Real Estate & Property

How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai: The RDC Process

Published 06 Jul 2026 · Updated 12 Aug 2026 · 2 min read · By UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team

Reviewed by UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team

Key Takeaways

Must first attempt amicable resolution via RERA mediation before filing with the RDC.
Filing fee: 3.5% of annual rent, minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000.
2026 update: fast-track threshold raised to claims under AED 100,000, resolved within 15 working days.
Build an evidence bundle: Ejari contract, formal notices, written communication, photos, and a documented timeline.

The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), a specialized tribunal within the Dubai Land Department, handles all landlord-tenant disputes in the emirate, and it's specifically designed as a streamlined, rental-focused resolution body rather than a general court, meaning the process is intended to be accessible to individual tenants without necessarily requiring a lawyer.

Before filing a formal case, the process generally requires attempting amicable resolution first: submitting a complaint to RERA, which attempts mediation between the parties, and only if that mediation fails does RERA issue a referral letter allowing the complainant to then file a formal case with the RDC itself. The filing fee for an RDC case is 3.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000, and under 2026 updates, the fast-track threshold was raised to claims under AED 100,000, with hearings for these smaller, more straightforward cases completed within 15 working days rather than the longer timeline larger or more complex cases might involve.

Building a strong case generally means assembling a clear, organized evidence bundle: the Ejari contract, any formal notices received, written communication with the landlord (texts, emails), photographic evidence relevant to the specific dispute, and a documented timeline showing the tenant attempted direct resolution before escalating to the formal process. Given how filing a case often motivates landlords to settle quickly once they realize a tenant is genuinely willing to pursue the formal process rather than simply complaining informally, tenants facing an unresolved dispute, whether about rent increases, deposit deductions, or improper eviction, generally benefit from understanding that the RDC process is a genuinely accessible, reasonably fast option rather than an intimidating, lawyer-only proceeding, and shouldn't hesitate to file a complaint once direct negotiation with the landlord has genuinely been attempted and failed.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Attempt amicable resolution
Submit a complaint to RERA for mediation.
2
Receive referral letter
If mediation fails.
3
File formal case with RDC
Pay the filing fee and submit your evidence bundle.

Documents Required

Ejari contract
Formal notices received
Written communication with landlord
Photographic evidence

Estimated Costs

Item	Amount	Notes
RDC filing fee	3.5% of annual rent (AED 500 - 20,000)

Fees and thresholds change periodically — confirm current figures with the relevant authority before relying on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first step before filing a formal case with the RDC?

Submitting a complaint to RERA, which attempts mediation between the parties; only if mediation fails does RERA issue a referral letter allowing a formal RDC case to be filed.

What is the filing fee for an RDC case?

3.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000.

How long do fast-track RDC cases take to resolve?

Under 2026 updates, cases under AED 100,000 qualify for fast-track processing, with hearings completed within 15 working days.

What evidence should a tenant gather before filing an RDC case?

The Ejari contract, any formal notices received, written communication with the landlord, photographic evidence relevant to the dispute, and a documented timeline of attempted direct resolution.

Does filing an RDC case require hiring a lawyer?

Not necessarily, the process is specifically designed to be accessible to individual tenants without requiring a lawyer, though complex cases may still benefit from legal guidance.

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