What Is a Rental Dispute Dubai? How to Solve Rental Dispute Guide for Tenants and Landlords

If you rent a home or office in Dubai, sometimes problems happen between you and your landlord or tenant. These problems are called rental disputes in Dubai.

This guide will help you understand what rental disputes are, why they happen, and how to solve them. You will also learn about tenant rights in Dubai and how to get fair help from the Rental Dispute Center Dubai.

What Is a Rental Dispute Dubai?

A rental dispute happens when landlords and tenants disagree about something with the property or rent. It can be about rent payments, repairs, security deposits, or when one person wants to leave but the other does not agree.

If they cannot agree, the landlord or tenant can file rental dispute Dubai to get help from the right people.

What Do People Complain About When Renting in Dubai?

Increase in Rents

Sometimes landlords want to raise the rent. But Dubai has laws about how much they can increase it. If landlords ask for too much, tenants can fight back. This can be fixed by following the Dubai Rent Dispute Resolution Steps.

Keeping Security Deposits

A landlord can withhold some or all of the security deposit if a tenant owes money or caused damage. But there are times when tenants believe the deductions are unfair and they want to challenge them.

Maintenance and Repairs

An argument often breaks out over who will pay for the repair. Big issues like plumbing and electricity are generally the landlord’s responsibility. Tiny repairs, such as changing lightbulbs, are often the tenant’s responsibility.

Confusing Lease Agreement Rules

Lease contracts might have unclear or missing rules. This can cause fights about rent due dates, leaving early, or whether pets are allowed.

Eviction Notices

When landlords want tenants to leave, they give eviction notices. Sometimes tenants think the eviction is unfair and disagree with it.

Rental Laws and Rights in Dubai

Dubai has special laws to protect both tenants and landlords when they rent property. Knowing these rules and your rights helps stop and solve rental disputes in Dubai. The main law is called the Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007).

What is the Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007)

This law tells landlords and tenants what to do when renting in Dubai. It explains how rent can be raised, how evictions must happen, and who fixes the property. It protects tenant rights in Dubai and makes sure renting is fair for everyone.

What is Ejari Registration?

Ejari is a system where every rental contract in Dubai must be registered. When you register your lease with Ejari, your contract becomes official and legally binding.

Why is Ejari Registration Important?

Only contracts registered with Ejari are valid if you need to file rental dispute Dubai. Without Ejari registration, you cannot prove your agreement in the Rental Dispute Center Dubai court or Ejari dispute Dubai.

Are There Rent Increase Rules in Dubai?

Landlords can only raise rent once a year. There are limits to how much the rent can go up based on a tool called the RERA rental index.

What is the RERA Rental Dispute Index?

The RERA rental dispute index compares your rent with similar properties in Dubai. If your rent is close to the average, the landlord can only raise it a little. If the landlord wants to raise the rent a lot, you can challenge it at the Rental Dispute Center Dubai.

Security Deposit Rules

Most landlords ask for one month’s rent as a security deposit. This is to cover damages or unpaid bills. At the end of your lease, landlords must return the deposit after covering any costs for damages or unpaid bills.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in Dubai

Tenant Rights: Tenants have the right to live in a clean, safe, and well-maintained home. They should get quick help if there is a big repair is needed.

Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants need to follow the rental agreement, pay rent on time, and keep the place in good shape. They also have the right to ask for fair treatment and can fight unfair actions, like being forced to leave without a good reason or sudden rent hikes.

Landlord Duties and Obligations in Dubai

Landlord Rights: Landlords are allowed to collect rent and maintain their property, but they must give a 24-hour notice before entering. They are responsible for keeping the property clean and handling larger problems.

Landlord responsibilities: The landlords may attempt to make you leave, but only for good legal reasons and in a legal way. If the tenant is to be evicted, it must be done in accordance with the law.

Rules For Ending A Tenancy By Eviction And Termination Of Lease

Landlords in Dubai have enough rules and regulations to evict tenants. They have to send a letter in writing explaining why and give ample notice.

Most evictions occur because a tenant did not pay rent or the landlord wants to occupy the property themselves. The notice shall in no event be less than 90 days or more than 12 months, taking into consideration the reasons for such notice.

