What Happens After a Rental Case Is Filed in Dubai
If you received a notice of attendance from the Rental Disputes Center, or a case has been filed against you, what you do in the next few days matters. This page explains what the notice means, the time you actually have, and what happens if it is ignored — so you know where you stand right now.
Received a notice of attendance?
What a notice of attendance means
A case has been filed and the Center is notifying you to respond. These are the three points that matter most right now.
You have a set period to respond
The notice carries a seven-day period before the case proceeds. That window is for reviewing the claim against you, preparing your position, and deciding how to attend — not for waiting.
Ignoring it does not make the case go away
If the notice is ignored, the case can proceed to a judgment in absentia. From there it moves toward execution, and in certain cases enforcement measures may follow — which can include precautionary attachment of the assets of the party the judgment is against, and placing their name on a travel ban list. What applies depends on the judgment and the specifics of the case.
You do not have to appear in person
Attendance can be handled through a duly certified power of attorney with an accredited law firm, so you are represented even if you cannot be there yourself.
Common mistakes after receiving a notice
How you respond in these first days shapes what happens next. These are the most frequent mistakes.
Ignoring the notice
Assuming a case will resolve itself or go away if unanswered leads directly toward a judgment in absentia. The seven-day window is there to be used, not waited out.
Waiting until the last moment
Starting to prepare a response only as the period nears its end leaves little room to review the claim properly or arrange representation.
Assuming you must appear yourself
Believing personal attendance is the only option can create unnecessary pressure, especially if you are travelling or unavailable. A certified power of attorney covers this.
Not reviewing what the case actually claims
Responding without first understanding exactly what is being claimed — the amount, the grounds, the documents relied on — weakens your position from the start.
What to do now
Four clear steps, and you know where you stand in each one.
Review the notice
We check what the case claims, the date of the notice, and how much of the seven-day period remains.
Arrange representation
Where you cannot attend yourself, we arrange attendance through a duly certified power of attorney with an accredited law firm.
Prepare your position
We prepare the documents and response the case needs, so your position is ready before the hearing, not improvised on the day.
Follow the case to judgment
We follow the case through to judgment, and explain the next stage — including execution, where relevant — as it comes.
What to have ready
The more complete these are, the faster we can assess your position.
- The notice of attendance you received
- The tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- Any correspondence related to the claim against you
- Your Emirates ID or passport
If one of these is missing, tell us before we start. We identify the acceptable alternative rather than letting the response stall.
This page covers consequences, not filing
This page explains what happens after a case is filed and how to respond to a notice. If you are the one who needs to file a case, or want to understand the filing process itself, see our guide on filing a rental case. If you are still assessing which stage applies to you, start with a free assessment.
Cost
The cost depends on what your response requires and whether representation is needed. What we commit to: a free assessment within 24 hours, and a clear final figure before you begin.
What the figure we give you covers
- Reviewing the notice and the claim against you
- Arranging representation where needed
- Preparing your response and documents
- Following the case through to judgment
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I ignore a notice of attendance from the Rental Disputes Center?
The case can proceed to a judgment in absentia, then move toward execution. In certain cases enforcement measures may follow, which can include precautionary attachment of assets and a travel ban on the party the judgment is against, depending on the judgment and the case.
How long do I have after receiving the notice?
The notice carries a seven-day period before the case proceeds. That time is for reviewing the claim and preparing your position, so it is best used early rather than left until the end.
Is there a travel ban on a rental case in Dubai?
Not automatically. A travel ban is an enforcement measure that may be requested at the execution stage in certain cases, once a judgment exists and is not being complied with — it is not something that applies from the moment a case is filed.
Can rent cases lead to jail?
A standard rental dispute over payment, eviction or contract terms is a civil matter handled by the Rental Disputes Center, not a criminal one. Where enforcement measures apply, they typically concern assets and travel, not detention — we review your specific notice to confirm what applies to your case.
Do I have to attend the hearing in person?
No. Attendance can be handled through a duly certified power of attorney with an accredited law firm, so you are represented even if you cannot be there yourself.
How do I check if there is a rental case against me?
If you have received a notice of attendance, that is the case being brought to your attention. Send us the notice on WhatsApp and we will review what it claims and where things stand.
About this page
- Author
- Firas Ahmad
- Legal review
- Dr. Mohammed Al-Ramlawi
- Last updated
- 7 August 2026
- Sources
- Rental Disputes Center Dubai — rdc.gov.ae
- Dubai Land Department — dubailand.gov.ae
This website is independent and is not affiliated with the Rental Disputes Center, the Dubai Land Department, or any government body. The content is general information and does not constitute legal advice for a specific case; outcomes vary according to the facts and documents of each file.
Received a notice? Talk to us now
Send us the notice of attendance on WhatsApp. We review what the case claims, explain the seven-day period, and arrange representation if you cannot attend yourself — before you decide anything.