RERA rental increase rules in Dubai explained

In Dubai a landlord cannot raise your rent by any amount they like. The RERA rental increase rules cap the increase based on how far your current rent sits below the average market rate for your area and property type, on a sliding scale from 0 percent up to a maximum of 20 percent. The landlord must also give you 90 days written notice before renewal to apply any increase. You can check the exact legal figure for free using the official RERA Rental Increase Calculator in the Dubai REST app.

These caps come from Decree 43 of 2013 and the notice rule comes from Law 33 of 2008. Below we set out the slabs, how the calculator works, and what to do if your landlord asks for more than the law allows.

RERA rental increase rules in Dubai: the legal slabs

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It sets the rules that protect both landlords and tenants, and it publishes the rental index that decides how much rent can go up at renewal.

The key point: the increase is not tied to how much the market moved this year. It is tied to how far your current rent is below the average rate for similar properties in your area, as measured by the RERA rental index. The further below market you are paying, the larger the increase the landlord is allowed to ask for.

Here are the five slabs under Decree 43 of 2013:

• Up to 10 percent below the market average: no increase allowed (0 percent).
• 11 to 20 percent below the market average: maximum 5 percent increase.
• 21 to 30 percent below the market average: maximum 10 percent increase.
• 31 to 40 percent below the market average: maximum 15 percent increase.
• More than 40 percent below the market average: maximum 20 percent increase.

So if you are already paying close to the going rate, your landlord cannot raise the rent at all. The cap only opens up when your rent is well below what comparable units are renting for.

A simple example

Say similar 1 bedroom apartments in your building rent for 100,000 AED a year and you currently pay 85,000 AED. That is 15 percent below the market average, which falls in the 11 to 20 percent band, so the maximum legal increase is 5 percent. Your landlord can ask for up to 4,250 AED more, taking your rent to 89,250 AED, and no higher.

The 90 day notice rule

Under Law 33 of 2008, a landlord who wants to change any term of the contract at renewal, including the rent, must tell the tenant at least 90 days before the current contract ends. The same notice applies if the tenant wants to change a term.

If the landlord does not give 90 days notice, the contract renews on the same terms and the increase cannot be applied for that year. The notice should be in writing, and keeping a record of how and when it was sent matters if there is ever a dispute. Always read the rent figure on a renewal notice against the slabs above before you agree to anything.

How to use the RERA Rental Increase Calculator

The calculator is the official tool that tells you the exact maximum increase for your unit. It is free and you do not need an agent to run it. You can reach it in the Dubai REST app or on the DLD website at dubailand.gov.ae.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Dubai REST app or go to the DLD website and find the Rental Increase Calculator under rental services. 2. Choose your area or community from the list. 3. Select the property type (apartment, villa or other) and the number of bedrooms. 4. Enter the property size and your current annual rent. 5. Submit the form.

The calculator compares your rent to the RERA rental index for that area and property type, then shows the maximum percentage increase the law allows. If your rent is already at or near the market average, it will show 0 percent. If you are paying well below market, it will show the relevant cap up to 20 percent.

Run it before you sign a renewal. It takes a couple of minutes and it tells you straight away whether a proposed increase is legal. If you want a second opinion on whether the figure looks right for your building, our team at ERE Homes can talk it through with you.

What happens if the increase is too high

If your landlord asks for more than the calculator allows, you do not have to accept it. Start by sharing the calculator result and asking them to bring the figure in line with the law. Most cases are resolved at this stage.

If you cannot agree, the matter goes to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, the official body that handles tenant and landlord disputes in Dubai. You file the case, pay the fee, and the centre rules based on the rental index and the contract. A clear calculator result and a record of your notices make a strong case.

Tips for tenants and landlords

For tenants:

• Run the calculator yourself before renewal so you know your number.
• Keep your tenancy contract and Ejari registration to hand. If you have not registered yet, see our guide on how to apply for Ejari.
• Do not ignore a renewal notice. Reply in writing.

For landlords:

• Check the index figure for your unit before issuing a notice, so the increase you request is enforceable.
• Send the 90 day notice in writing and keep proof.
• A fair, legal renewal keeps good tenants in place and avoids the cost and delay of a dispute.

For a full walk through of the renewal process from notice to signing, read our guide on how to renew your tenancy contract in Dubai. To understand the contract itself, see our explainer on the Dubai tenancy agreement. If you are weighing whether to renew or move, our note on how to read a good rental deal is worth a look.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?

The increase is capped on a sliding scale based on how far your current rent is below the market average in the RERA rental index. If you pay up to 10 percent below market the increase is 0 percent. From there the cap rises to 5, 10 or 15 percent, and reaches a maximum of 20 percent only when your rent is more than 40 percent below the market average.

How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent in Dubai?

Under Law 33 of 2008 the landlord must give at least 90 days written notice before the contract ends to change the rent or any other term. If they miss the 90 day window, the contract renews on the same terms and no increase applies that year.

How do I check the legal rent increase for my property?

Use the official RERA Rental Increase Calculator in the Dubai REST app or on the DLD website at dubailand.gov.ae. Enter your area, property type, number of bedrooms, size and current rent, and the tool shows the maximum increase the law allows for your unit. It is free.

Can a tenant refuse a rent increase in Dubai?

Yes. If the requested increase is above what the calculator allows, you can refuse it and ask the landlord to match the legal figure. If you cannot agree, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, which rules based on the rental index.

What is the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre?

It is the official body, part of the Dubai Land Department, that settles disputes between landlords and tenants in Dubai. It handles cases such as unlawful rent increases, eviction notices and unpaid rent, and its decisions are based on the tenancy law and the RERA rental index.

How often is the RERA rental index updated?

The index is reviewed and updated by RERA using data from registered tenancy contracts and market surveys, so the figure the calculator returns reflects current conditions in your area. Always run the calculator close to your renewal date for the most accurate result.

If you want help reading your renewal notice, running the numbers, or finding a better home to move into, contact ERE Homes or message us on WhatsApp. We are a RERA certified Dubai brokerage and we will give you a straight answer.