The Dubai Rental Disputes Center has called on tenants to abide by the rent law in the emirate's local market and its associated regulatory rules and legislations, so as to avoid dispute with the landlords, which might lead to accountability and imposition of penalties and irregularities.
The Rental Disputes Center requested the tenants to increase their level of legal awareness and culture in real estate business and to read the tenancy contracts well before putting their signatures on them. The RDC keeps providing a set of advices periodically published through its official website, reminding those concerned of the most important points of the lease and what is associated with the most important points of disagreement that may lead to the dispute.
Among the most frequently recommended tips by the RDC are as follows:
First: Judgment issued by First Instance Committees may be appealed within a period not exceeding 15 days from the date of the judgement.
Second: The tenant should avoid eviction by early payment and abide by the terms of the contract.
Third: The tenant is not entitled to sublet the real estate property without the landlord’s prior written consent.
Fourth: Parties to the contractual relationship can register lawsuits at the Real Estate Service Trustees.
Future plans and mechanisms
RDC, the judicial arm of Department of Land, would cater to the requirements of the upcoming phase which need flexible plans, mechanisms and new methods as well as excelling in speed, precision and transparency in dealing with issues related to the real estate market. RDC, having competent judicial system shall hear the rental disputes and develop procedures through quick and simple mechanism to social and economic stability for all those concerned with property leasing and related sectors leading eventually to support sustainable development in Dubai. Transparent services offered by RDC will enable all parties to work and live in an environment governed by clear rules defining the duties and responsibilities of the Landlords and the Tenants.
RDC will also play a very important role in attracting more investors to the Emirate's real estate sector in particular bringing about an atmosphere of trust in the real estate environment. RDC is competent to carry out settlement of all rental disputes arising between property landlords and tenants in the Emirate or inside the free zones including counterclaims arising from such disputes and the requests to take provisional or summary actions submitted by any party to the lease contract, deciding on the appeals filed against the decisions and judgments that may be appealed in accordance with the provisions of the Decree No. (26) of 2013 that established the RDC, and the regulations and resolutions issued thereunder. Enforcement of decisions and judgments on rental cases issued by the judicial committees shall fall within RDC’s authority.
Provide real value
The mission of RDC is to develop business, valued by the customers and stakeholders, as well as increase its market share by deploying enterprise systems and services in the local market, the GCC countries and the international market, with the aim of maximizing RDC’s presence and efficiency. While seeking to acquire its large market share, the RDC objectives on maintaining internal processes, aligning applications, automating transactions, reducing costs and improving resources are part of its mission for the coming years.
RDC focuses on achieving and fulfilling its objectives, and meeting all the expectations of stakeholders and authorities involved in achieving success in the UAE market, which is the leading market in the real estate industry.