All 7 emirates · Official bodies
Where to file a rent dispute
Every emirate handles tenancy disputes through its own official body. Below is the right authority for each, what law it applies, how to file, and a link to its official site. This is general information, not legal advice.
Information only — we link you to the official authority, we don't act for you.Dubai
Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDC)
- Under
- Dubai Land Department · Decree No. 26 of 2013
- How to file
- Online via the DLD "Rent Dispute Resolution" portal, or in person at an RDC service centre. A case first goes to amicable settlement, then to the First Instance court if unresolved.
- Notice rule
- 90 days' written notice before any increase
- Fees
- A percentage of the annual rent, paid online — see the official site
Abu Dhabi
Rental Dispute Settlement Committees ("Tasweya")
- Under
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) · Law No. 20 of 2006
- How to file
- File at a Tasweya office with a Tawtheeq-registered contract; mediation first, then a committee ruling. Case inquiries via the ADJD portal.
- Notice rule
- 60 days' written notice
- Fees
- A percentage of the annual rent, subject to a cap — see the official site
Sharjah
Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
- Under
- Sharjah Municipality · Rental Law No. 2 of 2007
- How to file
- In person at a Real Estate Services Trustees / Amer Sharjah centre, or online via Sharjah Municipality e-services. The lease must be registered with the municipality.
- Notice rule
- No increase in the first 3 years; eviction needs 3 months' notice
- Fees
- Filing fee applies — see the official site
Ajman
Rent Dispute Committee
- Under
- Ajman Municipality & Planning Department
- How to file
- At the Rent Dispute Committee, with an attested tenancy contract (filing without one carries a penalty). Amicable settlement is attempted first.
- Notice rule
- 90 days' written notice
- Fees
- Typically a percentage of the annual rent — confirm with the municipality
Ras Al Khaimah
Tenancy Disputes Committee
- Under
- RAK Municipality Department · Law No. 8 of 2008
- How to file
- Through the municipality's tenancy disputes committee, with a registered tenancy contract and supporting documents.
- Notice rule
- 90 days' written notice
- Fees
- Filing fee applies — confirm with the municipality
Fujairah
Rent Disputes Committee
- Under
- Fujairah Municipality
- How to file
- Through the municipality's rent committee, with a registered contract. Mediation is attempted before any ruling.
- Notice rule
- 90 days' written notice
- Fees
- Filing fee applies — confirm with the municipality
Umm Al Quwain
Tenancy Disputes Committee
- Under
- UAQ Municipality
- How to file
- Through the municipality's tenancy disputes committee. Most cases are settled amicably before reaching court.
- Notice rule
- Per the contract — keep all notices in writing
- Fees
- Filing fee applies — confirm with the municipality
Need a licensed legal consultant?
If you want professional advice or representation, use a licensed consultant — only registered advocates and legal consultants may lawfully advise in the UAE. Rather than recommend anyone, here are the official registers where you can search and verify one yourself:
Disclaimer. Houserent.ae provides general information, not legal advice or consultancy, and using it creates no lawyer–client relationship. The bodies, laws and procedures above are summarised from publicly available sources as of June 2026 and can change — always confirm current fees, notice periods and filing steps on the official site for your emirate before acting. This page links to official authorities; it is not affiliated with any of them.