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RegulatoryGlossary

Decree No. 43 of 2013 — Rent Increase Regulation

Decree No. 43 of 2013 (issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum) is the regulation that limits how much a Dubai landlord can increase rent at the time of lease renewal. The decree ties permitted rent increases to the RERA Rental Index, capping increases at between 0% and 20% depending on how far below market rate the current rent sits.

People searching for “Decree 43 of 2013 Dubai rent increase” (Dubai rent increase limit, RERA rent increase percentage) are usually drafting a notice, checking a landlord claim, or preparing an RDSC bundle—use the sections below to connect the definition to your documents.

Why this term matters

Understanding “Decree No. 43 of 2013 — Rent Increase Regulation” helps you read notices, contracts, and RDSC correspondence accurately. Clear definitions reduce confusion when you compare your situation with official requirements or seek advice.

This term is most relevant to Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) rules. If you are preparing for the RDSC, connect the definition to your own documents: the words on the page must match what you can prove with Ejari, dates, and written communications.

People searching for “Decree 43 of 2013 Dubai rent increase” are usually trying to (a) confirm a rule, (b) draft a letter, or (c) decide whether to file. Use the glossary definition alongside the technical section below—then cross-check the law reference with your contract and any notices you received.

Related ideas: Dubai rent increase limit, RERA rent increase percentage, maximum rent increase Dubai. These phrases often appear in landlord and agent emails; knowing how they fit together helps you respond without conceding points that conflict with Law No. 26 of 2007 or its amendments.

DubaiRentCase provides general guidance and document preparation tools; it does not provide legal advice. If your dispute is complex or high-value, consult a qualified UAE tenancy lawyer.

Decree No. 43 of 2013 (Determining the Increase of Real Property Rent in the Emirate of Dubai)

The percentage of rent increase shall be determined according to the rental index issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.

In Depth

Before Decree No. 43 of 2013, Dubai's rent increase rules under the 2007/2008 tenancy laws allowed increases tied to the RERA index but with less precision. The 2013 decree created a clear tiered structure: if your current rent is within 10% of the RERA index median for your area and property type, no increase is permitted. If it is 11–20% below median, a maximum 5% increase applies. If 21–30% below, a maximum 10% increase. If 31–40% below, a maximum 15% increase. If more than 40% below market, a maximum 20% increase is allowed.

These caps apply only at the time of renewal — not mid-tenancy. A landlord cannot increase rent during the term of an active contract unless the contract explicitly provides for this. Even then, the total amount at renewal must comply with the Decree 43 limits.

The RERA Rental Index, accessible via the Dubai REST app, provides the market benchmark. Tenants can enter their property details (location, type, size, floor level) to receive the permitted rent range. If a landlord's proposed new rent exceeds the legally permitted amount, the tenant can reject the increase and, if the landlord persists, file a case at the RDSC to have the increase nullified.

It is important to note that Decree 43 sets a maximum — landlords and tenants are free to agree on a lower increase or none at all. A tenant who has been a good tenant and maintains a good relationship with their landlord can often negotiate well below the legal maximum.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

My landlord wants to increase my rent by 25%. Is this legal?

It depends on how your current rent compares to the RERA Index for your area and unit type. A 25% increase is only permitted if your rent is currently more than 40% below the market median. Use the RERA Rent Calculator on the Dubai REST app to check.

Can a landlord increase rent mid-tenancy?

Generally no — unless your contract specifically includes a mid-tenancy escalation clause. Even so, Decree 43 caps apply at renewal to the total rent, so any mid-term increases must not take the overall annual rent above the permitted ceiling.

What if my landlord claims the RERA Index doesn't apply to my area?

The RERA Index covers all areas of Dubai covered by Law No. 26 of 2007. There are very few exceptions (mainly DIFC). If your property is registered on Ejari, the index applies.

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