Every year, thousands of Dubai tenants receive rent increase notices — many of them for amounts above the legal limit. Before you accept any rent increase, use the RERA Rent Index to check exactly how much your landlord is legally allowed to charge.
The RERA Rent Increase Calculator
The RERA Rent Index is the official tool published by the Dubai Land Department to determine the fair market rent for any property in Dubai. It compares your current rent to the average market rent for similar properties in your area. The difference determines the maximum legal rent increase.
Maximum Rent Increase Allowed in Dubai (2026)
- Current rent is within 10% of market rate → No increase allowed
- Current rent is 11–20% below market rate → Max 5% increase
- Current rent is 21–30% below market rate → Max 10% increase
- Current rent is 31–40% below market rate → Max 15% increase
- Current rent is more than 40% below market rate → Max 20% increase
Important Rules Your Landlord Must Follow
- Must give 90 days written notice before any rent increase
- Cannot increase rent during the contract period — only at renewal
- Must use the RERA Rent Index to justify any increase
- Cannot increase rent more than once every 12 months
- The notice must be delivered formally (registered mail or notary)
How to Check Your Market Rent (RERA Rent Calculator)
What If Your Landlord Raises Rent Illegally?
If your landlord demands a rent increase above the legal limit or without proper 90-day notice, you have the right to refuse and file a complaint with the RERA Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. The RDC will rule on the case, usually within 30 days.