Tenants also may be able to go to court if they feel the eviction is unfair. The landlord and tenant both have to do things by the book if they want to avoid issues.

How to Resolve a Rental Dispute Dubai

Step 1: Discuss and Solve Together. Try It Yourself

Be polite and direct with the landlord or tenant.

If you try to figure this out, do it in writing or messages or emails for proof that you tried to repair things calmly.

Step 2: Examine Your Lease Contract

Review the rules of your contract with one another.

Carefully scrutinise rent, repairs and eviction terms.

Step 3: Apply for RERA’s Mediation Service utilisation procudure

If it stops short of that, let RERA know and ask for mediation help.

Complete their form and attach your rental contract and rent receipts.

Step 4: Seek Legal Counsel if Needed

If it doesn’t work, consult with a lawyer to find out what you can do.

Step 5: Lodge a case at the Rental Dispute Centre (RDSC)

Here, landlords and tenants can both bring a case.

Make a nominal online or in-person payment to get started.

Provide Ejari, contract, receipts of payment and communication history.

Step 6: Go To Mediation At RDSC

Both parties must attend mediation in an effort to settle.

Step 7: Attend Court Hearings if Needed 

 If your creditor or their attorney files the motion, they must also attend and present evidence in support of it.

If mediation doesn’t work, the case moves to formal hearings.

Be ready with all papers as the judge will decide.

You can appeal the decision in some cases.

Step 8: Follow the Court’s Final Decision

Both parties must do what the judge tells them.

Keep all dispute papers safe for the future.

What is the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC)?

The RDSC is the official Dubai government service where landlords and tenants bring rental problems to be solved. Knowing what it does helps you use its services the right way.

What Does the RDSC Do?

The RDSC handles all rental dispute Dubai, like unpaid rent, eviction, security deposits, and contract problems. It has two main parts:

• Judicial Sector: Makes legal decisions on disputes.
• Administrative Sector: Helps with paperwork, appointments, and keeping the centre running.

Judicial Departments in the RDSC

• First Instance Department: Most cases start here. Judges and property experts hear the case and decide.
• Appeal Department: If someone disagrees with a decision, they can ask for a review here.

The Role of the Reconciliation Department

This department helps landlords and tenants settle problems peacefully without going to court. It works to solve disputes within 15 days.

Language and Translation at RDSC

All court work is in Arabic. If you send papers in another language, the centre will translate them. So make sure to prepare your documents knowing this rule.

Appeals and Final Decisions

If someone disagrees with the First Instance decision, they can appeal. But decisions from the Appeal Department are usually final and must be followed.

How Long Do Hearings Take?

Simple cases finish quickly. Complex cases with many papers or experts take longer. The centre plans hearing times based on how hard the case is.

Enforcement of Judgments

When a decision is final, the RDSC makes sure both sides follow it. If a tenant owes money, the centre can help find assets to pay the landlord.

The RDSC manages evictions if the court orders the tenant to vacate. Officials help the property owner recover his property, following legal procedures and serving proper notices.

Appeals in Small Claims

Restrictions: Not all cases can be appealed.

For example, it is said the disputes amounting to an not so high value (say around 100K AED) could not be appealed unless the special conditions are fulfilled). That’s why the system works, and is fair.

How to Avoid Rental Disputes in Dubai

Put all details of the rental in writing so the landlord and tenant are on the same page.

Register your tenancy with Ejari

Registration with Ejari means your lease is registered and protected by law.

Keep Good Records and Notes

Keep a record of all conversations, notes or documents that are relevant to your rental.

Who Fixes What Before Renting

Decide who’s going to be in charge of the repairs and maintenance early on.

Inspections Together at Moving In and Out

Landlord and tenant should inspect the property together, moving in as well as when moving out, to prevent arguments down the road.

Communicate Openly With Each Other

Good communication between the tenant and the landlord prevents many problems before they start.

Hire Trist RERA-Approved Real Estate Agents

Working with the experts assists in fetching fair rental terms and in avoiding trouble.

How a Rental Dispute Can Be Settled through Technology

Technology is changing the way people are renting in Dubai. Here are three ways it helps:

Ejari online: You can easily and securely register your contract online. This is how your contract becomes official and your rights are protected more quickly.

