For most rental disputes in Dubai, the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the competent body, and many of its services charge a standard 3.5% fee on the annual rental value or the value of the financial claim. Through EGSH, applicants can prepare and submit their cases through the appropriate channels, ensuring that RDC procedures are followed accurately.
This article explains the RDC amicable settlement service (mediation), the calculation of the Rental Disputes Centre 3.5% fee across dispute types, and the application of minimum and maximum fee caps. It separately details filing routes (online and via Real Estate Services Trustee Centres), required documents, language rules, payment methods, and processing times. Finally, it compares amicable settlements, first-instance lawsuits, and Performance Order Applications (writs of payment).
What the RDC Amicable Settlement Service Does
The RDC amicable settlement service, formally listed as a “Dispute case (For amicable settlement)”, allows landlords and tenants to resolve tenancy issues within a structured legal framework but without going straight into full litigation. Instead of immediately opening a court-style case, the parties attend a conciliation session through the RDC remote litigation system, where a conciliator works with both sides to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
If the parties agree, their terms are recorded in an agreement signed by both parties and the conciliator, and then approved by a supervising judge at the RDC. Once approved, this amicable settlement agreement has the force of an executive instrument at the Rental Disputes Centre, meaning it can be enforced in the same way as a judgment, without filing a new first-instance case. This makes the RDC amicable settlement service a structured form of Dubai rental dispute mediation with enforceable outcomes rather than informal negotiation.
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Where the RDC 3.5% Fee Applies
The Dubai Land Department's rental services related to RDC disputes commonly apply a 3.5% basic claim fee. The basis of calculation differs depending on whether the dispute concerns rent (under the tenancy contract) or a pure financial claim (such as unpaid rent or other monetary amounts).
3.5% Fee for Amicable Settlement of Disputes Based on Rent
For specified amicable settlement applications at RDC, the basic filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rental value. This applies when the application is to register an evacuation case, a lease renewal case, a rental case, the termination of a valid tenancy contract, or a case for a property previously vacated for demolition and reconstruction. When the rental period is shorter or longer than one year, the fee is calculated on the rental value for that specific period rather than automatically on a 12-month basis.
DLD sets clear caps on this rent-based 3.5% fee in amicable settlement cases: the basic claim fee cannot be less than AED 500 or exceed AED 20,000. These caps pertain strictly to the basic claim component and do not cover additional items such as knowledge fees, innovation fees, or service partner fees. For the annual rental value fee calculation, applicants should use the rent stated in the most recent Ejari tenancy contract underlying the dispute.
3.5% Fee for Amicable Settlement of Financial Claims
Where the amicable settlement application concerns a financial claim, the RDC 3.5% fee is charged on the value of that monetary claim rather than on the rent stated in the tenancy contract. This structure typically applies to disputes over amounts, such as rent arrears or other sums claimed by a landlord against a tenant.
For these amicable financial-claim settlements, the DLD schedule sets a fee of 3.5% of the claim value (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 15,000). This mirrors the RDC writ of payment framework, reinforcing that monetary claims are based on the claimed amount, not annual rent.
Comparing Amicable Settlement With First Instance and Performance Order Fees
Beyond amicable settlement, the same 3.5% headline rate appears in other Dubai Rental Disputes Centre fees. For preliminary (first instance) rental lawsuits in Dubai, the service card states that the filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rental value (or of the rental value for the actual period if shorter or longer than a year) for evacuation cases, lease renewal cases, lease cases, annulment of a valid tenancy contract, and cases for properties previously vacated for demolition and reconstruction.
For the Performance Order Application (writ of payment), which is used to claim specific monetary amounts, the RDC performance order fee is 3.5% of the value of the financial claim, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000, matching the caps applied to financial-claim amicable settlements.
Despite the same percentage, these services differ procedurally: amicable settlement focuses on reconciliation and can result in a refund of half the basic fee if settlement is reached, whereas first-instance lawsuits and writs of payment proceed directly to adjudication and enforcement without that refund feature.
| Service Type | Basis Of 3.5% Calculation | Main Use Cases | Minimum Fee | Maximum Fee | Notable Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amicable settlement – rent-based disputes | Annual rental value / relevant period | Evacuation, lease renewal, rental case, termination of valid tenancy contract, demolition cases | AED 500 | AED 20,000 | Half of this basic fee is refunded if reconciliation is completed and a settlement is reached. |
| Amicable settlement – financial claims | Value of financial claim | Monetary claims such as rent arrears or other sums related to the tenancy | AED 500 | AED 15,000 | Same percentage and caps as writ of payment; half of the basic fee is refunded if a settlement is agreed. |
| First instance rental lawsuit (preliminary case) | Annual rental value / relevant period | Evacuation, lease renewal, lease, annulment of valid tenancy, demolition-related tenancy matters | As per DLD service card | As per DLD service card | Fee is also 3.5% of rental value; no amicable-settlement refund mechanism. |
| Performance Order Application (writ of payment) | Value of financial claim | Clear financial claims where the applicant seeks a payment order | AED 500 | AED 15,000 | Designed for payment claims; same percentage and caps as financial-claim amicable settlement applications. |
Additional RDC Fees and Partner Charges
In addition to the 3.5% basic claim fee, DLD lists several ancillary charges for amicable settlement cases. Where a power of attorney is used, a registration fee of AED 25 applies. Advertisement fees of AED 100 may be charged where required under RDC procedures, for example, when notifying a party by public announcement. There is also an AED 10 knowledge fee and an AED 10 innovation fee added to the transaction total.
