Do I need a lawyer for the Rental Dispute Centre, and what does it cost?

A lawyer isn't mandatory - you can represent yourself at the RDC. Given the legal complexity, many still hire one; fees typically range from about AED 5,000 to 25,000 depending on complexity, and a lawyer's demand letter costs roughly AED 1,000-3,000. The 3.5% filing fee is separate, and the winner usually recovers that fee though not always full legal costs.