How to verify your Dubai landlord’s rental history before signing a lease

Dubai: Finding the perfect home in Dubai isn’t just about location or amenities, it’s also about having the right landlord. To help tenants make informed decisions, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers a Rental Good Conduct (RGC) Certificate, which allows individuals to check whether a landlord or a tenant has any active or past rental disputes.

What is a Rental Good Conduct Certificate?

Introduced by the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) in 2018, the RGC certificate gives both landlords and tenants insight into each other’s rental history before signing a lease. According to a recent post by DLD, the certificate “enables the lease contract parties to enquire about each party with their approval or consent. This allows tenants to see how a landlord has managed previous rental agreements and helps landlords understand a tenant’s commitment history.”

Eshaan Bora, junior associate at Fotis International Law Firm, explained that the RGC certificate is designed to build trust between landlords and tenants and help reduce conflicts over rental agreements.

How the certificate benefits tenants

Omar Al Masri, paralegal at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem and Associates, said the certificate offers practical legal protections. “Tenants and landlords can check if any rent claims have been filed against them, which helps prevent sudden legal consequences like travel bans, seizure of property, or freezing of bank accounts,” he noted.

The service also alerts tenants to any disputes involving a landlord, giving them a clearer picture before entering a contract. DLD adds that knowing the rental history of both parties can reduce disputes, encourage good faith, and simplify the rental process.

Al Masri also emphasized that the certificate raises awareness of rental rules and regulations, helping both landlords and tenants navigate agreements more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings.

How to apply

To request a Rental Good Conduct Certificate:

1. Visit the RDC service page - rdc.gov.ae/en/services/rental-good-conduct-certificate#/

2. Click Access the Service

3. Select Inquiry on Tenant or Leaser

4. Choose the tenant type (individual or company)

   • For individuals: enter Emirates ID, full name, mobile number, and email.

   • For companies: enter trade license details, contact person’s full name, mobile number, and email.

5. Click Submit to see if there is a rental case history in the Rental Dispute Centre.

This article was published in 2022 and has been updated since.