If you’re considering relocating to a city like Dubai, UAE, renting a home would be the ideal option, particularly given the city’s diverse lifestyle alternatives. The site provides everything for everyone, from flats to the most exemplary contemporary houses. The connection between tenants and landlords starts with renting a place to reside. When one of the parties fails to adhere to the contract’s numerous provisions, such as rent payment, a conflict between the landlord and tenant occurs.
Monthly disputes, particularly those involving rental arrears, are prevalent in the UAE and typically address tenants and landlords. However, in other instances, the issue must be resolved according to the law, which necessitates hiring a rental dispute lawyer in Dubai. Since most Dubai residents are tenants, rent disputes do occur on occasion. Often, the tenant and landlord can work out their differences amicably. However, if they cannot resolve the rent dispute peacefully, they should contact the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
The RDSC is located in the Dubai Land Department. It was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, by Decree No. 26 for 2013. Previously, rental disputes were resolved by the Dubai Municipality’s Rent Committee.
How to Resolve a Rental Dispute in the Emirate of Dubai?
In the event of a rental dispute over unpaid rent, tenants must understand their options for resolving the problem. The following are some options available to tenants who are plagued by rental arrears.
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Negotiation
Landlord-tenant conflicts over unpaid rent are most prevalent in the real estate market. Negotiation is one of the greatest and most usual approaches to deal with this problem. Whether you want to ask the landlord for extra time or stretch the amount you owe over the following rent payments, it’s up to you. Landlords aren’t necessarily required to accept new conditions you propose. Still, they may accept standard terms or agree to arrange a repayment plan in which tenants agree to pay a higher monthly amount than their normal rent to erase any outstanding debt. Even an attorney can assist you in determining the parameters of the agreement if required.
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The Rent Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC)
The RDSC is the primary institution designated by the Dubai Government with assisting in the swift and methodical resolution of rental disputes. Their activity excludes matters previously referred to a particular judicial court. Similarly, the center does not investigate instances involving long-term leases or financial leasing arrangements governed by Real Estate Registration Law No. 7 of 2006.
The RDSC is divided into four departments: Arbitration and Reconciliation, First Instance, Appeal, and Law Enforcement. Each department is responsible for a distinct function in the resolution of a case, as follows:
- To begin, the Arbitration and Reconciliation Department will attempt an amicable resolution of the rental issue within 15 days.
- If the case is unsuccessful, it is elevated to the Department of First Instance. The complaint must file a lawsuit, which the agency will attempt to address within 30 days by providing a final judgement.
- If one of the parties is dissatisfied with the verdict, they may appeal to the Department of Appeal.
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1. Follow the law
Recognize the law to prevent conflict. It is, by far, the most effective method of settling a dispute since you will know how to prevent one before it occurs. Numerous renting complications happen when one party is unaware that they have already violated a lease agreement. Additionally, the tenant may be uninformed of local regulations’ rights granted upon them. Both landlords and tenants need to get counsel from property lawyers in Dubai or any other legal advocate to guarantee the information they receive is accurate. In this manner, you will not only avoid conflict, but you will also have peace of mind.
2. Keep track of everything
The most effective defense in any matter is always a written record. Suppose your tenant or landlord has regularly violated the provisions of the lease agreement or made very unreasonable requests. In that case, the evidence you have gathered may assist you in strengthening your claim. If you are a landlord, maintain files on your tenants and keep track of everything that occurs. You may make the papers available to the tenant. It may deter them from pursuing the subject further.
3. Engage the services of a rental dispute lawyer in Dubai
If you’ve attempted to resolve a rental disagreement without success, the attorney you contact will be able to assist you on how to handle your present situation appropriately. Numerous renowned legal companies in Dubai employ attorneys who are both knowledgeable and experienced in resolving tenancy-related issues. Additionally, let your Dubai real estate attorney speak with the legal representative of your tenant or landlord. Numerous matters are settled even before they reach the courtroom, owing to the involvement of attorneys. When both you and your tenant or landlord get legal assistance, the likelihood of reaching an agreement increases significantly.
The length of service, the number of cases handled in a specific issue and geographic region, and earlier outcomes all play a role in determining a specialist’s expertise.
Consult exclusively with the best real estate lawyers in Dubai, such as HHS Lawyers in Dubai!
