Landlord and tenant disputes in Dubai go to the Rental Disputes Center (RDC), set up under Decree No. 26 of 2013. You file online on the RDC website or at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre. As of September 2026, the RDC lists 3.5% of the annual rent (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000) for eviction, renewal, rent and termination claims, and 3.5% of the amount claimed (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 15,000) for money claims and payment writs, plus small service fees.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for tenants, landlords and property managers in Dubai who want to start a rental case, respond to one, or understand the costs and stages before they decide.
It works as a hub for our Dubai tenancy guides. For specific problems, see eviction notices for tenants, deposits not returned, rent increases and breaking a tenancy early.
Which cases go to the RDC?
Under Article 6 of Decree No. 26 of 2013, the RDC alone decides rental disputes over property in Dubai, including free zones, together with counterclaims and urgent requests. It also hears appeals and enforces its own judgments.
It does not hear:
- disputes in free zones that have their own rental tribunal or court, such as the DIFC;
- disputes arising from finance leases;
- long-term leases covered by Law No. 7 of 2006.
The RDC's online services also cover some jointly owned property claims. If you do not have a written or registered lease, the RDC FAQ says you can still file by adding a request to prove the lease relationship, which costs AED 500.
How much does it cost?
Fees as listed on RDC service pages and its FAQ, as of September 2026:
| Service | Main fee |
|---|---|
| Eviction, lease renewal, rent claim, termination of a lease in force | 3.5% of annual rent; minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000 |
| Money claim | 3.5% of amount claimed; minimum AED 500, maximum AED 15,000 |
| Payment writ | 3.5% of amount claimed; minimum AED 500, maximum AED 15,000 |
| Amicable settlement file | Same as the claim fee; half of the fee is refunded if the parties settle |
| Appeal | Refundable security of half the amount awarded, where the case includes a money claim |
| Enforcing an eviction judgment | 1% of annual rent, maximum AED 5,000 |
| Enforcing a money judgment | No percentage fee, according to the RDC FAQ |
| Offer and deposit of rent or keys | AED 50 |
Most services add AED 100 for service of process, AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee, plus AED 25 if a power of attorney is registered. Filing at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre adds partners' service fees of AED 130 plus VAT, according to the service pages; one RDC FAQ answer gives the trustee office fee as AED 100, so confirm at the centre. Requests inside an execution file cost AED 20 each online, plus any fee for the request. The RDC also has a service to ask for an exemption from, or postponement of, case fees.
Example. An eviction claim on a lease of AED 90,000 a year: 3.5% is AED 3,150. With the AED 100, AED 10 and AED 10 add-ons, the online total is about AED 3,270. Check the fee the system shows before you pay.
From filing to judgment and enforcement
Documents. For a first-instance claim, the RDC lists the latest Ejari contract, Emirates ID (or trade licence and manager's ID), a bank letter showing your IBAN and, for eviction, the notarised notice with the notification report or the registered mail record. All documents must be in Arabic or legally translated into Arabic and uploaded to the system. Hard copies are not accepted.
Payment. The RDC FAQ says an unpaid case is cancelled automatically after five days.
Settlement. The Mediation and Conciliation Directorate tries to settle within 15 days of the parties appearing, which can be extended (Article 10). A signed settlement approved by the supervising judge can be enforced like a judgment. Time limits stop running while the dispute is in settlement.
Hearings. The system books the first session at least seven days after payment, according to the RDC FAQ. Hearings run through the RDC's remote hearing system. Upload documents before the hearing. Nothing can be added once the case is reserved for judgment. Under Article 16, tribunals must decide within 30 days of receiving the file, and this can be extended.
Appeal. Under Article 17, first-instance judgments in claims under AED 100,000 are final. Exceptions include eviction judgments and judgments with certain defects, such as a breach of jurisdiction rules. Under Article 18, the appeal period is 15 days from the day after the judgment hearing. For a party who attended no hearing and filed no defence, it runs from notification.
Enforcement. The RDC FAQ says you can open an execution file 15 days after the day following an in-person judgment, or 15 days after notification of a judgment in absence. Seven days after the execution notice is served, you can file online requests such as an exit ban, attachment or instalment plan.
Step by step
- Check the RDC is the right body. Confirm the property is in Dubai and not in a free zone with its own tribunal.
- Try to settle in writing first. A dated message with a clear request helps later.
- Pick the right service. Eviction, money claim, payment writ or settlement file all differ.
- Gather and translate documents. Arrange legal Arabic translations where needed.
- Create an RDC account. Filing online needs your own account on the RDC system.
- Enter the details and upload documents. Or use a Real Estate Services Trustee centre.
- Pay within five days. Otherwise the case is cancelled.
- Prepare for the hearing. The hearing file readiness tool can help.
- Diary the appeal and enforcement dates. Count 15 days from the day after the judgment.
Documents checklist
- Latest Ejari contract, with Arabic translation if needed
- Emirates ID, or trade licence and manager's ID
- Bank letter or statement showing your IBAN
- Notarised notice with notification report, or registered mail record (eviction)
- Payment proof, cheques and bank return memos
- Power of attorney or management contract, if applicable
- Messages and letters between the parties
- Photos, bills and inspection reports
- Legal Arabic translations of documents not in Arabic
The evidence checklist builder can help you index this.
Common mistakes
- Filing the wrong claim type. The fee base and cap differ.
- Untranslated documents. The RDC requires Arabic or legal translation.
- Late uploads. Documents cannot be added once the case is reserved for judgment.
- Missing the payment window. Unpaid cases lapse after five days.
- Assuming you can appeal. Many claims under AED 100,000 are final.
- Forgetting the appeal security. A money judgment appeal needs half the amount awarded deposited, unless the RDC head waives it.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Consider licensed advice for claims near or above AED 100,000, eviction disputes, commercial leases, counterclaims, or when you need urgent orders such as an exit ban. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file an RDC case online?
Yes, through an account on the RDC website, or at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre for an extra fee (AED 130 plus VAT on the service pages).
How much is the RDC fee for an eviction claim?
As of September 2026, 3.5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000, plus small service fees.
Do my documents need to be in Arabic?
Yes, all documents must be in Arabic or legally translated into Arabic and uploaded electronically.
How long does an RDC case take?
Decree No. 26 of 2013 sets 30 days from referral to the tribunal, which can be extended, and the first session is booked at least seven days after payment.
Can I appeal an RDC judgment?
Only if the claim is AED 100,000 or more, or if an exception applies such as an eviction judgment, within 15 days from the day after the judgment.
Do I get money back if we settle?
Half of the settlement file fee is refunded if the parties reach an amicable settlement.
Is my DIFC lease handled by the RDC?
No, the RDC does not hear disputes from free zones with their own rental tribunal or court, such as the DIFC.
Official sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal — Decree No. 26 of 2013 concerning the Rental Disputes Center
- Rental Disputes Center — Register First Instance Lawsuit (Rental)
- Rental Disputes Center — Register an Appeal (Rental)
- Rental Disputes Center — Register an Execution Proceeding (Rental)
- Rental Disputes Center — Frequently asked questions
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.