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Rent CalculatorOctober 2026 · 5 min read
Dubai Smart Rental Index 2026: How Your Legal Rent Increase Is Calculated
Last updated 25 October 2026
Every Dubai rent increase at renewal comes down to two things: the official index average for similar units, and the bands in Decree 43 of 2013. Here's how they fit together.
Step 1: the index sets the 'average rent'
Decree 43 says the average rental value of similar units is set by the Rent Index approved by RERA. The DLD's Smart Rent Index uses artificial intelligence to produce standardised assessments for all residential areas, including special development zones and free zones, drawing on contract values in the building, area averages and building classification.
The DLD explains that an increase applies only if the landlord notified the tenant at least 90 days before the contract expires and the index confirms eligibility. If the index supports an increase but notice was less than 90 days, the increase does not apply. Where the old and new index disagree, the renewal date decides which one applies.
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai in 2026?
It depends on how far your rent is below the index average for similar units (Decree 43 of 2013, Article 1): up to 10% below = no increase; 11–20% = 5%; 21–30% = 10%; 31–40% = 15%; more than 40% = 20%.
What is the Smart Rent Index?
The Dubai Land Department's AI-based rent index covering all residential areas, including special development zones and free zones. It considers rental contract values in the building, average rents in the area and the building's classification.
Does the rent increase apply if the landlord gave late notice?
No. According to the DLD, if the index shows the property is eligible but the landlord gave less than 90 days' notice before expiry, the increase does not apply.
How do I check the legal increase for my apartment?
Use the DLD Rental Index page: enter the contract date, property type, area and other details, then click Calculate. You can also use our free RERA rent calculator to apply the Decree 43 bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai in 2026?+
It depends on how far your rent is below the index average for similar units (Decree 43 of 2013, Article 1): up to 10% below = no increase; 11–20% = 5%; 21–30% = 10%; 31–40% = 15%; more than 40% = 20%.
What is the Smart Rent Index?+
The Dubai Land Department's AI-based rent index covering all residential areas, including special development zones and free zones. It considers rental contract values in the building, average rents in the area and the building's classification.
Does the rent increase apply if the landlord gave late notice?+
No. According to the DLD, if the index shows the property is eligible but the landlord gave less than 90 days' notice before expiry, the increase does not apply.
How do I check the legal increase for my apartment?+
Use the DLD Rental Index page: enter the contract date, property type, area and other details, then click Calculate. You can also use our free RERA rent calculator to apply the Decree 43 bands.