If either tenant or landlord has a dispute over rent, which cannot be negotiated themselves, the legal option is to bring the case to Dubai Municipality’s Rent Committee (DMRC). DMRC is authorized by Dubai Government for jurisdiction over the Courts in all rent related matters. Their decisions are final and binding and cannot be appealed at Dubai Courts.

In order to file a dispute with DMRC, you must first ensure that your rent contract is registered with RERA.

As the plaintiff, you will need to physically file a case with DMRC, though you may be required to give your oral petition at a later date, followed by a hearing. The written judgement follows.

DMRC Fees & Documents

Plaintiff to pay 3.5% of annual rent with a minimum of AED 350 and a maximum ceiling of AED 20,000
Other fees may be levied by DMRC on plaintiff for summoning experts, payment of expert’s fee, fee for deposit of rent with DMRC etc
You may have to separately pay for a newspaper advertisement in a local newspaper, in case the defendant fails to show up for a committee hearing. 

The plaintiff will also need to submit:
Plaintiff name with designation (either lessor, lessee, landlord or occupant) with current address
The facts of the dispute
Original tenancy contract
Notarized PoA (Power of Attorney) in favour of person authorized to represent the plaintiff
Copies of cheques, if any, that were submitted to the landlord.
(Note:For plaintiffs who are tenants, but cannot submit the original tenancy contract with the new rent terms, due to refusal from the landlord; you can fax a request to the landlord and submit the fax receipt as proof to DMRC.)

Location of DMRC
Dubai Municipality Rent Committee
Third Floor, Dubai Municipality Building
Baniyas Road, Al Rigga, Deira,
Dubai.
Telephone: 04-2215555
Location map

Related links
Register your rental contract in Dubai

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Even as Dubai eGovernment strives to ease your life in Dubai, we cannot guarantee 100 % that the information provided on these pages is accurate and up-to-date, since all information and procedures are subject to change and revision by the concerned authorities.