Tenancy Dispute Lawyer in Dubai
Rental disputes in Dubai are decided by a dedicated tribunal, not the ordinary courts — knowing how the Rental Disputes Center works matters as much as the merits of the underlying disagreement.
Rental disputes in Dubai fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Rental Disputes Center, established under Decree No. 26 of 2013, which hears claims between landlords and tenants of real property in the Emirate, including urgent applications for interim relief such as eviction pending final judgment.
The firm represents both landlords and tenants — pursuing or defending claims for unpaid rent, disputed maintenance responsibilities, unlawful rent increases outside the RERA rental index bands, and disputes over the return of security deposits at the end of a tenancy.
Because RDC proceedings move on a relatively compressed timeline compared to ordinary litigation, early preparation of the tenancy contract, Ejari registration, and payment records materially affects the strength and speed of a claim.
How a Tenancy Dispute Is Resolved
- Contract and Ejari ReviewThe lawyer reviews the tenancy contract and Ejari registration to confirm the parties' rights and obligations.
- Demand or NoticeA formal payment demand or contractual notice is issued where required before a claim can proceed.
- RDC FilingThe claim is filed with the Rental Disputes Center, including any request for urgent interim relief.
- HearingThe RDC hears the parties and reviews the supporting evidence.
- JudgmentThe RDC issues a decision on the claim, which may include eviction, payment orders, or dismissal.
- Enforcement or AppealThe judgment is enforced, or, where available, appealed to the relevant appellate tribunal.
When You Need a Tenancy Dispute Lawyer
- Your tenant has stopped paying rent and you need to pursue eviction.
- Your landlord has increased your rent beyond what the RERA rental index permits.
- A dispute has arisen over the return of your security deposit.
- You need to terminate a tenancy early and are unsure of your contractual position.
- Maintenance obligations under the tenancy contract are disputed.
- You need urgent interim relief from the Rental Disputes Center before a final hearing.
Services We Provide
- Eviction proceedings for non-payment or other contractual grounds
- Defence against unlawful or excessive rent increase claims
- Security deposit dispute representation
- Maintenance and repair obligation disputes
- Urgent interim relief applications before the RDC
- Lease termination and early exit advice
- Representation at RDC hearings for landlords and tenants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rental Disputes Center?
It is the specialized tribunal established under Decree No. 26 of 2013 with exclusive jurisdiction over landlord-tenant disputes concerning real property in Dubai.
How much can my landlord increase my rent?
Increases are capped under Decree No. 43 of 2013 based on how far current rent sits below the RERA rental index average for comparable units — the greater the gap, the higher the permitted increase.
How much notice do I need to give to end a tenancy?
Non-renewal generally requires 90 days' notice before the contract's expiry, though certain grounds, such as a landlord's wish to sell or use the property personally, require 12 months' notice served through a notary or registered mail.
Can I be evicted for late rent payment?
Non-payment can be grounds for eviction if rent remains unpaid a set period after a written payment demand, subject to the terms of the specific tenancy contract.
Do I need Ejari registration to file an RDC claim?
Ejari registration is standard evidence of the tenancy relationship and strongly recommended before any dispute arises, as it substantially simplifies proving the terms of the tenancy before the RDC.