Know your case
before you file.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) regulates the real estate sector in Dubai, including off-plan developers, brokers, and project registration. The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) is a separate government body under the Dubai Land Department that handles disputes specifically between landlords and tenants. Most tenancy disputes (unpaid deposits, illegal rent increases, evictions) should be filed with the RDSC, not RERA directly.

RDSC filing fees are calculated at 3.5% of the annual rent value, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. For a property with annual rent of AED 80,000, the filing fee would be AED 2,800. Additional costs may include lawyer representation fees (AED 1,500–5,000) and document translation fees (AED 150–300 per document).

No. Under Law 33/2008, a landlord can only evict a tenant for specific legal grounds: non-payment of rent (after a formal 30-day written notice), illegal use of the property, subletting without permission, or if the owner requires the property for personal use. For personal use evictions, the landlord must provide 12 months' written notice via a notary public or registered mail. Verbal eviction notices and threats have no legal standing under UAE law.

Under Law 33/2008 and the RERA Rental Increase Index, rent increases are capped based on the gap between your current rent and the market average: 0% increase if rent is within 10% of market rate; 5% if 11–20% below; 10% if 21–30% below; 15% if 31–40% below; maximum 20% if more than 40% below market. You can check the applicable market rate using the RERA Rental Price Index at rera.gov.ae.

You will need: (1) Ejari-registered tenancy contract, (2) Emirates ID or passport copy, (3) evidence of the dispute (WhatsApp messages, emails, formal notices), (4) proof of rent payments (bank transfers, receipts), (5) any previous correspondence with the landlord or their representative. If your tenancy contract is not registered with Ejari, the RDSC may still accept your case but the lack of registration could weaken your position.

Under Law 13/2008, developers are obligated to deliver properties by the date stated in the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). A delay of 2 years would typically give you grounds to seek either compensation (penalty clauses in your SPA) or cancellation of the contract with a full refund through the RERA escrow mechanism. First step: check if your project is on the RERA cancelled projects list at dubailand.gov.ae. If not cancelled, file a complaint with RERA providing your SPA and payment receipts.