Rent Increase Refusal Letter Dubai — Tenant Template (2026)

Quick answer

If your Dubai landlord requests a rent increase above the RERA Rent Index cap, or gives fewer than 90 days notice, the request is legally invalid and you can refuse. Respond in writing citing Decree 43/2013 and the applicable tier. If they persist, file at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. Free tenant response template below in English, Arabic and WhatsApp.

Fill your details

The email, WhatsApp and Arabic versions update automatically as you type.

Your full name (tenant)

Landlord full name

Property address

Current annual rent (AED)

Landlord's proposed rent (AED)

Their requested % increase

Your maximum per RERA Index (%)

Your maximum lawful rent (AED)

Today's date

Subject: Response to Rent Adjustment Notice — Unit 1502, Marina Diamond 5, Dubai Marina

Dear Mohammed Al Maktoum,

Thank you for your notice regarding a proposed rent adjustment for Unit 1502, Marina Diamond 5, Dubai Marina from AED 100000 to AED 130000 (30%).

I must respectfully decline the proposed increase in its current form. Under Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 (the RERA Rent Index), the maximum permitted rent increase for this property is 5%, which would place the maximum lawful new annual rent at AED 105000. The requested 30% substantially exceeds this cap and is therefore legally invalid under Article 14 of Law No. 33 of 2008.

I remain willing to renew the tenancy at a rent that complies with the RERA Rent Index, i.e. at or below AED 105000 annually. If you wish to proceed on that basis, please confirm in writing and I will arrange a renewed DLD Unified Tenancy Contract and re-registration of Ejari.

If we cannot reach agreement on a lawful figure, I reserve my right to refer this matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre pursuant to Law No. 26 of 2007.

Yours sincerely,
John Smith
9 September 2026

Open in mail app

When to use this letter

Your landlord has proposed an increase above the RERA Rent Index cap
The notice was given fewer than 90 days before the contract end date
The landlord has not cited the RERA Rent Index tier
You want to negotiate a lawful figure instead of accepting the demand

What Dubai law says

RERA Decree No. 43 of 2013 caps rent increases based on how far below the market rate the current rent sits. Article 14 of Law No. 33 of 2008 requires 90-day written notice. An increase above the cap, or notice given less than 90 days before the end date, has no legal effect. The tenant can lawfully refuse it and continue the tenancy at the existing rent (subject to the tenant giving their own 90-day non-renewal notice separately, or accepting a lawful figure).

How to deliver it

Email plus registered post. Reference the specific RERA Rent Index screenshot from the Dubai REST app in your delivery so there is no dispute about the cap you cited.

If they ignore it

If the landlord persists, evicts, or refuses to renew because you would not accept an unlawful figure, file at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. The filing fee is 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500, max AED 20,000). Bring the notice, your refusal letter, the RERA calculation and the Ejari certificate.

Frequently asked

Can I refuse a rent increase in Dubai?

Yes, if the increase exceeds the RERA Rent Index cap or if 90-day notice was not given. Respond in writing citing the specific tier and the maximum lawful figure.

What if my landlord threatens to evict me for refusing?

Refusing an unlawful rent increase is not grounds for eviction under Law 26/2007. A landlord who evicts or attempts to evict in retaliation is themselves in breach, and the tenant can claim compensation at the Rental Dispute Centre.

How do I calculate the maximum lawful rent increase?

Open the Dubai REST app > Services > Rent Calculator. Input property type, area, size and bedrooms. It returns the market rent range for the property and the maximum permitted increase percentage for your specific unit.

Does the landlord have to prove the RERA Index tier?

Yes, the burden is on the landlord to justify the increase against the published Index. If they cannot, the increase is invalid regardless of the amount.

What if I paid an unlawful increase already?

You can reclaim the excess through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. Keep proof of what you paid versus what the RERA Index permitted.

Should I keep paying the old rent while disputing?

Yes. Continue paying the previous lawful rent on time. Do not pay the disputed higher figure — paying it can be treated as tacit acceptance of the new rate.

Related templates

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Rent Increase Notice Dubai

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