This is an independent guide by realestatelawyerdubai.com. It is not the official Dubai Land Department or RERA website and is not affiliated with either body.
This is an independent guide by realestatelawyerdubai.com and is not affiliated with RERA or the Dubai Land Department.
What is RERA?
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department. It was established under Law No. 16 of 2007 to organise and regulate Dubai's real estate sector.
What RERA does
| Area | RERA's role |
|---|---|
| Brokers | Licenses and regulates real estate brokers and brokerages |
| Developers | Registers developers and off-plan projects |
| Escrow | Oversees escrow accounts holding off-plan buyers' payments |
| Advertising | Requires permits for property advertisements |
| Owners' associations | Regulates jointly owned buildings and service charges |
| Rent | Approves the rental index used to cap rent increases. Rent increase → |
RERA and rental disputes
RERA sets the rental framework, but it doesn't decide individual rental disputes. Those go to the Rental Dispute Center, which is also part of the Dubai Land Department. When people search for a "RERA rental dispute", the Rental Dispute Center is usually what they need.
When to raise a complaint with RERA
- A broker acted without a licence or misled you
- A developer isn't following the rules for an off-plan project
- Service charges or building management are in dispute
- An advertisement was misleading or unlicensed
For money claims against a developer or seller, a RERA complaint may not be enough on its own. Court action or arbitration may also be needed. Property lawyer →
Frequently asked questions
Is RERA the same as the Dubai Land Department?
RERA is part of the DLD. The DLD handles registration; RERA handles regulation.
Can RERA order my developer to refund me?
RERA can act on regulatory breaches. Refund claims usually require a court case or arbitration, depending on your contract.
How do I check if a broker is licensed?
Use the broker verification service on the Dubai REST app or DLD website.
Dealing with a developer or broker problem? Call +971 50 423 1108 or email info@kadenboriss.com.