How to register a dispute related to the rental of real estate in Dubai?

Disputes between landlords and renters are known in the world practice of all countries, the UAE is no exception. The ability to resolve such a dispute quickly and adequately is a sign of a healthy rental market and is important for both landlords and renters. The leading real estate companies in Dubai usually provide a dispute resolution service. Nevertheless, it will not be superfluous to know what to do in the event of a curious case. This is a guide on how to register a rental dispute in Dubai

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In what case do rental disputes arise?

Despite the fact that the Dubai Land Department has implemented several systems to facilitate the work of renters, landlords, buyers and sellers, in some situations disputes still arise between the parties in the form of disagreements and violations of contractual rights.

What should you do if a conflict is brewing? First of all, it is better to think about finding a mutually beneficial solution for all parties involved. However, you may find yourself in a situation where all methods of communication and argumentation are exhausted. That's when you need to file a claim for a rental dispute in Dubai with DLD Rental Dispute Resolution Center.

This structure specializes in the smooth resolution of disputes arising between renters and landlords in Dubai for various reasons, including:

1. Non-payment of rent by the tenant
2. Unfair rent increase by the landlord
3. Renter's resistance to timely release of premises
4. Disconnection of utilities by the landlord in order to force eviction

The Rental Dispute Resolution Center has jurisdiction over all rental disputes in Dubai, except for the following:

How to file a rental dispute?

Both renters and landlords can file a claim with the Rent Dispute Resolution Center (RDC). Let's see how renters can file a complaint against a landlord in Dubai.

Keep in mind that the same steps apply if the landlord needs external assistance to resolve disputes with his renters.

STEP 1: FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH DUBAI'S RENTAL LAW

It is important to familiarize yourself with the Law on Rental Housing in Dubai before thinking about initiating a dispute. The Dubai government has introduced strict laws governing rental agreements in the city.

Landlords must give 90 days' notice of any rent increase in Dubai. Unfair rent increases are the most frequently considered dispute in the settlement center. For example, when it comes to rent increases, the law obliges all landlords to notify renters 90 days in advance of their intention to increase the rent. The increase must be made in accordance with the rent index RERA, and the notification must be sent through a registered postal service.

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, knowing the RERA law is the first step towards proper dispute resolution. In cases where you do not have a proper understanding of the law, it is best to seek help from a lawyer.

STEP 2: INFORM THE OTHER PARTY AND TRY TO NEGOTIATE A SOLUTION

Once you understand the laws that apply to your complaint, it is best to inform the other party about the possibility of a dispute. For example, if you have determined that your rent has been unfairly increased, you should inform your landlord about it. Make sure you document all your correspondence with the other party.

If during the dialogue you could not find a mutually acceptable solution, you can file a complaint about the rent of RERA with the Rent Dispute Committee in Dubai. However, it should be borne in mind that filing a claim can be a relatively lengthy process. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the Rental Dispute Resolution Center in Dubai as a last resort when all other methods have been tried.

STEP 3: COLLECT THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO FILE RERA COMPLAINTS

You will need the following documents to register a rental dispute:

1. Rent agreement and Ejari certificate
2. Latest DEWA account
3. Ownership and lessor's passport (original and copy)
4. Renter's passport and a copy of the visa
5. Emirates ID card (original and copy)
6. Rental deposit receipts
7. Copies of checks issued to the landlord
8. Confirmation of correspondence between the parties
9. Any other supporting documents relating to the dispute

Some of these documents need to be translated into Arabic, be sure to do this before visiting the Rent Dispute Resolution Center (RDC) in Deira. Translation services are also provided by specialists of the Rental Dispute Resolution Center.

STEP 4: REGISTER THE CASE ONLINE OR VISIT THE RENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER (RDC)

Decree No. 26 of 2013 established the Rental Dispute Resolution Center (RDC), which serves and resolves all types of rental disputes in Dubai. When you have all the documents you need to file a rental claim, visit the RDC head office in Deira.

You can present the document to the designated RDC secretary, who will fill out your complaint. The specialist will ask about your rent dispute and tell you how to file a complaint and file a lawsuit.

In addition, you can also register your complaint online through the Rental Dispute Resolution portal.

STEP 5: CASE REVIEW

When you submit the necessary documents and register a claim, the dispute over the rent in Dubai will first be referred to the Arbitration Department, which will try to resolve the dispute within 15 days.

If the parties come to an agreement, a settlement agreement is drawn up, which has the force of a writ of execution.

If the arbitration is not successful, you need to file a lawsuit on your RERA complaint. The deadline for receiving a decision on the claim is 30 days.

If a lawsuit is filed, RERA will assign you a date and time to hear the rental dispute. The hearing may take several hours, depending on the number of cases being considered during the day.

If the court finds that your Dubai rental dispute is not substantial or you do not have sufficient evidence, you may have to appear for a retrial. The losing party has the right to appeal.

This process can take weeks or even months. That is why it is important for both renters and landlords to analyze all the possibilities and details before filing a dispute with RERA in Dubai.

Conclusion

This concludes the guide on rental disputes in Dubai. For more information or explanations on the steps mentioned here, visit the Dubai Rental Dispute Resolution Center website. If you have a serious complaint, it is best to contact a rental dispute lawyer in Dubai.

Before renting an apartment, townhouse or villa in Dubai, be aware that all rental agreements must be registered with Ejari in Dubai. You can register Ejari online to avoid the hassle in the future. New renters should follow the step-by-step guide to renting in Dubai to avoid confusion in the process.

Start searching for real estate in the UAE

It is easy to buy or rent a house in Dubai if you use reliable sources to search. Start an independent search or order a selection of real estate according to your parameters. Read more information on the official website - https://emirates.estate/.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 22 May 2022