Filing a case with Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center (RDC) generally involves a filing fee based on the annual rent value, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by the authority. Additional costs may apply depending on the nature of the dispute, translation requirements, legal representation, and enforcement procedures. If you’re a landlord dealing with tenant disputes, Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center (RDC) is the official place to resolve eviction cases. Filing a case does come with fees, so knowing the costs beforehand can help you plan better.
In this guide, we explain the expenses involved in filing an RDC filing case, the documents you need, the step-by-step process, and other related costs landlords in Dubai should expect before they file a rental dispute in Dubai.
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to File an RDC Case in Dubai?
The filing fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the annual rent, with minimum and maximum fee limits set by the Rental Disputes Center. Other costs may include document translation, legal consultation, expert reports, and enforcement fees where applicable. Exact figures should always be verified with the RDC, as fees can change.
What Is the Rental Disputes Center (RDC)?
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC) is the legal body in Dubai that resolves conflicts between landlords and tenants. It operates under the Dubai Land Department and works alongside the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to oversee rental relationships and enforce landlord rights and tenant rights in the emirate.
Common cases include:
- Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent
- Disputes Over Property Damage & Repairs
- Unauthorized Subletting or Lease Violations
- Security deposit and rental claim disagreements between the parties.
If a tenant refuses to vacate after a legal eviction notice in Dubai, landlords must file a case with the RDC to enforce eviction.
How Much Does It Cost to File an RDC Case?
Filing a case with the RDC involves several potential fees. The table below summarizes the main costs landlords should budget for, though landlords should always confirm current figures directly with the Rental Disputes Center before submitting a claim.
| Potential Cost | Purpose / Approximate Range |
| RDC filing fee | 3.5% of the annual rent (or lease value), subject to a minimum fee of AED 500 and a maximum fee of AED 20,000 for most eviction and tenancy disputes. |
| Translation charges | Required for documents not already in Arabic |
| Notice serving fee | Delivery of the legal notice to the tenant |
| Legal consultation | Professional legal advice (optional) |
| Expert reports | Required in some disputes, such as valuation or damage assessment |
| Enforcement fees | Applied if the judgment requires enforcement |
Important: Fees must generally be paid upfront, and total costs may increase if the case requires additional legal steps, an appeal, or enforcement.
If the parties reach a settlement during the RDC’s conciliation process, 50% of the court fee paid for the basic claim is refunded in accordance with RDC procedures.
How RDC Filing Fees Are Calculated
The filing fee for an RDC filing cost Dubai claim is generally tied to the annual rent value stated in the tenancy contract, subject to a minimum and a maximum amount set by the authority. The exact percentage and thresholds can be revised over time, so landlords should confirm the current rate before filing.
Several factors influence the final amount payable, including:
- Annual rental value
- Type of dispute being raised.
- Monetary claim amount
- Number of parties involved
- Whether an appeal is filed.
- Enforcement proceedings
- Additional documentation or translation requirements.
Additional Costs Landlords Should Expect
Beyond the core RDC case fees, landlords often encounter further costs that are easy to overlook when budgeting for a dispute. These can include:
- Legal representation, if a lawyer is engaged to manage the case.
- Certified translations of contracts or evidence into Arabic.
- Document attestation where official authentication is required.
- Enforcement costs if the tenant does not comply voluntarily.
- Appeal costs if either party challenges the ruling.
- Expert witness fees, where applicable, for valuation or damage disputes.
When Should a Landlord File an RDC Case?
Not every disagreement needs to go to the RDC, but certain situations typically call for formal action. Common scenarios include:
- Unpaid rent that continues despite reminders.
- Refusal to vacate after a valid eviction notice has been served.
- Security deposit disputes over the return of funds.
- Maintenance disagreements between landlord and tenant.
- Lease breaches, such as unauthorized subletting.
- Eviction-related disputes involving property damage or other violations.
For example, a tenant dispute may arise when a tenant stops paying rent for several months, when a tenant refuses to vacate after receiving an eviction notice, or when a disagreement arises over the return of the security deposit. Each scenario can affect which fees apply and how long the process takes.
Documents Needed Before Filing
Documents that are not in Arabic generally need to be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator before they can be relied upon as evidence during RDC proceedings.
Landlords must provide:
- Tenancy Contract (Ejari Registration)
- Notarized Eviction Notice & Proof of Delivery
- Proof of Tenant Violation (Unpaid Rent, Property Damage, etc.)
- DLD (Dubai Land Department) Ownership Documents
- Payment Receipts for RDC Filing Fees
- Emirates ID or passport copies for the parties involved.
- Rent receipts and written communications, including emails and WhatsApp messages where relevant.
Step-by-Step RDC Filing Process
- Review your tenancy contract and confirm the terms relevant to the dispute.
- Ensure the tenancy is registered with Ejari.
- Gather supporting evidence, including contracts, receipts, and correspondence.
- Calculate applicable filing fees based on the annual rent and claim type.
- Submit the case to the RDC with all required documents. Cases can be submitted online through the Dubai Land Department’s digital services or through authorised Real Estate Services Trustee Centres, depending on the filing method chosen.
- Attend hearings if required by the RDC.
- Await the RDC decision on the dispute.
- Enforce the judgment if the tenant does not comply voluntarily.
In practice, the timeline often unfolds as follows: the case is filed and fees are paid, the RDC serves the tenant with a legal notice, the court reviews evidence and issues a judgment, and, if the ruling favors the landlord, the eviction order is enforced.
Can Filing Costs Be Recovered?
Where a settlement is reached during the RDC’s conciliation process, part of the filing fee may be refunded in accordance with RDC rules.
Depending on the case outcome and applicable regulations, certain costs may be recoverable from the losing party. However, this depends on the facts of the dispute, the evidence presented, and the RDC’s final decision. Landlords should not assume costs will automatically be reimbursed and should budget for the full amount upfront.
Common Mistakes That Increase Costs
Several avoidable mistakes can drive up the cost or length of an RDC case, including:
- Filing without a properly registered Ejari tenancy contract.
- Missing or incomplete documentation that delays the case and adds follow-up costs.
- Failing to preserve written communications with the tenant, such as emails and messages.
- Serving an eviction notice incorrectly, which can require refiling.
- Underestimating enforcement costs after a favorable ruling.
Proper documentation from the outset, including a clear tenancy contract, payment records, and any prior correspondence, strengthens a landlord’s claim and can help avoid unnecessary delays or additional fees.
Before You File: A Quick Checklist
- Tenancy contract
- Ejari certificate
- Emirates ID / passport copies
- Payment records
- Email and WhatsApp communications
- Eviction notice (if applicable)
- Rent receipts
- Supporting evidence
How We Help Landlords with the Eviction Notice Process
At Eviction Notice Dubai, we handle the Legal Notice Drafting, Notarization, and Delivery process, ensuring full legal compliance and saving you time.
- Drafting & Notarizing Eviction Notices
- Preparing Legal Documents & Translations
- Delivery of the Legal Notice to the tenant
Final Thoughts
Understanding the costs of filing an RDC case helps landlords prepare financially and avoid unnecessary delays. Before submitting a claim, ensure your documentation is complete, your tenancy records are in order, and you understand the applicable procedures. Proper preparation can make the dispute resolution process more efficient and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Avoid legal mistakes and costly delays, let us handle your Legal Notices.