RERA Rent Increase Calculator: How Much Can Your Landlord Raise Rent in Dubai?

Dubai regulates rent increases through the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) rental index.Here's everything you need to know about how it works and your rights when facing a rent increase.

How the RERA rent calculator works

The RERA rent calculator compares your current rent to the average market rent for similar properties in your area. Based on this comparison, it determines the maximum percentage your landlord can increase your rent.

Here's the official scale set by Decree No. 43 of 2013:

How to use the RERA calculator

Follow these steps to check your maximum allowed rent increase:

1. Step 1: Visit the Dubai Land Department website and navigate to the rental index calculator
2. Step 2: Select your property type (apartment, villa, etc.)
3. Step 3: Enter your area and building/community name
4. Step 4: Select the number of bedrooms
5. Step 5: Enter your current annual rent
6. Step 6: The calculator will show the maximum allowed increase

Important: Take a screenshot of your RERA calculator result. This is crucial evidence if you need to dispute an excessive rent increase at RDSC.

Notice requirements for rent increases

Even if your landlord is entitled to increase rent under RERA guidelines, they must:

• Provide at least 90 days written notice before the contract renewal date
• Specify the new rent amount in the notice
• Only implement the increase at contract renewal, not mid-contract

If your landlord fails to provide 90 days notice, you may have grounds to reject the increase for that renewal period.

What to do if your landlord asks for more than RERA allows

If your landlord demands a rent increase higher than what the RERA calculator shows, you have several options:

1. Show them the RERA calculation: Many landlords aren't aware of the exact limits. Showing them the official calculation may resolve the issue.
2. Negotiate: If they insist, try to negotiate a middle ground, though you're not obligated to agree to any amount above the legal limit.
3. File at RDSC: If your landlord refuses to comply, file a case at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre. RDSC judges consistently rule against excessive increases.

Can my landlord refuse to renew if I don't accept the increase?

No. Your landlord cannot refuse to renew your tenancy contract simply because you won't accept an illegal rent increase. Refusing to renew for this reason is not a valid ground for eviction under UAE law. If your landlord threatens non-renewal, you can file at RDSC to enforce your right to continue the tenancy at the legal rent amount.

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