Finance guide
Dubai rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index. Here's how the sliding scale works, the 90-day notice rule, and how both landlord and tenant can use the official calculator.
Dubai rent increases aren't a free-for-all. The RERA rental index (run by the Dubai Land Department) sets the maximum a landlord can raise rent at renewal, based on how far the current rent sits below the average market rent for similar units in the same area.
Broadly: if your rent is within ~10% of the market average, no increase is allowed; the further below market it sits, the larger the permitted increase — stepping up through bands to a cap (commonly up to ~20% when rent is far below market). The official calculator gives the exact figure.
A landlord who wants to increase rent (or change other terms) must give the tenant at least 90 days' written notice before the renewal date. No valid notice, no increase that cycle — the contract renews on the same terms.
The DLD / Dubai REST app provides a Rental Increase Calculator. Enter the area, property type and current rent and it returns the legally permitted increase — the same tool both sides should rely on instead of guessing.
Even if your rent is well under market, the increase is capped per band — a landlord can't reset to market overnight. Model renewals against the index, not the asking market rate.
Miss the 90-day notice and the increase doesn't apply that renewal. Diarise the date well ahead — it's the most common reason an increase fails.
Disputes are judged against the official index, not a landlord's opinion. Run the calculator before negotiating or filing anything.
If you can't agree, the Rental Dispute Centre decides — and it relies on the index and a registered Ejari. Keep your paperwork in order.