Who hears tenancy disputes in Dubai
Landlord–tenant disputes in Dubai go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) at the Dubai Land Department, established by Decree No. 26 of 2013. It is a specialist body: the ordinary courts do not hear these cases. The relationship is governed by Dubai's tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008).
Many cases start with conciliation and move to a hearing on the merits if no settlement is reached. Decisions can be appealed and are then enforced through the Centre.
We represent parties under a power of attorney, so the case can proceed even if you are temporarily outside the UAE.
Ejari: no registration, no claim
Ejari is Dubai's tenancy contract registration system. A claim at the RDSC requires an Ejari-registered lease; if it isn't registered, registration may be the first step. Ejari is also needed for utilities and for family visas.
Rent increases
Rent increases are governed by Decree No. 43 of 2013: the permitted percentage depends on how far your current rent is below the market average on the official RERA rental index. Since 2025 the DLD has used an updated Smart Rental Index. You can check the permitted increase with the DLD calculator or the Dubai REST app.
The landlord must give notice of any change to the terms, including an increase, at least 90 days before the lease expires. If the increase exceeds the index or notice was late, the tenant can challenge it at the RDSC.
Eviction
- During the lease — only on statutory grounds, such as non-payment after notice, unauthorised subletting or unlawful use.
- On expiry — only on limited grounds (sale of the property, the owner or a first-degree relative moving in, major renovation or demolition), with at least 12 months' notice served through a notary public or by registered post.
Defects in the form or timing of notice are a common reason eviction claims fail. We act for both tenants and landlords.
Deposits and other disputes
- unreturned security deposits and disputed deductions for repairs;
- rent arrears and bounced cheques;
- maintenance and repair costs;
- early termination and penalties.
The same mechanisms apply to company premises, which can form part of our corporate legal support.
How we work
- Diagnosis (1–2 days): lease, Ejari, notices, correspondence, payments.
- Demand letter to the other side — many disputes settle without a claim.
- RDSC claim, representation at conciliation and hearings, Arabic translation of documents.
- Enforcement of the decision.
The RDSC filing fee depends on the annual rent or the amount claimed — we include it in the estimate. Timing depends on the complexity of the dispute and the parties' positions.
Fees
Handling a dispute is a fixed-price project from AED 5,000; for money claims a 10–25% success fee model is available. A consultation is from AED 750 for 60 minutes. See all services on the real estate lawyer in Dubai page.
FAQ
The permitted increase depends on the gap between your rent and the RERA index average. Check it with the DLD rental calculator.
At least 90 days before the lease expires.
Only on statutory grounds and with 12 months' notice served through a notary or by registered post.
An RDSC claim needs a registered lease; if there is none, we start by registering it.