RDSC
Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
RDSC: The Dubai government tribunal that handles all rental disputes between landlords and tenants.
What is RDSC?
The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) is a specialized Dubai government tribunal that hears and resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. Established under Dubai Decree No. 26 of 2013, the RDSC is part of the Dubai Land Department (alongside RERA) and operates as a fast-track alternative to the regular courts. Common cases: rent increases above the RERA index cap, eviction disputes, security-deposit recovery, maintenance issues, illegal contract terminations, and short-term rental complaints. Filing fees range from AED 500 to a percentage of disputed amount (capped). The RDSC typically issues a first-instance ruling within 30 days; appeals are possible within 15 days. Both parties must be represented (lawyer not mandatory, but common). For tenants to file at the RDSC, the tenancy contract must be Ejari-registered.
Example
A landlord demands AED 100,000 rent on a renewal where the rental-index cap allows max AED 84,000. The tenant refuses; the landlord files at the RDSC. The RDSC verifies the index, rules in favor of the tenant, and the rent stays at AED 84,000.
FAQ — RDSC
How long does an RDSC case take to resolve?+
First-instance rulings are typically issued within 30 days of filing. Appeals can extend the process by another 30–60 days. Cases are faster than regular courts due to specialized tribunals.
Can I file at the RDSC without Ejari registration?+
No. The tenancy contract MUST be Ejari-registered to file. Tenants who never registered cannot use RDSC and must pursue claims in regular courts (slower, more complex).
Related terms
Last refreshed: 2026-05-26