United Arab Emirates · property
How to File Offer and Deposit in RDC Dubai, UAE
When a Dubai landlord refuses your renewal cheques to push an unlawful rent hike or manufacture an eviction, Dubai law gives you a direct defensive remedy. Filing an Offer and Deposit motion with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) legally tenders your rent and stops the landlord from claiming you defaulted. This guide walks you through preparing evidence, submitting the petition, and safeguarding your tenancy.
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I need more helpDubai Tenancy Law and Your Legal Rights
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, residential and commercial tenancy relationships are governed by Law No. (26) of 2007, as amended by Law No. (33) of 2008. Under Article 14 of this law, any amendment to the tenancy contract—including rent increases—must be formally communicated at least 90 days prior to contract expiry, unless agreed otherwise in writing. Furthermore, any allowable rent revision must strictly comply with Decree No. (43) of 2013 and the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) Smart Rental Index.
Landlords frequently attempt to bypass the statutory index by demanding unlawful increases or going silent when renewal time arrives, refusing to accept the tenant's cheques. Their goal is often to let the lease lapse so they can allege non-payment or unlawful overstaying under Article 25. Under Decree No. (26) of 2013, which established the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC), tenants can counter this bad-faith tactic by submitting an Offer and Deposit petition (Ardh wa Idaa) before the Provisional and Summary Actions Judge.
How the Offer and Deposit Motion Protects You
The Offer and Deposit procedure allows you to formally tender your rental payment or tenancy keys into the custody of the RDC. By submitting the motion, you establish binding judicial evidence that you made a valid, timely offer to fulfill your contractual obligations under the same terms as your expiring lease.
Once the Summary Actions Judge approves the motion, the rent is officially considered paid as of the date of judicial acceptance. The RDC judicial notification department serves the landlord with an official summons to collect the funds or cheques from the Centre. If the landlord still disputes the rental amount, the burden falls on them to file a formal substantive lawsuit at the RDC; they cannot legally claim that you abandoned the property or failed to pay.
Submitting Your Petition and Protecting Your Position
You can lodge an Offer and Deposit motion online through the official RDC portal (rdc.gov.ae) using UAE Pass, or in person via an authorized Real Estate Services Trustee centre. You must submit your existing Ejari contract, a draft renewal contract reflecting identical terms, copies of your post-dated cheques, and clear written proof demonstrating the landlord's refusal or lack of response (such as emails, registered notices, or delivery receipts).
All supporting correspondence not originally in Arabic must be translated by a certified legal translator, as Dubai courts conduct all proceedings in Arabic. Filing this motion preserves your possession, but you must monitor the file closely to confirm whether the judge requires a cash replacement for cheques or whether the landlord responds with a cross-claim. You can use Caunsel to review your RERA index position, store your tenancy records in an organized case workspace, or connect with an independent UAE legal professional for tailored advice.
Steps
- Compile written proof of refusal: Send a formal written notice or email offering renewal cheques at the legally permitted rate and preserve the delivery receipts or replies demonstrating the landlord's refusal or silence.
- Prepare your documentation: Gather your valid Emirates ID, current Ejari certificate, previous tenancy agreement, a newly drafted standard lease on the same terms, and photocopies of the payment cheques. Ensure all foreign-language records have certified Arabic translations.
- Submit the motion: Log into the RDC portal (rdc.gov.ae) via UAE Pass or visit an authorized Real Estate Services Trustee centre. Select 'Offer and Deposit' under summary/provisional applications, input property details, and upload your files.
- Pay the statutory filing fees: Settle the AED 50 court fee plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees electronically (an additional AED 130 plus VAT applies if using a Real Estate Services Trustee).
- Comply with judicial instructions: Track the decision online via the RDC case tracking system. Upon the judge's order, deposit the physical cheques or cash with the RDC treasury and ensure the Centre serves judicial notice on the landlord.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until after the current tenancy contract has fully expired before taking action, which weakens your defensive position against non-payment claims.
- Relying on unrecorded phone calls or verbal arguments instead of demonstrable written correspondence such as email or registered mail.
- Submitting English emails and messages without certified Arabic translations, which can lead to immediate procedural rejection by the RDC judge.
- Assuming an Offer and Deposit resolves a complex contractual dispute automatically; it protects your rent obligation, but a separate First Instance lawsuit may still be required if the landlord initiates formal eviction proceedings.
Questions people ask
What happens if the landlord refuses to collect the rent from the RDC?
Once the RDC judge approves your Offer and Deposit and the RDC serves formal judicial notice, your legal duty to pay is fulfilled. If the landlord ignores the RDC summons, the funds or cheques remain safely deposited with the Centre's treasury, and the landlord is barred from claiming you breached the lease for non-payment.
Can I file an Offer and Deposit to return property keys when moving out?
Yes. If your tenancy has ended lawfully and the landlord maliciously refuses to accept handover of the keys or inspect the premises, you can file an Offer and Deposit motion to deposit the keys with the RDC. You must attach final utility clearance certificates (such as DEWA) and rent settlement proofs.
How long does it take for the RDC judge to issue a decision on the motion?
Because Offer and Deposit motions are handled by the Provisional and Summary Actions Court, judicial review is rapid, typically decided within one to three business days following successful submission and fee payment.
Ask Caunsel to evaluate your RERA calculator results and help you organize your tenancy timeline and refusal evidence before you approach the RDC.
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General information only, last updated 2026-11-01. Caunsel is not a law firm and does not practise law. AI answers and this guide are not legal advice. Verify filings, deadlines, and statutes with a licensed lawyer in United Arab Emirates.