Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes and How They Are Decided
The most common Dubai rental disputes are unpaid rent, eviction, an illegal rent increase, a withheld deposit, and refused maintenance. The Rental Dispute Center decides each on the contract, the registration and the evidence: a landlord wins a non-payment claim with proof of a missed payment, and a tenant wins a deposit or increase claim with photos, the index figures and the notice dates. The side with the clearer, translated file usually prevails.
- Non-payment, eviction, increases, deposits, maintenance
- Decided on contract and evidence
- The clearer file usually wins
- Documents must be in Arabic
The five common disputes
| Dispute | How it is decided |
|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | On proof of the missed payment and any notice served. |
| Eviction | On the Article 25 grounds and whether proper notice was given. |
| Illegal increase | On the Decree 43 cap, the Smart Rental Index and the 90-day notice. |
| Withheld deposit | On the move-in condition, photos and whether deductions are real. |
| Refused maintenance | On Article 16 and whether the repair is major or minor. |
Why evidence decides it
The committee is not swayed by who argues hardest. It looks at the contract, the Ejari, the payments, the notices and the photos. A tenant with dated move-in photos beats a landlord claiming new damage. A landlord with a served notice and a bounced cheque record wins a non-payment case. Build the file and the outcome follows.
How to prepare
Whatever the dispute, keep the contract, the registration, every payment and every notice, with dates. Translate English documents into Arabic before filing. That preparation is what turns a strong position into a winning one.
Prefer to do it yourself?
Build your file with the Dispute Evidence Checklist, read how to file at the RDC, or use dispute document prep.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common rental disputes in Dubai?
Unpaid rent, eviction, illegal rent increases, withheld deposits and refused maintenance.
How does the RDC decide a case?
On the contract, registration and evidence, applying the tenancy law and Decree 43. The clearer, translated file usually wins.
How do I win a deposit dispute?
With dated move-in photos and proof that the deductions are not genuine damage.
What decides a rent increase dispute?
The Decree 43 cap, the Smart Rental Index and whether 90-day notice was given.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed lawyer for your situation.
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