If an amicable settlement application is submitted through Real Estate Services Trustee Centres, a service partners’ fee of AED 130, plus value-added tax, is added to the government fees.
Performance Order Applications carry a similar set of additional charges: AED 25 for power of attorney registration, if applicable; AED 10 knowledge fee; AED 10 innovation fee; and the same AED 130 plus VAT service partner fee when filed via a Trustee Centre. Applicants should therefore distinguish between the government fee, calculated at 3.5%, and the fixed administrative and partner fees when budgeting.
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Step-by-Step: Filing an Amicable Settlement Case at RDC
Applicants can file an amicable settlement dispute case through two main channels: by visiting a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre or by filing online via the DLD or RDC websites. In both routes, the underlying legal service is the same; the difference is the method of submitting documents and paying fees.
Filing Via Real Estate Services Trustee Centres
When using a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, the customer visits the centre and provides all required documents to the staff. The Trustee Centre employee enters and audits the transaction in the DLD/RDC system, ensuring the case details and attachments meet the published requirements. After this review, the customer pays the fees at the centre, including the basic claim fee, knowledge and innovation fees, and the service partner fee, and receives an official receipt.
The conciliation session is then held through the Rental Disputes Centre's remote litigation system, with the parties participating online rather than returning to the Trustee Centre. If the parties reach a settlement, the Agreement or Assignment is generated through the system, signed electronically and made available to the parties via the website. All documents, including the final agreement, are stored electronically; hard-copy files are not used within the RDC service.
Filing Via DLD Or RDC Websites (Online)
For those who prefer fully online filing, the applicant signs up or logs into the DLD or RDC portal, selects the “Dispute case (For amicable settlement)” service, and enters the case details directly. The required documents are uploaded in the specified formats, in Arabic or with a legal translation where necessary, so that they can be reviewed and archived in the system. Service fees are then paid electronically using one of the approved payment methods.
Once the application is accepted, the applicant attends the conciliation session through the Rental Disputes Centre remote litigation system using the online credentials provided. If a settlement is achieved, the Agreement or Assignment is issued electronically, signed, and then downloaded or accessed via the same website. This online route avoids the need to visit a physical centre, but applicants remain fully responsible for ensuring that the information and documents submitted are accurate and complete.
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Documents, Language and E‑Archiving Requirements
RDC sets clear documentation requirements for filing an amicable settlement rental dispute. For most cases, the applicant must provide a copy of the last tenancy contract (Ejari), as this records the annual rental value and contractual terms at the heart of the dispute.
Identification for the applicant is required: for a natural person, a valid UAE ID; for a legal person, such as a company, the UAE ID of the company manager, together with a recent trade licence. A valid property management contract is needed where the applicant is acting through a management company rather than directly as the owner.
In addition, a bank letter or account statement showing the plaintiff’s IBAN must be provided so that any payments or refunds can be properly processed. For an evacuation case, a copy of the legal notice served on the other party, along with evidence of its service, must be uploaded to demonstrate that the statutory notice requirements have been met.
All documents must be either in Arabic or accompanied by a legal translation, and they must be uploaded and archived electronically on the Rental Disputes Centre page; hard-copy submissions are not accepted. Where the documentation is correct, DLD states that registration of the amicable settlement application can be completed within about 10 minutes.
Payment Methods, Processing Times and Outcome
For amicable settlement, first-instance lawsuits, and writ of payment services, DLD indicates that filing fees can be paid using Noqodi Wallet, credit card, or cash, although cash is generally available when filing at physical service centres and Trustee Centres. Using Noqodi Wallet rental dispute payment or a credit card can simplify online filing, as the transaction is completed and confirmed immediately within the portal.
The indicative registration completion time for an amicable settlement case is 10 minutes, and the overall service completion period is 7 business days, measured from the time a correct and complete application is filed until the conciliation process is complete.
Where reconciliation is completed, and a settlement is reached in the amicable settlement service, half of the paid basic claim fee (the 3.5% component) is refunded to the payer; the knowledge fee, innovation fee and any partner fees are not described as refundable. The final document issued is an “Agreement or Assignment,” and once it is approved by the supervising judge, it has the legal status of an executive instrument capable of enforcement.
