How to Attend an RDC Hearing in Dubai 2026: Full Guide | E-Notary Dubai

Step-by-step guide to attending an RDC hearing in Dubai. Documents needed, fees, timeline, and how E-Notary Dubai is the only service in Dubai that attends hearings with you.

1 March 2026

What is the RDC and Who Can File?

The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) is the specialized court in Dubai for all landlord-tenant disputes. It operates under Law No. 26 of 2007 and the landmark Law No. 33 of 2008. Both landlords and tenants can file cases at the RDC. Jurisdiction covers all rental properties in Dubai — including free zones — except DIFC which has its own court.

→Original tenancy contract (signed and stamped)

Step 1: The Legal Notice — Before You Can File

For eviction cases, a valid legal notice is mandatory before filing at RDC. The notice must be served via UAE Notary Public or Registered Mail. Without a valid notice, RDC will reject the case immediately. The 12-month or 30-day period must have elapsed before you can file the eviction case at RDC.

→Legal notice with official Proof of Delivery certificate

RDC Filing Fees and How to Calculate Yours

RDC filing fees: 3.5% of annual rent. Minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000. Calculate yours: AED 30,000 annual rent = AED 1,050. AED 60,000 = AED 2,100. AED 100,000 = AED 3,500. AED 150,000 = AED 5,250. AED 200,000 = AED 7,000. Fees above AED 20,000 are capped at AED 20,000 regardless of rent amount.

→Payment records or evidence of breach

What Happens at the Hearing

An RDC hearing involves: a brief presentation of your case before an RDC judge, review of your evidence (tenancy contract, legal notice with proof of delivery, payment records), the opposing party\'s response, and the judge\'s decision or adjournment for further evidence. First hearings are typically short — under 30 minutes. Having all documents organized is critical.

→Emirates ID (landlord and tenant)

The Only Service in Dubai That Attends With You

E-Notary Dubai is the only private notary support service in Dubai that physically attends RDC hearings with clients. We manage the entire process: from preparing and serving the legal notice, to case document preparation, RDC filing, attending the mediation session, attending the formal hearing, and managing enforcement of the judgment. Contact us before your next step to understand exactly where you stand.

→Title deed or property ownership documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. RDC allows individuals to represent themselves. However, having proper documentation and a legally valid notice prepared by a professional significantly improves your outcome. E-Notary Dubai prepares everything without requiring a licensed lawyer — at a fraction of the cost.