Litigation between landlords and tenants is something that people almost always face due to differences in their respective interests and expectations. In Abu Dhabi, this mechanism plays a significant role in the form of the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee. Using this guide, you’ll understand how to file a complaint to the RDSC so you’re on the same page with both your landlord and tenant regarding rights and responsibilities.

What is the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee?

RDSC is established in case of any disputes which will arise between property owners and renters in Abu Dhabi. The issues may include disarray within the maintenance of the property to dispute regarding the rise in rent, or even in the use of the property. The rule of law within Abu Dhabi creates an auspicious framework for the protection of parties involved.

Why RDSC?

While a truism always is that try to settle disputes amicably first, not every dispute can settle the matter through direct negotiations. If so, the RDSC acts as a third party neutral who helps mediate and adjudicate the conflict. In doing so, they save much time and cost while at the same time promoting better relationships between landlords and tenants.

Common causes of dispute

Knowing the common grounds for fighting will assist both parties not to trigger those potential fights. The following are common issues that could trigger a fight:

• Property Maintenance: Misconceptions over who should carry out repairs and maintenance
• Rent Increases: Tenants may fight over unexpected or excessive rent increases
• Lease Terms: Misconceptions over the terms of the lease agreement
• Documents to Be Presented When Filing a Complaint
• Documentation: It’s always a planning matter to know when precisely to complain with the RDSC, more so in issues to do with documentation. The checklist includes;
• Identification- Passport and Emirates ID or commercial license of the tenancy and the landlord.
• Tawtheeq: Off the books registration for a rental contract in Abu Dhabi.
• Lease Agreement: The agreement to be produced is one that meets the present agreement.
• Title Deed: Proof showing it is titled to the client.
• Supporting Documents: All other documents supporting your complaint-Photocopies of letters or emails

Submit a Complaint to the RDSC

  Step 1: Visit the RDSC Office.

You are supposed to visit the RDSC office to begin submitting your complaint. You will find this office at:

Al Rawdah, 16, Al Nawfal Street, Abu Dhabi Ensure that you go there with all the copies of your documents for easing up the filing process,

Step 2: You Pay the Filing Charge

Payment of Filing Fee

You are required to pay the application fee in respect of arriving at the RDSC, an approximate calculation of 4% of the annual rent but capped to AED 10,000. Obtain a payment receipt to accompany your submission of the application.

Step 3: Present Your Case

After you file your complaint with a filing fee, you will then be given a chance to make a full case. Anticipate evidence and questioning by the committee. This is one of the basic stages because clarity can go a long way in determining what happens in such a case.

Mediation Session

After presenting the case, the RDSC shall conduct mediation sessions. It is not uncommon during a mediation session that parties agree on one decision. The committee will deliberate some compromise alternatives in the time of mediation; however, they can even present options to the dispute resolution.

  Duration of Hearings

Hearings can last for different numbers of days depending on cases. Some are resolved on the same day while some take more than one sitting. On such a decision, the parties must uphold the judgment. If they are not content, they can appeal judgment in court.

Conclusion

The Abu Dhabi Rent Dispute Settlement Committee plays an important role in promoting the settlement of dispute between the landlord and the tenant. An organized process for settling disputes allows both parties to realistically present their respective arguments toward a more amicable rental market.

In a rental dispute, all the documents must be ready and what is guaranteed for you, so approach the RDSC for resolution. This would easily tend to resolve conflict amicably between parties and also help in making the real estate sphere in Abu Dhabi much more stable and transparent.

In this regard, with services offered by RDSC, the rights of the tenants as well as that of the landlord are protected through a reliable mechanism to redress grievances. Be it you being hassled by your landlord or a landlord who is being hassled by his tenant, RDSC stands by your side to ease the complexities of a rental dispute in Abu Dhabi.

More support and resources

There are many online resources and local legal aid organizations to help those who need additional help or information. Being well-informed about your rights as a tenant or landlord will prevent disputes from occurring in the first place. A mutual understanding of the law and regulations can work well for both parties involved.

If one wants to seek legal advice, then one must go to a legal expert who specializes in real estate and rental laws in Abu Dhabi to understand their needs appropriately. This would lead you through the complaint process to understand what an agreement means or a dispute could look like.

In essence, the RDSC is a resolution platform and plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and trust in the rental market in Abu Dhabi. This committee is an enabler of a healthier, more transparent real estate sector by being sure that these avenues exist for both landlords and tenants.

FAQs

What is the contact number for rental disputes in Abu Dhabi?

You may contact the Rental Dispute Centre on +971-2-651-2222 or 600-599-799 if you have a query.

Where can I file my complaint against my landlord in Abu Dhabi?

All complaints against landlords are to be sent to the RDSC as above

How do I file my complaint in relation to a rent increase in Dubai?

For more details on complaint submissions regarding rent increases in the emirate of Dubai, refer to our overview of the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.