Virtual Inspections: Landlords and tenants can conduct inspections through video calls rather than scheduling in-person visits. That saves time and allows us to catch problems earlier.

Online Mediation Services: Some disputes can be resolved online with the help of experts in finding common ground and having both sides talk and agree on a resolution without appearing in court.

In Dubai, technology is making it easier for people to rent homes and offices, regardless of political affiliation or status.

What Tenants Need to Know About Eviction in Dubai

When Can a Landlord Evict You Before the Lease Ends? (Law Article 25(1))

Landlords may request they leave early if tenants do not pay rent or breach contract rules.

Dispossession on termination of lease unless tenant is in person Article 25(2)

Landlords may require a lease non-renewal.

Period Landlord Must Give Tenants Notice (Between 90 of Ordinary Period and Up to One Year)

Landlords must give written notice of between 90 days and one year before requiring a tenant to leave the rental unit.

After Evicts Rules (2 Years for Home / 3 Years Business) 

Sometimes, after eviction, an owner could be unable to rent a property for 2 years (home) or 3 years (business).

Tenant Rights to Fight Unfair Eviction Notices 

Tenants can dispute unfair eviction notices by complaining to the rental dispute centre Dubai.

Important Things to Remember About Rental Disputes

• Always read and understand your rental contract before signing.
• Register your lease with Ejari for legal protection in Dubai.
• Keep good records of rent payments and all communication.
• Attempt to calmly resolve problems by communicating.
• If need be, take the services of RERA and the rental dispute centre.
• Strictly adhere to Dubai rental laws to stay out of trouble.
• Be well-informed about both landlord and tenant rights.
• Address rental issues fast before they become expensive or severe.
• Seek legal advice if the disagreement is serious or seems insoluble.
• The most effective way to prevent rental disputes is through open and honest communication.

Common Mistakes Not to Make in a Lease Transaction

Tenants often commit rrors when they sign rental agreements. Many tenants and landlords flub common rental contract points. Here are a few popular ones to keep an eye out for:

Vague Terms

Occasionally, a contract fails to articulate rules clearly. This can cause fights later. Always ensure that everything is written in simple terms and as clear as possible.

Not Registering with Ejari

Some people forget to register their lease with Ejari. Without registration, the contract may not be legal or accepted if problems arise.

Skipping Inspections

Not checking the property together when moving in or out can lead to arguments about damage or repairs. Always do joint inspections and write down how the property looks.

Our PRO services in Dubai with 12+ years of experience can handle the process for you.

FAQs

Q1: Can a landlord raise my rent whenever he feels like it?

No, it is only once a year and based on the RERA rental index. If they go too much higher or if you don’t agree with all the terms, you can challenge it at the Rental Dispute Centre.

Q2: What if I do not register my lease with Ejari?

Should your lease not be registered with Ejari, there is a possibility that your contract may not have legal validity. That means you might have difficulty proving your rental arrangement if there is a dispute.

Q3: Can I seek assistance if my landlord does not address large issues?

Landlords do need to take care of major repairs like plumbing or electrical problems, yes. If they don’t, you can always have RERA or the Rental Dispute Centre intervene.

Q4: How long does it take to resolve rental disputes?

Simple cases can be resolved speedily, but complex ones with a lot of documents or problems, slowly. Hearing times are scheduled at the Rental Dispute Centre according to how difficult a case is.

Q5: If I decide to leave early, can I do so with no penalty?

It all depends on what your rental agreement says. In some contracts, there are rules about leaving early. You’ll want to read the contract and speak with your landlord. If needed, seek legal advice.

Conclusion

Rental disagreements are difficult, but you’d feel better and be empowered if you knew what your rights were and the rules. Always go through your contracts carefully, register with Ejari and don’t discard any of your papers or messages. 

Consider addressing problems by speaking first. If that fails, try the Rental Dispute Centre or consider getting a lawyer. Following the law and telling each other the truth makes renting easier and fairer for everyone. The best key to circumventing the potential pitfalls of renting is good communication.

Contact our PRO services in Dubai for more information!