Most renewal talk in Dubai is about increases. But the law works both ways.
What the law says
Article 13: at renewal, the landlord and tenant may amend any term or review the rent, 'whether increasing or decreasing it'. If they cannot agree, the Tribunal (now the Rental Disputes Centre) may determine a fair rent using the Article 9 criteria — RERA's rent criteria, the economic situation, the property's condition and average rents of similar properties in the area.
Read Article 13 and Article 9.
How to ask for a reduction
1
Check the index
Run your unit through the DLD Rental Index calculator and note the average for similar units.
2
Give notice in time
Write to the landlord at least 90 days before expiry (Article 14), proposing the new rent with your evidence.
3
Negotiate
Offer something in return — a longer term, fewer cheques or early renewal.
4
If there's no agreement
You can ask the Rental Disputes Centre to determine the fair rent.
See our Smart Rental Index guide, the RERA rent calculator and notice periods.