Evidence Checklist: Rent Increase Dispute
A rent increase dispute at the RDSC is fundamentally a document battle. The tenant who brings a dated RERA screenshot, the Decree 43 calculation, and the landlord's demand letter wins. This checklist ensures you have every item before filing.
Scenario
Use this checklist before filing an RDSC application to fix your renewal rent at the legally permitted amount under RERA Decree No. 43 of 2013.
The Example
Evidence Checklists
RENT INCREASE DISPUTE EVIDENCE CHECKLIST TIER 1 — ESSENTIAL: ☐ Ejari Tenancy Certificate Why: Confirms the registered tenancy and current annual rent. Current rent must match the Ejari records for the Decree 43 calculation to be valid. ☐ RERA Rental Index Screenshot (from Dubai REST app) Why: The legally prescribed benchmark. Must show your exact community, property type, and number of bedrooms. How to get: Dubai REST app → Rental Index Calculator → Enter your property details → Screenshot with date visible. ☐ Decree 43 Calculation (written out) Why: Shows how you arrived at the maximum lawful rent. Format: Current rent: AED X / RERA median: AED Y / Difference: Z% below median / Applicable tier: [tier] / Maximum lawful rent: AED X × [multiplier] = AED W ☐ Landlord's Written Demand (email/WhatsApp/letter) Why: Evidence of the proposed above-index rent. Without this, you cannot prove the dispute. How to get: Keep the email or screenshot the WhatsApp message. Print as PDF. ☐ Your Written Objection Letter Why: Shows you attempted to resolve this before filing — important for the conciliation stage. How to get: Send a formal objection letter citing RERA figures and keep a copy with proof of delivery. TIER 2 — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: ☐ Non-Renewal Notice (if any) with dates Why: Establishes the timeline of the dispute and any pressure tactics used. ☐ Current Tenancy Contract (full copy) Why: Confirms the tenancy term, current rent, and payment structure. ☐ RERA Index Screenshots for Comparable Units (optional) Why: Reinforces the RERA median figure by showing adjacent comparable properties. How to get: Run the RERA calculator for similar units in the same building. TIER 3 — VALUABLE IF AVAILABLE: ☐ Previous Rent Increase History Why: Shows the pattern of rent demands and whether prior increases already brought rent to or above the legal limit. ☐ Correspondence Timeline Summary Why: A clear chronological summary of all communications helps the RDSC judge quickly understand the dispute.
Why This Works
The checklist's most important contribution is the Decree 43 calculation format. Many tenants know the rule in theory but struggle to present it in a structured way that the RDSC can immediately follow. A written calculation showing each step is more persuasive than a verbal explanation.
The RERA screenshot instruction (with date visible) addresses the most common evidentiary gap — tenants who produce undated screenshots cannot prove the index value applied at the time of the dispute.
Key Elements
- RERA screenshot instructions including visibility of date
- Explicit Decree 43 calculation format
- Written objection letter required to show pre-filing escalation
- Comparable unit index screenshots as supporting evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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