Writ of Execution (RDSC)
A writ of execution is a court order issued by the Dubai Land Department's enforcement department that compels compliance with an RDSC judgment. When a landlord (or tenant) refuses to obey an RDSC ruling — such as an order to return a security deposit or to allow a tenant to remain in the property — the winning party can apply for a writ of execution, which enables enforcement actions including bank account freezes, salary attachments, and travel bans.
In Depth
After the RDSC issues a final judgment, the winning party has the right to apply to the DLD's Enforcement Section for enforcement. The process begins with filing an execution application supported by the original RDSC judgment and proof that the losing party has been notified of the judgment and has failed to comply within the specified period.
Enforcement tools available under a writ include: freezing the respondent's bank accounts up to the judgment amount; instructing employers to deduct the amount from the respondent's salary; attaching and auctioning movable assets; imposing travel bans (preventing the respondent from leaving the UAE); and in some cases, attaching real property.
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks from the initial enforcement application to the implementation of coercive measures. In urgent cases (e.g. a tenant facing illegal eviction with an imminent possession date), interim measures can sometimes be obtained more quickly.
A tenant who wins an RDSC case for deposit return but whose landlord refuses to pay should apply promptly for a writ of execution rather than waiting. Each month of delay reduces the practical chances of collecting — particularly if the landlord is about to leave the UAE.
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