Your landlord can generally only raise your rent at renewal if your current rent is more than 10% below the market average for similar homes, and only within the caps set by Decree No. (43) of 2013. The free RERA rent increase calculator checks this for you in seconds, using Dubai’s official rental index.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, contact Dubai’s Rental Disputes Centre or a licensed legal professional.
How much can your landlord increase rent in Dubai?
Dubai caps renewal increases based on how far your current rent sits below the RERA index average for similar properties in your area:
- 0–10% below average - no increase allowed
- 11–20% below average - up to 5%
- 21–30% below average - up to 10%
- 31–40% below average - up to 15%
- More than 40% below average - up to 20%, the legal maximum
If your rent is at or above the average for similar homes, the decree doesn’t allow an increase at that renewal.
How to use the RERA rent increase calculator
The calculator is free and official. Open the Dubai REST app or the rental index service on dubailand.gov.ae, select your area and property type, and enter your current annual rent. The result shows the average rent for similar homes and the maximum increase, if any, your landlord can apply.
Save or screenshot the result. It’s your reference if you need to negotiate.
The Smart Rental Index
Since January 2025, the index behind the calculator is built from registered Ejari contracts, more than 900,000 of them in 2024, with buildings classified by quality and outliers excluded. It reflects what tenants actually pay, not listing prices, so the average is hard to dispute.
The 90-day notice rule
To change your rent at renewal, your landlord must notify you at least 90 days before your contract expires, under Law No. (33) of 2008. The same deadline applies to you if you want to renegotiate any term of the lease.
If the increase is above the cap
Share the calculator result with your landlord first. Most disagreements end here, because the number comes from the Dubai Land Department’s own index. If you still can’t agree, you can file a case with Dubai’s Rental Disputes Centre.
If it’s time to move instead
If the new rent doesn’t work for you, see what else your budget gets. Browse rentals on Property Finder, including homes where Pay Monthly lets you pay rent in monthly payments instead of upfront cheques.
Frequently asked questions
Search or browse questions about rent increases and the RERA calculator.
How often can my landlord increase the rent?
Only at renewal, only within the Decree No. (43) of 2013 caps, and only with at least 90 days’ written notice. Rent generally can’t change in the middle of a contract.
Where do I find the official calculator?
On the Dubai REST app or the Dubai Land Department website (dubailand.gov.ae). It’s free, and the result is based on the official rental index.
What if I didn’t get 90 days’ notice?
The increase generally isn’t enforceable for that renewal, and your rent stays the same for the new term. Keep a copy of your contract and any messages as evidence of when notice was given.
What is the Smart Rental Index?
The version of Dubai’s rental index launched in January 2025. It’s built from registered Ejari contracts and classifies buildings by quality, so the average reflects real rents for homes like yours.
What’s the maximum possible increase?
20%, and only when your current rent is more than 40% below the index average for similar properties.
My landlord insists on an increase above the cap. What can I do?
Show them the calculator result first. If they don’t accept it, you can file a case with the Rental Disputes Centre. An increase above the legal cap generally isn’t enforceable.