Where do I file a rental dispute in the UAE?

It depends on the emirate where the property is located. Dubai: Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) under DLD. Abu Dhabi: RDSC under Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Sharjah: Rental Dispute Committee under Sharjah Municipality.

Do I need to send a notice before filing a dispute?

While not always legally required, sending a formal written notice before filing dramatically strengthens your case. It shows you attempted to resolve the matter amicably, which dispute committees view favourably.

How long do rental disputes take in the UAE?

Dubai RDC targets 15 working days for standard cases. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah timelines vary but typically resolve within 1-3 months. Complex cases with appeals can take longer.

How to Handle a Rental Dispute in the UAE [Complete Guide]

Rental disputes happen — but the UAE has dedicated systems to resolve them quickly and fairly. Here is how the process works in each emirate.

Step 1: Document Everything

Before doing anything else, gather your evidence:

Your tenancy contract (registered copy)
All written communications (emails, WhatsApp messages, letters)
Payment records (rent receipts, bank transfers, cheque copies)
Photos/videos relevant to the dispute
Any formal notices you have already sent

Step 2: Send a Formal Notice

Always send a written notice before filing. Use our notice generator to create a professional, bilingual notice that cites the relevant laws. This:

Creates a paper trail
Shows good faith to the dispute committee
Often resolves the issue without needing to file

Step 3: File at the Correct Authority

Dubai — Rental Disputes Centre (RDC)

File: Dubai REST app, DLD website, or in person
Fee: 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500, max AED 20,000)
Process: Mediation first, then hearing if needed
Timeline: ~15 working days for standard cases

See our detailed RDC filing guide.

Abu Dhabi — ADJD Rental Disputes Committee

File: ADJD online portal or in person
Fee: Varies by claim amount
Process: Similar mediation-first approach
Requirement: Valid Tawtheeq certificate

Sharjah — Rental Dispute Committee

File: Through Sharjah Municipality
Fee: Varies
Requirement: Registered tenancy contract

Step 4: Attend Mediation

All three emirates start with mediation/reconciliation. Many disputes are resolved at this stage. Be factual, organized, and calm.

Step 5: Hearing and Decision

If mediation fails, a formal hearing takes place. The committee issues a binding decision that can be enforced through the courts.