How do I resolve a Rental Dispute in Dubai?

While renting an apartment in Dubai can be much cheaper, disputes between a landlord and their tenant can still be somewhat inevitable. If you were to find yourself in a rental dispute, ensure that you are familiar with the legal processes and your tenants’ and landlords’ rights. This article outlines for you steps to effectively fix a rental dispute in Dubai.

Understanding Rental Dispute in Dubai

Some of the common causes of conflict for rental disputes are:

• Delay in the rental payment,
• Damage to the rented property,
• Termination of the tenancy contract, and
• Differences on the maintenance and repairs of the property in question.

In Dubai, these kinds of disputes are usually effectively governed by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC), which is a legal body that has taken the responsibilities of a judicial forum in settling all the outstanding disputes pertaining to landlords and tenants yet to be settled in the quickest manner possible.

Common Types of Rental Disputes in Dubai

Some common reasons for rental disputes are as follows:

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• Unreasonable increase in rent:Dubai’s rental laws state that landlord may not increase rent beyond what is set in the RERA rental index. If a landlord seeks to impose an unjustified increase in rent, tenants can challenge that before the Rental Disputes Centre.
• Maintenance issues:Landlords are supposed to carry out the maintenance work for their properties in order to make it fit for living in, in whatever way a tenant may wish. If they do not make any repairs, you can complain about this to the RDC.
• Security deposit:Landlords are supposed to return the security deposit at the termination of the lease, less any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. You have the right to argue against deductions that you feel are unfair.
• Eviction notice:Landlords must follow a process to carry out an eviction. If you get an eviction notice that is not lawful, the RDC can help.

How to Resolve a Tenant Dispute in Dubai

1. Amicably Try to Solve Dispute:Try to settle the dispute with your landlord before going to the RDC. Open communication can many times lead to a mutually agreeable solution.

2. Collect All Requirements Documents:If all efforts of making an amicable resolution fail, prepare the following documents before your RDC filing:

• Rental agreement copy
• Proof of payment receipts (rent and any other forms of payment)
• Proof of your claim (for example, photographs, emails, witness statements)
• Passport copy (tenant and landlord)
• Emirates ID photocopy (tenant and landlord)

3. File a Complaint at the RDC:Submit a complaint either on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website or at the RDC office, which involves very minimal fees for filing a complaint.

4. Resolution Meeting with RDC:The RDC will have a meeting where the tenant and the landlord will present their cases. An attempt at settlement will be made by the RDC committee.

5. Hearing, if necessary:If the process of meditation is not successful, the resolution committee department will conduct a hearing to collect evidence and give a judgment. Both the parties have a right to establish their own witnesses and put forth their arguments.

6. Decision of RDC: The RDC shall deliver an order in writing specifying the decision and any damages awarded. Such order shall be generally final on both parties.

7. Appeal:Right of appeal is provided to the parties, but within an unavoidable limitation of time.The time limit for appeal of a judgment issued by the First Instance Division is fifteen (15) days from the day following the date of the hearing in which the judgment was issued.

Additional Considerations

• Legal Representation: Although it is not compulsory to have representation before the RDC, it helps to have a legal expert to take you through the process, help you argue your case effectively, and protect your interests during the hearings.
• Language:Arabic is the official language of the courts in Dubai. Documents or representations other than in Arabic should be translated by a certified translator.
• Seek timely action:Timely correspondence on rental disputes is always the key for achieving success. Delays can lead to loss of good evidence or increased complications related to the dispute.
• Evidence:Collect and organize the evidence relating to the dispute—your tenancy contract, receipts, photographs, and correspondence with the landlord.
• Know your rights:The relevant laws and regulations governing rental disputes in Dubai to exercise and protect the rights of all tenants.

How HHS Lawyers Can Help You with Your Rental Dispute Dubai

HHS rental dispute Lawyers in Dubai has an in-depth understanding of Dubai rental laws and substantial experience in rental disputes. Our representatives assist in the entire process—right from obtaining documents, filing complaints to representing you in RDC meetings and hearings. Our team work hard to help you land a positive outcome in your case.

For a consultation, contact HHS Lawyers today and discuss how we can help you settle your Dubai rental dispute.