🏠 Rent Increase Calculator Dubai – RERA Rent Index 2026
Find out if your rent increase is legal under Dubai's RERA rent index rules. Essential for tenants and landlords renewing tenancy contracts.
In Dubai, rent increases are governed by the RERA Rent Index. If your current rent is 10% below market average, your landlord can increase rent by up to 5%. If it's 11–20% below, up to 10%. If 21–30% below, up to 15%. If 31%+ below, up to 20%. No increase is allowed if rent is already at or above market rate.
📋 Check Your Rent Increase
⚖️ Rent Increase Result
Current Annual Rent: AED 0
Proposed New Rent: AED 0
Proposed Increase: 0%
Maximum Legal Increase: 0%
Maximum Legal Rent: AED 0
Status: -
📖 How Rent Increases Work in Dubai
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), landlords cannot increase rent arbitrarily. The RERA Rent Index sets legal limits based on how your current rent compares to market rates for similar properties in your area.
RERA Rent Increase Rules
| Your Rent vs. Market Average | Maximum Increase Allowed |
|---|---|
| Up to 10% below market | 0% (no increase) |
| 11% – 20% below market | Up to 5% |
| 21% – 30% below market | Up to 10% |
| 31% – 40% below market | Up to 15% |
| More than 40% below market | Up to 20% |
| At or above market rate | 0% (no increase) |
When Can Landlords Increase Rent?
- Only at renewal — not during the fixed tenancy term
- 90 days' notice — landlord must notify you before the renewal date
- RERA-compliant amount — must fall within the legal limit
- Registered Ejari — increase is only valid if tenancy is registered
If your landlord is demanding an illegal increase, contact our rental dispute lawyers in Dubai immediately.
⚖️ What to Do If You Face an Illegal Rent Increase
Step 1: Verify the RERA Index
Use the official RERA Rent Index Calculator on the Dubai Land Department website to check the market rate for your property type and area.
Step 2: Respond Formally
Send a written response to your landlord rejecting the illegal increase. Cite the RERA index and the legal increase limit for your situation.
Step 3: File with RDSC
If your landlord insists on the illegal increase, file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee (RDSC). The fee is 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500).
Step 4: Get Legal Help
An experienced rental dispute lawyer in Dubai can file the case, represent you before RDSC, and protect your tenancy rights.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The amount depends on how your current rent compares to market rate. If you're up to 10% below market, no increase allowed. 11–20% below: up to 5%. 21–30% below: up to 10%. 31–40% below: up to 15%. More than 40% below: up to 20%. If you're at or above market rate, no increase is allowed.
No. Rent increases can only happen at renewal — not during the fixed term of your tenancy contract. If your landlord tries to increase mid-contract, that is a breach of contract and you can challenge it.
Your landlord must notify you of any rent increase at least 90 days before the renewal date. If proper notice is not given, the increase may not be enforceable.
If your landlord insists on an illegal increase, you can file a dispute with the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee (RDSC). The RDSC can order the rent to stay at the legal amount. Our rental dispute lawyers can represent you in this process.
You should not simply stop paying. Pay the legal amount (based on RERA) and file an RDSC case to challenge the increase. Withholding rent entirely can lead to eviction proceedings against you.
The RERA Rent Index is available on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website and app. You can search by property type and area to find the average market rent. Alternatively, a rental dispute lawyer can check this for you.
Yes. Landlords must follow the RERA rent index when increasing rent. Increases beyond the legal limit can be challenged at RDSC, and the committee can rule the increase invalid.
No. Refusing an illegal rent increase is not valid grounds for eviction. Landlords can only evict for specific legal reasons (non-payment, personal use, major renovation) with proper notice. If you receive an eviction notice after challenging a rent increase, contact a RERA tenant eviction lawyer immediately.
The RERA rent index primarily applies to residential tenancies. Commercial rent increases are generally governed by the terms of the commercial lease agreement and may not follow the same index. Consult a commercial property lawyer for specific advice.
🏠 Facing an Illegal Rent Increase in Dubai?
If your landlord is demanding an increase beyond the RERA limit, our rental dispute lawyers can help you challenge it and protect your tenancy.
