Dubai Tenants Can Use RDC 'Offer and Deposit' to Resolve Rent Payment Disputes

Dubai tenants facing a landlord's refusal to accept rent payments, particularly during disputes over proposed rent increases, can use the Offer and Deposit procedure offered by the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).

This mechanism enables a tenant to formally present the disputed rent to the landlord through a legal process overseen by the RDC, rather than simply holding onto the funds. It also applies to situations where a landlord declines to receive keys upon property handover. While the procedure secures the payment, it does not automatically resolve the underlying rent dispute or validate a tenant's preferred renewal terms.

How the Procedure Works

Dr. Hassan Elhais, Senior Legal Consultant at Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, explains that the RDC refers to this as the Offer and Deposit procedure, which allows an applicant to obtain a judge's order to formally offer rent or property keys. Tenants typically use this when landlords refuse payment during renewal disagreements or decline to receive keys when a property is being vacated. For landlords, it provides a formal channel to receive offered payments while maintaining their position on unresolved disputes.

Application Process and Required Documents

Tenants can initiate the Offer and Deposit application via the RDC website (rdc.gov.ae) or through a Real Estate Services Trustee. The online process requires account creation and input of personal and Ejari details.

Applicants must prepare supporting documents, which include:

• A written application, referred to as the Offer and Deposit motion.
• A proposed renewal contract, if relevant, on the same terms.
• Copies of cheques and pertinent correspondence.
• For companies, a copy of the current trade licence and the Emirates ID of the named manager.

All documents must be in Arabic or accompanied by a legal translation. Tenants are also advised to retain evidence of their attempts to make payments, such as emails, messages, or notices.

Fees and Post-Application Steps

The fees for the Offer and Deposit application are AED 50 for the service, plus AED 10 for the Knowledge Fee and AED 10 for the Innovation Fee. If the application is filed through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, an additional AED 130 plus VAT on the partner’s service fee applies.

After submission, a judge reviews the request, and the decision becomes available online. If approved, the applicant must follow the order, completing any required deposit or handover steps. The RDC is responsible for formally notifying the landlord, and tenants should not rely on private communication for this purpose.

It is crucial to understand that depositing rent through this procedure does not constitute a final judgment on the wider dispute. Tenants must continue to meet their rental obligations, as a pending dispute does not suspend payment requirements under Dubai's tenancy law. If successful, the deposited rent is held by the RDC's treasury for the landlord to collect, serving as the actual rent payment, not an application fee or security deposit.