How Dubai protects tenant, landlord rights

RENTAL DISPUTE CENTRE STREAMLINES PROCESS TO RESOLVE ISSUES RELATED TO RENT, MAINTENANCE AND EVICTION

- BY ASHFAQ AHMED

Dr Omar Bin Suwaidan Al Suwaidi, Senior First Instance Judge at the Rental Dispute Centre, says tenants in Dubai are protected against arbitrary rent increases and unjustified eviction.

(Ahmad Alotbi/Gulf News)

Navigating rent disputes in Dubai just got easier. Dubai's Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) is empowering tenants with clear legal protection, online complaint filing and remote hearings, ensuring that whether it's a rent increase, maintenance issue, or eviction threat, tenants can resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

"Tenants in Dubai have a range of protections under the law, including limits on rent increases, maintenance obligations, and safeguards against eviction, said Dr Omar Bin Suwaidan Al Suwaidi, Senior First Instance Judge at RDC.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Dr Al Suwaidi spoke about tenants' rights, highlighted common rental disputes, and explained how the RDC operates. The aim is to inform residents, especially newcomers, about the legal protection and digital tools available to them when dealing with landlords.

Since the beginning of the year until the current month, RDC has completed 1,335 settlement agreements worth Dh231 million. "Tenants are generally more compliant than landlords. Dubai law recognises the inherent power imbalance between property owners and tenants and sets out clear rules on rent, maintenance, and eviction," noted Dr Al Suwaidi.