HOW CAN TENANTS AND LANDLORDS RESOLVE RENTAL DISPUTES IN DUBAI?
Dubai’s rental market is regulated by Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. These laws govern the landlord-tenant relationship, outlining the rules for rental agreements, dispute resolution, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
The Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC) is the main authority that resolves rental disputes in Dubai. It provides mediation and adjudication services to handle disputes efficiently and fairly. The decisions made by the RDC are binding and enforceable, offering a reliable framework for effective dispute resolution.
What are the common reasons for rental disputes in Dubai
Rental disputes in Dubai often stem from misunderstandings or conflicts between landlords and tenants. The most frequent causes include:
- Rent Increases: Disputes arise when landlords raise the rent beyond what tenants find reasonable, especially if it surpasses the limits set by the Dubai Land Department’s Rental Index.
- Lease Termination: Issues occur when tenants seek early termination, or landlords attempt to evict tenants before the lease expires without following legal procedures.
- Property Defects: Leasing properties with defects or pest infestations.
- Late Rent Payments: Consistent late payments or failure to pay rent can lead to significant disputes.
- Security Deposit Disputes: Conflicts arise when landlords deduct amounts from the deposit that tenants consider unjust.
- Unreasonable Eviction Grounds: Attempting to evict tenants without valid reasons.
Where to File Rental Disputes.
Disputes between tenants and landlords may occasionally require formal resolution through the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDC), part of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The RDC is responsible for settling rental disputes and ensuring the rights of both parties are protected under Dubai’s laws.
The RDC handles rent disputes, lease terminations or renewals, security deposit conflicts, maintenance responsibilities, eviction notices, and lease violations.
Filing a Rental Dispute in Dubai
- Gather required documents, including the Ejari certificate, tenancy contract, rental deposit slip, title deed, passport copies, and relevant evidence of the dispute (e.g., emails, photos).
- File your case at the RDC (in-person or online), fill out the necessary forms, and pay a 3.5% fee of the annual rent (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000).
- Attend mediation sessions; if unresolved, the case proceeds to a hearing.
- A judgment is issued, and appeals can be filed within 15 days.
Cost of Filing a Rental Dispute Case
To file your rental dispute with the landlord, certain fees are required. You will need to pay 3.5% of the annual rent (with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000) to submit the complaint. Additionally, there is an approximate charge of AED 210 per page for translating relevant documents, along with an administration fee of around AED 110.
Conclusion
At Charter Legal, we assist tenants and landlords in Dubai with resolving rental disputes efficiently. Disagreements over rent increases, contract violations, or maintenance issues can be addressed through the Rental Dispute Center (RDC), Dubai’s primary authority for such matters. Some of our experienced real estate lawyers guide clients through the negotiation process to seek amicable resolutions. If needed, we represent clients at the RDC, ensuring that their case is presented effectively and in compliance with Dubai’s rental laws.
With our expertise, Charter Legal ensures that disputes are resolved swiftly and fairly, protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants.