Rent Increase Objection Letter
When a Dubai landlord proposes a rent increase at renewal that exceeds the RERA Rental Index limits under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the tenant should respond formally in writing — not just verbally or by WhatsApp. This example letter demonstrates exactly how to cite the RERA Index, apply the Decree 43 tiers, and put the landlord on notice of RDSC action.
Scenario
Scenario: A tenant rents a 2-bedroom apartment in Business Bay for AED 90,000 per year. The RERA Rental Index for this building and unit type shows a market median of AED 110,000. Under Decree 43, the tenant's rent being 18% below median permits a maximum 5% increase (to AED 94,500). The landlord has proposed a renewal rent of AED 115,000 — a 27.8% increase, which exceeds the maximum legal cap.
The Example
Demand Letters
[Your Full Name] [Your Address / Email] [Date] [Landlord Full Name / Property Management Company] [Landlord Address / Email] RE: FORMAL OBJECTION TO PROPOSED RENT INCREASE Property: [Unit Number, Building Name, Business Bay] Ejari Contract No.: [XXXX-XXXX-XXXX] Current Annual Rent: AED 90,000 Proposed Annual Rent: AED 115,000 (increase of 27.8%) Dear [Landlord Name], I write in response to your notice of [date] proposing a rental increase to AED 115,000 per annum for the above property upon renewal. I formally object to this proposed increase as it exceeds the maximum permissible rent increase under Dubai law. LEGAL POSITION: Under Decree No. 43 of 2013 (Determining the Increase of Real Property Rent in the Emirate of Dubai), the permissible rent increase is determined by the RERA Rental Index. I have checked the RERA Rental Index via the official Dubai REST application: – RERA Rental Index median for this property (2BR, [Building Name], Business Bay): AED 110,000/year – My current rent: AED 90,000/year – Difference from median: approximately 18% below median – Applicable Decree 43 tier: 11–20% below median = maximum 5% increase – Maximum lawful renewal rent: AED 90,000 × 1.05 = AED 94,500 A proposed rent of AED 115,000 exceeds the legally permitted maximum of AED 94,500 by AED 20,500. This proposed increase is unlawful under Decree No. 43 of 2013. MY POSITION: I am willing to renew the tenancy at the maximum lawful rent of AED 94,500 per annum, payable on the same terms as the existing contract. I request that you confirm your acceptance of AED 94,500 as the renewal rent within 7 days of this letter. If you proceed with demanding AED 115,000, I will: 1. Refuse to sign any new contract at that amount. 2. File a case at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC) requesting the RDSC to fix the renewal rent at the lawful amount. 3. Seek recovery of all RDSC costs and filing fees from you as the losing party. I attach a screenshot of the RERA Rental Index result for reference. Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name] [Emirates ID Number] [Phone Number] Enclosures: – Screenshot of RERA Rental Index result ([date of search]) – Copy of current Ejari tenancy contract
Why This Works
The letter's greatest strength is its specificity. It doesn't just say 'your increase is too high' — it shows the exact RERA Index figure, applies the correct Decree 43 tier, and arrives at the precise maximum lawful rent. This leaves no room for the landlord to claim misunderstanding.
Attaching a screenshot of the RERA Rental Index result transforms a claim into documented evidence. The landlord cannot simply contradict a screenshot produced from the official government tool.
The letter makes a concrete counter-offer (AED 94,500) rather than simply refusing. This signals good faith and a willingness to renew — removing the landlord's argument that the tenant is being obstructive.
The explicit warning of RDSC filing — with the additional threat of cost recovery — is strategically important. Most landlords would rather accept a slightly lower rent than face RDSC costs, public scrutiny, and the delay of a tribunal process.
Key Elements
- Exact current rent and proposed rent stated numerically
- RERA Rental Index figure cited with the search date
- Decree 43 tier applied precisely with calculation shown
- Maximum lawful rent calculated to the exact dirham
- Counter-offer at the lawful amount — not simply a refusal
- 7-day response deadline
- RDSC action threatened with specific cost recovery warning
- RERA screenshot attached as evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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