This Is How You Can Resolve Rent Issues in Dubai

Tenant-landlord disputes can occur any time. There may come a time wherein you and your landlord may have opposing viewpoints. In this situation, remember not to let the relationship suffer. You can protect the relationship by exercising tact.

Make sure these issues are resolved peacefully. A rental quarrel typically occurs when one side breaches the tenancy agreement. A conflict emerges after you have exhausted all efforts to address issues with your landlord.

Read on to discover some ways you can resolve rent issues in Dubai.

The Common Rent-Landlord Disagreements

There are several reasons for landlord-tenant issues, such as:

• Unlawful eviction
• Illegal rent rate increase
• Not providing tenants basics or essentials
• Renting a run-down, insect-infested apartment
• Inequitable reduction from the security deposit

What to Know about the Rental Disputes Settlement Center (RDSC)

If you and your landlord were unable to resolve a problem amicably, the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) Deira, 7 Baniyas Road (800-44-88) can help where conflicts are resolved by a committee.

If you cannot resolve the situation amicably, you may submit a formal complaint against the landlord.

Dishonest property management could also be reported. You can also seek assistance if a landlord or agent violates the Dubai Tenancy Law.

Filing for Resolution of Rental Disputes

You must present the following documentation when filing a rental dispute with your landlord:

• Passport
• Residence Visa
• Emirates ID
• Ejari certificate
• Tenancy contract
• DEWA bills
• Deposit receipt
• Cheques issued to the landlord
• Title Deed
• Passport of the landlord
• Proof of correspondences between you and the landlord regarding the disagreement
• Any other supplementary materials as requested by the RDSC

Understanding and Executing the Process

Fill out the relevant forms at Dubai's RDSC with your papers.

To formalise your complaint, a typist will translate your documents into Arabic and ask you questions about them. Because Arabic is the official language of Dubai's courts, you must get your documents translated.

After that, the case can be followed online. Appealing is a possibility. If necessary, you may file an appeal with RDSC.

The Fees

Taking your landlord to court is expensive. Thus, you must be prepared to shell out money for your case. You must pay the following:

• Complaints amount to 5% of the annual rent (min. AED 500, max, AED 20,000)
• AED 210 per page for translation 
• AED 110 for administration

Understanding Eviction Laws in Dubai

A landlord in Dubai cannot evict renters at will. He must follow RESA's rules.

If your landlord evicts you with no prior notice, you can avoid going to the RDSC to settle a disagreement that you couldn't resolve peacefully. Eviction laws should be understood by landlords.

Here are the following eviction laws:

1. Eviction without Due Process

Article 25 (1) of the Dubai Tenancy Law allows a landlord to dismiss a tenant before the tenancy expires if the tenant:

• If tenant has unpaid rent after 30 days
• An unauthorized sublease allows for unethical or illegal usage of the property
• Allows people to destroy property intentionally or recklessly exceeds or violates building codes
• Failure to respond to a correction notice within thirty days

Existing laws allow a landlord to evict a tenant if the structure is at imminent risk of collapse or if the government orders its demolition.

2. Eviction Notice to Tenants

A landlord must provide eviction reasons to a tenant at least 90 days before the rental agreement expires.

3. Notice to Tenants

Before evicting a tenant or landlord in Dubai, both parties must serve notice to the other.

A landlord is required by law to provide a tenant with a 12-month notice before evicting them. He should use a Notary Public or mail the paperwork registered mail.

If a landlord wishes to sell the property, he or she must give a 24-hour notice.

To depart the premises, a tenant must offer 90 days' notice prior to the lease expiration date.

Conclusion

Nobody likes to go through an unfair landlord. At the same time, though, renters should also bear the responsibility of being good renters. Remember, with a good tenant-landlord relationship, you can avoid all types of disputes and always reach a common ground that is fair to both parties.

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