a Power of Attorney, if applicable.
  • AED 100 for process service.
  • AED 10 for the knowledge fee.
  • AED 10 for the innovation fee.

If a claim is registered through the Real Estate Services Trustees Centers, an additional fee of AED 130 plus VAT on the partners’ service fee of AED 130 will be added.

These fees must be paid to the Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai to initiate the legal process of filing a rental dispute.

Payment Methods Accepted for Filing a Rental Dispute

  • Noqodi
  • Debit or Credit Cards
  • Cash (Real Estate Service Center)

Methods to File Rental Dispute in Dubai

When initiate to file a rental dispute case, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the RERA. This includes adhering to deadlines and providing all necessary information and documentation.

The Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai offers both options of filing a rental dispute case.

Online via RDC Website

  • You can register for an account (if you are not already registered), log in to the RDC system, and select the service you require.
  • Enter your information and upload the necessary documents.
  • You can pay the fee as per the electronic lawsuit verification process.
  • You can participate in the hearing session using the tele-litigation system.
  • Access the judgment through the website after the hearing.

In-person via Real Estate Services Trustees Centers

  • Visit a Real Estate Services Trustees service center.
  • Provide the necessary documents for staff to verify compliance.
  • Staff enter transaction data into the system.
  • Pay the fees and receive a payment receipt.
  • Attend the hearing session via the tele-litigation system.
  • Receive the judgment through the website.

Follow RERA Rules

You can file rental disputes case, but it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the RERA. This includes adhering to deadlines and providing all necessary information and documentation.

Resolving the Dispute

Resolution(Try to Talk it Out)

At this stage:

The landlord and tenant aim to resolve their tenancy dispute. However, before this can happen, a complaint must be submit to lodge a rental dispute with the Rental Dispute Centre Dubai.

Required documents include the RDC application, original copy of a petition, current tenancy contract, trade license (if applicable), and a copy of the complainant’s passport or a power of attorney (if applicable).

The cost of issuing a rental dispute in Dubai is paid during this step.

Hearing of First Instance 

If the rental dispute remains unresolved after the initial session with the Arbitration Department, this stage becomes necessary. 

The claims of both the tenant and the other party which are submitted to the judge in a memorandum, will be presented to the court for hearing.

Appeal Filing Against Hearing Decision

In Dubai, if a rental dispute exceeds AED 50,000, lawyers can appeal a Court of Appeal judgment within 15 days. This is only if they were not happy with the previous hearing decision.

Filing an Appeal at the Court of Cassation

You can file an appeal with the Court of Cassation within 30 days after the Court of Appeal issues a judgment, if the value of a tenancy dispute case in Dubai is at least AED 330,000

Collect Any Awarded Amounts

If the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai rules in your favor and awards you damages or compensation, it is important to collect these amounts promptly. If not compensated will result in further legal action.

Conclusion

Rental dispute in Dubai occur when tenants and landlords disagree on rental matters. Common reasons include rent in Dubai increases, maintenance issues, and security deposit disputes.

To resolve a rental dispute, tenants can make a complaint with Rental Dispute Center at the Dubai Land Department dld. The Rental Dispute Center in Dubai, mediates and, if necessary, holds formal hearings.

It’s important to adhere to RERA rules and regulations. Resolving rental dispute outside of court through negotiation can save time and money.

FAQs

  • What Is the Timeframe for Resolving a Rental Dispute?

The timeframe for resolving a rental dispute in dubai can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of the the tenant and the other party involved. In general, the RDC aims to resolve rental disputes as quickly as possible, but some cases may take several weeks or months to reach a final decision

  • What Happens If I Cannot Attend a Hearing?

If you are unable to attend a hearing, you should inform the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai, as soon as possible and provide a valid reason for your absence. Depending on the circumstances, the hearing may be rescheduled or proceed in your absence.

  • Are There Any Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods Available?

Yes, in the addition to the formal legal process, with the landlord and the other party involved in the rental dispute can also consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. These methods can be less adversarial and may result in the quicker resolution of the rental dispute.

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