When to Consider Amicable Settlement Versus Direct Claims
An amicable settlement may be appropriate where both landlord and tenant remain open to dialogue and wish to resolve a tenancy dispute within a clear legal framework, without immediately committing to a full first-instance rental lawsuit. The presence of a conciliator and a supervising judge, combined with the executive-instrument effect of the Agreement or Assignment, means parties can reach enforceable outcomes while preserving some flexibility in negotiation.
In contrast, direct filing of a first-instance case or a Performance Order Application may be considered where the dispute concerns a specific amount of money, or where previous settlement attempts have failed, and a judicial determination is required.
Although the 3.5% rate applies across all three services, only successful amicable settlements qualify for a refund of half the basic claim fee, which can be a practical consideration for parties who believe a negotiated solution is achievable. Because the choice of route has procedural and financial implications, parties are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice before deciding which service to use.
FAQ
How Is the RDC 3.5% Fee Calculated in Dubai?
For rent-based disputes, the RDC 3.5% fee is calculated on the annual rental value stated in the most recent Ejari contract, or on the rental value for the specific period if the contract is shorter or longer than one year. For purely financial claims, such as rent arrears or other monetary amounts, the fee is 3.5% of the value of the financial claim. In both cases, DLD also applies minimum and maximum caps depending on the service type, which limit the total basic fee payable.
What Is the Minimum and Maximum RDC 3.5% Filing Fee?
For amicable settlement of rent-linked disputes, the basic claim fee is at least AED 500 and no more than AED 20,000, even if 3.5% of the rent would fall outside these amounts. For amicable settlement of financial claims and for Performance Order Applications, the 3.5% fee is subject to a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 15,000. These caps apply only to the basic fee and do not include knowledge, innovation or service partner charges, which are added separately.
How to File an Amicable Settlement Case at the Rental Disputes Centre?
You can file an RDC amicable settlement service case either by visiting a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre or by using the DLD or RDC websites. In a Trustee Centre, staff enter and audit your case, take copies of your documents, and process payment before the conciliation is held online through the RDC remote litigation system. If you file online, you register or log in, select the “Dispute case (For amicable settlement)” service, upload your documents, pay electronically and then attend the remote conciliation session before signing your agreement via the portal.
What Documents Are Required for RDC Amicable Settlement of Rental Disputes?
Applicants must provide a copy of the latest Ejari tenancy contract, valid identification (UAE ID for individuals; UAE ID of the company manager and a recent trade licence for companies), and, where relevant, a valid property management contract. A bank letter or account statement showing the plaintiff’s IBAN is required for financial transactions or potential refunds. For an eviction case, a copy of the legal notice and evidence of service must be uploaded to demonstrate that proper notice has been given in line with tenancy law.
What Is the Difference Between Amicable Settlement and a First-Instance Rental Lawsuit at the RDC?
An amicable settlement case is designed to encourage negotiation under the supervision of a conciliator and a judge, aiming for a mutually agreed solution that is then documented as an enforceable Agreement or Assignment. A first-instance rental lawsuit at RDC follows a more formal litigation path, in which the judge hears evidence and issues a judgment without the same structured mediation focus. Both use a 3.5% fee based on rental value, but only amicable settlements offer a refund of half the basic claim fee if the parties reconcile.
When Is Half of the RDC Basic Claim Fee Refunded After Mediation?
Half of the basic claim fee (that is, half of the 3.5% amount calculated on rent or claim value) is refunded only if the amicable settlement process results in a completed reconciliation and an approved settlement agreement. If no settlement is reached and the dispute proceeds to further stages or closes without agreement, the basic fee is not refunded. Knowledge, innovation and any Real Estate Services Trustee Centre partner fees are separate and are not described in the service card as refundable.
How to File a Performance Order Application (Writ of Payment) at the RDC?
A Performance Order Application, also known as a writ of payment, can be filed through the DLD website, the RDC website or a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, using the relevant e-service. The applicant submits details of the financial claim, uploads supporting documents, and pays the 3.5% fee on the claim value (subject to caps of AED 500–15,000), along with knowledge and innovation fees, and, if applicable, partner fees. The RDC then considers the application and, where conditions are met, may issue an order for payment without a full hearing.
How to Pay RDC Filing Fees With Noqodi Wallet or Credit Card?
When filing online via the DLD or RDC portals, you can select Noqodi Wallet or a credit card as the payment method at checkout before final submission of your case. If you file through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, staff can process payment by credit card or cash at the counter, and Noqodi may be used where supported by the system. Regardless of method, the application is only formally registered once the payment is successfully processed and a receipt or electronic confirmation is issued.
Explained by
Muneer Juma Al Balushi
Real Estate Registration Trustee Consultant
Muneer Juma Al Balushi has six years of experience in the real estate registration system of the Dubai Land Department. He specialises in accurate, secure, and legally compliant property registration.
This article is intended to provide general information based on official UAE sources, and does not constitute personalised legal advice. Before acting, applicants should verify the current rules and fees directly with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre.
