Dubai is one of the world’s fastest expanding real estate markets. The high number of individuals relocating to the Emirates seeking better career and lifestyle options is a significant element driving this expansion. Because the majority of expats are new to the UAE, renting a house is a more practical alternative for them. As a result, the government has created processes and legislation to protect the interests of both tenants and landlords. In reality, tenants have the legal authority to bring a rental dispute against the landlord in the event of a skirmish.
The following article will go through the methods and procedures for filing a rent dispute in Dubai, but first, let’s look at some of the most typical reasons for renting disputes.
THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR RENTAL DISPUTES IN DUBAI
The Dubai government developed Rental Dispute Settlement Centres (RDC), which are in charge of resolving various forms of rental issues. According to RDC, there are few typical sorts of situations that are seen on a frequent basis. The first is if the tenant is unable to pay the agreed-upon rent amount or if the rent is increased. Landlords are required by law to notify tenants of the change in legislation at least 90 days in advance, through email or notary public. Furthermore, this rent should be in acceptance with the government’s rental increase limitation. For further proof, tenants can utilize the RERA rental increase calculator. Tenant insurance, as well as the interruption of utilities or other essential services to the property, are all typical concerns that can lead to rental disputes.
In the conditions described above, tenants/landlords have complete authority to file a rental dispute against the landlord. However, initiating a disagreement should be the last option; it is preferable to address the problem via communication.
HOW TO RESOLVE A RENTAL DISPUTE IN DUBAI
The processes for filing a rent dispute in Dubai are as follows.
VERIFY THE ISSUE ACCORDING TO THE LAW
The first step in initiating a rental dispute is to extensively research Dubai’s tenancy laws. The Dubai government has passed a number of legislation to protect the rights of tenants and landlords. Determine the legal category into which your problem fits. This will explain whether or not your issue should be deemed a dispute. Furthermore, it will be an effective method of dispute settlement.
INVITE ANOTHER PARTY TO NEGOTIATE
Once you’ve established the law that validates your concern, ask the other side to a negotiation. Remember that in the event of a dispute, negotiation should always take priority. Explain the rules that they are following, warn them against their behavior, and give them a timeframe to fix the situation. If they are not interested or the discussion is unsuccessful, you can file a rent dispute.
CASE REGISTRATION
The rent dispute can be filed online or in person at the RDC headquarters in Deira, Dubai. Arrive to the center with all of the relevant documents (listed below). Present the documents to the typewriter, who will then translate all of them into Arabic, the court’s official language. Following the translation of papers, the typist will ask you some questions concerning the disagreement (if required) and then proceed with your complaint.
Visit the DLD’s official website and click to the ‘Rent Dispute Resolution Portal’ to file an online dispute. Fill up the needed information and upload the appropriate documents to get the Execution Writ Seal. Pay the cost online, attend the hearing via a tele-litigation system (if an appeal is filed), and receive the decision via the website.
DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED
The following documents are necessary for filing a rent dispute in Dubai:
- Copy of passport (landlord and renter)
- Ejari certificate
- The title deed
- Emirates Id
- Original tenancy agreement
- Slippage in the rental dispute
- Recent DEWA bills
- Cheques for rental payments (copies)
- Any written agreement or document that might be used to support your argument.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILE A RENT DISPUTE IN DUBAI?
In Dubai, the rental dispute registration cost is 3.5% of the annual rent. For financial claims, the price might range between AED 500 and AED 15,000. The maximum limit can be raised to AED 20,000 in cases of eviction and AED 35,000 in cases of both financing and eviction.
A procedure cost of AED 100, a knowledge fee of AED 10, and an innovation fee of AED 10 are also imposed. Furthermore, if applicable, AED 105 for fast track notice and AED 25 for Registration of Power of Attorney might be charged.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER FILING A DISPUTE?
When you register a dispute, it goes to the Arbitration Department, which will attempt to settle it within 15 days. If both parties agree on the decision, a settlement agreement with a notice of execution is created. However, if you disagree, you can file an appeal with the initial Instance Circuit within 15 days after the initial judgment.
The procedural duration is 30 days, and both parties must attend the hearing. If there is further disagreement, the losing party is given the ability to appeal the case again.
This was all about filing a rent dispute in Dubai. Although filing a dispute is convenient, it is preferable to address the issue through dialogue. In the case of an appeal, the court may take longer to settle the matter since thorough investigations are conducted on the cases.
