Since 1 February 2026, landlord and tenant disputes in Ajman go to the Rental Dispute Resolution Centre in the Emirate of Ajman, set up by Ajman Law No. 1 of 2026 to replace the former rent disputes committee. The centre's administrative side sits within the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, so that department's channels are the starting point. Because the centre is new, confirm the current filing channel with the department before you file, and check the fee schedule in Amiri Resolution No. 2 of 2026.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for tenants and landlords of property in the Emirate of Ajman, including property in Ajman free zones that do not have their own rental dispute body, who disagree about rent, eviction, damage, deposits or other lease issues.
Rules differ between emirates. Dubai disputes go to the Dubai Rental Disputes Center, and Sharjah has its own centre. If you are not sure which body handles your matter, try the UAE authority navigator.
What changed in 2026
Ajman Law No. 1 of 2026 on the Rental Disputes Centre in the Emirate of Ajman was issued on 8 January 2026 and took effect on 1 February 2026. Based on the published text on the Ajman legislation portal:
| Topic | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Replaces | The disputes committee organised under Amiri Decree No. 2 of 2017 issuing the Real Estate Leasing Law in Ajman (Article 2) |
| Structure | A judicial sector under the centre's head, and an administrative sector within the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (Articles 5 and 31) |
| Covers | Eviction, rent claims, damage claims, rent increases or reductions, urgent requests and payment orders linked to a lease (Article 6) |
| Does not cover | Finance leases, agricultural land, hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, and free zones with their own rental bodies (Article 6) |
| Settlement | A case management office offers amicable settlement; a signed settlement approved by the judge is enforceable (Articles 13 and 15) |
| Hearings | In person or remotely (Article 3) |
| Final decisions | First-instance decisions in claims up to AED 20,000 are final (Article 16) |
| Appeal deadline | 15 days from the day after the judgment; 10 days for urgent orders and payment orders (Article 18) |
| Language | Arabic; documents in other languages need a translation from an approved legal translation office (Article 26) |
| Fees | Set by an Amiri resolution of the Crown Prince; full fees must be paid before a claim is registered (Article 34). The current schedule is Amiri Resolution No. 2 of 2026, in force from 1 March 2026 |
| Pending cases | Cases already before the old committee move to the centre (Article 30) |
The law also sets a target for rental committees to decide cases within 60 days of referral, which can be extended (Article 19).
One point often causes confusion. The Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation in Ajman offers a separate service for real estate disputes with developers and real estate offices. That service is not the route for a landlord and tenant dispute over a lease.
Step by step
- Confirm your property is covered. Check location, lease type and whether a free zone body applies.
- Check your lease attestation. Ajman leases are attested through the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (the Tasdeeq system). Keep the attested contract.
- Try to resolve it in writing. Send a clear, dated message setting out the problem and what you want.
- Keep paying rent. Stopping payment can create a separate claim against you.
- Organise your evidence. Use the evidence checklist builder to list documents and gaps.
- Confirm the filing channel and fee. Check the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department website or contact the department to confirm how to register with the new centre.
- Register the claim and pay the fee. A claim is registered only after full payment of the fees, under Article 34.
- Respond quickly to notices. A defendant must file a defence and documents within 5 days of being notified, under Article 15.
- Consider settlement. The case management office can offer amicable settlement before the case goes to a hearing.
- Track appeal deadlines. Add the 15-day or 10-day window to the legal deadline organiser.
Documents checklist
- Attested tenancy contract and renewals
- Emirates ID, or trade licence and manager's ID for a company
- Title deed or proof of ownership, for landlords
- Rent cheques, bank transfers and receipts
- Notices and messages between the parties, with dates
- Photos or videos of the property's condition
- Repair invoices and utility bills, if relevant
- Power of attorney, if someone acts for you
- Translations from an approved legal translation office for documents not in Arabic
- A short timeline of events
Common mistakes
- Following outdated guidance. Pages written before February 2026 may describe the old committee.
- Using the wrong service. Developer and broker disputes go through a different department from lease disputes.
- Missing the 5-day defence window. If you are the defendant, act as soon as you are notified.
- Assuming you can always appeal. Decisions in claims up to AED 20,000 are final at first instance.
- Submitting untranslated documents. Attach approved legal translations to documents not in Arabic.
- Guessing the fee. Fees are set by Amiri Resolution No. 2 of 2026. For example, an eviction claim costs 2% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 10,000. Confirm the current amount before filing.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Consider licensed advice if the claim is above AED 20,000, if you are asking for eviction, if the matter involves a free zone property, or if you need urgent measures such as a travel ban or precautionary attachment. These are specialised procedures with short deadlines.
If you would like help finding someone, CaseDaleel can introduce you to an independent licensed professional, only if you choose. You can start with the free case check.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles rent disputes in Ajman now?
The Rental Dispute Resolution Centre in the Emirate of Ajman, created by Law No. 1 of 2026, which took effect on 1 February 2026.
What happened to cases before the old committee?
Article 30 says the centre takes over cases pending before the committee, in their current state, unless they were already reserved for judgment.
Is the Tasdeeq system the place to file a dispute?
No; Tasdeeq is used for lease attestation, while disputes go to the Rental Dispute Resolution Centre.
How much does it cost to file?
Under Amiri Resolution No. 2 of 2026, in force from 1 March 2026, an eviction claim costs 2% of the annual rent and a payment order 2% of the amount claimed, each with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 10,000; fees must be paid in full before registration, so check the current schedule before filing.
Do free zone properties in Ajman go to the centre?
Yes, unless the free zone has its own committee or judicial body for rental disputes.
Can I appeal a decision?
Decisions in claims above AED 20,000 can generally be appealed within 15 days from the day after the judgment; urgent orders and payment orders have a 10-day window.
How much is lease attestation in Ajman?
As of September 2026, the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department lists 2% of the rental value with a minimum of AED 400 for expatriates, with citizens exempt; check before paying.
Official sources
- Ajman legislation portal — Law No. 1 of 2026 on the Rental Disputes Centre (Arabic PDF)
- Ajman Media Office — Ajman Ruler issues law establishing rental dispute resolution centre
- Ajman Municipality and Planning Department — Authentication of lease contract for residential purposes
- Ajman Municipality and Planning Department — Rental dispute resolution services
- Ajman Digital — Request to resolve a real estate dispute (developers and offices)
- Ajman legislation portal — Amiri Resolution No. 2 of 2026 on the Rental Disputes Centre fees (Arabic)
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.