Real estate guide
Rent Increase Rules in Dubai: RERA Rental Index
How rent increases work in Dubai: the RERA rental index, the permitted increase bands, the 90-day notice rule and what tenants and landlords can do.
Rent increases in Dubai are regulated. A landlord can only raise the rent on renewal by a limited amount, based on how the current rent compares with the average rent for similar homes in the RERA rental index. Here is how it works.
The legal framework
Rental relationships in Dubai are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, and rent increases are controlled by Decree No. 43 of 2013. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) publishes a rental index that shows the average market rent for property types in each area. The index has moved to a smart rental index that takes building-level details into account.
How much can the rent go up?
The permitted increase depends on how far below the average market rent the current rent is:
- Up to 10% below the average: no increase allowed
- 11% to 20% below: up to 5% increase
- 21% to 30% below: up to 10% increase
- 31% to 40% below: up to 15% increase
- More than 40% below: up to 20% increase
You can check the figures for a specific property using the official rental index calculator from the Dubai Land Department, available on the DLD website and the Dubai REST app.
The 90-day notice rule
Either party who wants to change the terms of the tenancy at renewal, including the rent, must notify the other at least 90 days before the contract expires. If a landlord does not give notice in time, the tenant can usually renew on the existing terms.
What tenants can do
- Check the rental index calculator before agreeing to any increase
- Ask the landlord to put any proposed change in writing
- Negotiate, using comparable listings and the index as evidence
- If you cannot agree, file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre
See our guide to tenant rights in Dubai and how rental disputes are resolved.
What landlords should know
Landlords can raise the rent only within the permitted band and with proper notice. Setting the right rent at the start of a tenancy matters, because it is the baseline for future increases. Our leasing team prices homes using current market evidence, and our property management service handles renewals and notices for you.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and regulations change, so please confirm current requirements with our team or the relevant authority before you commit.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai?
Between 0% and 20%, depending on how far the current rent is below the average in the RERA rental index for similar property.
How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
At least 90 days before the tenancy contract expires.
Where can I check the RERA rental index?
On the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app, using the rental index calculator.
Can the rent increase during the contract?
No. The agreed rent applies for the term of the contract. Changes can only be made on renewal.
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