Rental Dispute Committees by Emirate
Each emirate has its own body for landlord-tenant disputes. In Dubai it is the Rental Dispute Center, the judicial arm of the Dubai Land Department. Abu Dhabi disputes go to the rental dispute committee under the judicial department, and Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain each run a rent dispute committee through their municipality or courts. You file where the property sits, with your contract, registration and evidence in Arabic.
- Dubai: Rental Dispute Center (DLD)
- Abu Dhabi: rental dispute committee
- Other emirates: municipal or court committees
- File where the property is located
Where to go by emirate
| Emirate | Where disputes are heard |
|---|---|
| Dubai | Rental Dispute Center, the judicial arm of the DLD |
| Abu Dhabi | Rental dispute committee under the judicial department |
| Sharjah | Sharjah rent dispute committee |
| Ajman | Ajman rent dispute committee |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK rent dispute committee |
| Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain | Local rent committee through the municipality |
What they have in common
Wherever you file, the pattern is the same. You submit the contract, the registration, payment records, notices and any evidence, and everything you rely on must be in Arabic. There is a filing fee set by the authority, usually a percentage of the annual rent, and the committee decides on the papers and the hearing.
Prefer to do it yourself?
For Dubai, read how to file at the RDC. Build your evidence with the Dispute Evidence Checklist, or use dispute document prep.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a rental dispute in the UAE?
Where the property is located. Dubai uses the Rental Dispute Center, Abu Dhabi a rental dispute committee, and other emirates their own committees.
Is the Dubai RDC the same as other emirates?
The role is the same, but each emirate runs its own body. Dubai’s is the judicial arm of the DLD.
Do documents have to be in Arabic everywhere?
Yes. Committees work in Arabic, so English documents need an official translation.
Is there a filing fee?
Yes, set by the authority and usually a percentage of the annual rent.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current body and process through the official channel for your emirate.
Related
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