Where are rental disputes decided in Dubai?

In Dubai, disputes between landlords and tenants are decided by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, part of the Dubai Land Department, rather than the ordinary courts. It handles evictions, unpaid rent, rent increases, deposits and maintenance claims. Other emirates have their own rental committees.

Cases we handle

Rental and property disputes we handle

For landlords and for tenants.

Evictions

End-of-lease evictions and evictions for breach.

Unpaid rent

Recovery of rent and bounced rent cheques.

Rent increases

Disputes over increases at renewal.

Deposits and handover

Security deposits, damages and handover disputes.

Maintenance and defects

Repairs, defects and service failures.

Developer and property disputes

Off-plan delays, handover and ownership disputes.

What we do

How our rental dispute lawyers help

Most cases are won or lost on the notice and the paperwork.

  • Review the tenancy contract and Ejari
  • Prepare and serve notarized notices
  • File cases at the Rental Dispute Centre
  • Defend tenants against eviction claims
  • Recover unpaid rent and enforce rent cheques
  • Challenge or justify rent increases
  • Claim or defend deposit deductions
  • Represent you at appeal
  • Enforce the judgment

An eviction notice that is too late or missing the legal reason can cost a landlord a year. We check it before it is served.

What to bring

What to bring about a rental dispute

The tenancy

  • Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
  • Title deed for landlords

Payments

  • Rent cheques and receipts
  • Bank return notices, if any

Notices

  • Any notices sent or received
  • Messages with the other party
Eviction notices in Dubai
  • Some evictions at the end of a lease need 12 months' notice
  • The notice goes through the notary public or registered mail
  • It must state the legal reason
We confirm what applies to your property and emirate.

How it works

How we handle a rental dispute in Dubai

  1. 01

    Review the contract

    We read the tenancy, the notices and the payment history.

  2. 02

    Notice or negotiation

    A proper notice, or a settlement where it saves time.

  3. 03

    File the case

    At the Rental Dispute Centre, with the evidence.

  4. 04

    Judgment and enforcement

    Eviction, payment or the return of your deposit.

Your side

Landlord or tenant

Landlord

Recover the property or rent

We prepare the notices, file the case and enforce eviction or payment.

Eviction notices
Tenant

Protect your tenancy

We defend against eviction, challenge increases and recover deposits.

Good to know

Five things to know about rental disputes in Dubai

  • Register EjariUnregistered tenancies make disputes harder.
  • Send notices the right wayUse the notary or registered mail for formal notices.
  • Count the notice periodsLate notices can delay an eviction by a year.
  • Keep rent receiptsPayment proof decides most unpaid-rent cases.
  • Document the handoverPhotos at move-in and move-out protect deposits.

Why Al Kirbi

Rental disputes handled by property-savvy advocates

  • Notices that hold upWe get the paperwork right before the dispute starts.
  • Both sides of the tableWe act for landlords and tenants, so we know the arguments.
  • Confidential from the first messageYour matter is handled under legal professional confidentiality.

Rental disputes in Dubai: frequently asked questions

How do I evict a tenant in Dubai?

It depends on the reason. Some evictions need a notarized notice 12 months before the lease ends; evictions for breach, such as unpaid rent, follow other rules. We advise on your case. See legal notices.

How do I file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre?

We prepare the claim with the tenancy contract, Ejari and evidence, file it at the Centre and represent you at the hearings.

Can my landlord increase the rent?

Increases in Dubai are limited by rules linked to the official rent index and require notice. We check whether an increase is allowed.

What if my tenant's rent cheque bounces?

You can recover the amount through the Rental Dispute Centre or direct enforcement. See bounced cheques.

How much does a rental dispute lawyer cost?

Fees depend on the dispute and its value. We give you a clear quote after reviewing the contract.

Related legal services

Legal notices & declarationsNotarized notices, settlements and waivers.Read moreReal estate POASell, buy or lease property without being there.Read moreCivil claimsMoney claims, contracts and compensation.Read moreBounced chequesRecover the money or defend a cheque case.Read moreLawyer & court POAAppoint an advocate for any case.Read more

In a dispute with your landlord or tenant?

Speak to a rental lawyer +971 4 422 8367