Short version
The RDC handles Dubai landlord-tenant disputes. The flow is: Tableegh-served notice → RDC filing → mediation → hearing → judgment → Execution Court. We prepare the file, coordinate Tableegh, and can attend through an authorized representative. Most cases settle at mediation.
Step 1 — Notarized notice via Tableegh (mandatory first step)
Before any RDC filing, the other party must receive a formally notarized legal notice delivered through Dubai Courts' Tableegh service. We draft, notarize, and coordinate Tableegh delivery as one step.
Step 2 — RDC case filing
Once the notice period expires without resolution, we file the RDC case with the full file: Ejari contract, Tableegh delivery proof, payment records, and supporting correspondence.
Step 3 — Mediation and hearing (we represent you)
The RDC schedules a mediation session first. Most disputes resolve here. If not resolved, the case escalates to a judge. We attend on your behalf via an authorized representative under a court POA — you do not need to appear in person.
Documents we will ask you for
What the RDC Handles
The RDC (Rental Disputes Settlement Centre) is the dedicated Dubai court for landlord-tenant disputes. Cases handled: eviction disputes; non-payment of rent; deposit return; unlawful eviction; maintenance obligations; rent increase disputes (RERA Smart Rental Index violations); breach of tenancy contract. The RDC is a faster and cheaper alternative to the main Dubai Courts for tenancy matters — most cases resolve within 1–2 months.
- Ejari-registered tenancy contract
- Emirates ID and passport copy of the claiming party
- Identity details of the other party
- Title deed or proof of ownership (for landlord claims)
- Payment records — all rent payments made or received
- All correspondence with the other party
- Photos or reports evidencing the claim
- Any prior notice that has already been served
What the RDC Cannot Help With
- Disputes over properties not registered on Ejari — the RDC only handles Ejari-registered tenancies.
- Criminal matters arising from tenancy disputes — these go to Dubai Courts directly.
- Disputes involving free-zone properties — these typically fall outside RDC jurisdiction unless the property is in a zone that has opted into Dubai Courts authority.
- Disputes where the lease contract is in a name other than the claimant — identity and contract must match.
Tableegh and the RDC — What Connects Them
The Rental Disputes Center often requires formal Tableegh — the official notice delivery through Dubai Courts — as proof that the other party was properly informed before the dispute was escalated. Without a valid Tableegh receipt, the RDC may reject a case or require the applicant to re-serve notice. We handle Tableegh as part of the RDC preparation process, ensuring your file is complete before you submit.
Documents to Prepare Before Your RDC Case
- Original signed tenancy contract (Ejari-registered).
- Tableegh delivery receipt from Dubai Courts (where applicable).
- Evidence of breach: unpaid rent receipts, maintenance refusal correspondence, or move-out disputes.
- Passport copy and Emirates ID of the filing party.
- Any prior written notices or legal letters sent to the other party.
— Frequently asked
Plain answers to the questions we hear most.
No. The RDC will reject an eviction or payment dispute case if you do not have official proof that a notarized Tableegh notice was served first.
The RDC conducts most of its mediation and hearing sessions remotely online. You can attend via video link, or issue a POA to a legal representative to attend on your behalf.
If resolved during the initial mediation phase, it can take just a few weeks. If escalated to a judge, the process generally takes one to two months, depending on case complexity.
Not necessarily. The RDC allows individuals to file without legal representation. However, having properly drafted documents and a valid Tableegh receipt significantly strengthens your position. We handle the document preparation side — legal representation at hearings is a separate matter you arrange with a licensed advocate if needed.
The RDC charges a case registration fee of 3.5% of the annual rent value, subject to minimum and maximum thresholds set by the center. These are government fees paid directly to the RDC — not to us. We can advise on the current fee structure when you contact us.