RERA — Real Estate Regulatory Agency

RERA was established in 2007 under Law No. 16 of 2007. It operates under the Dubai Land Department and has broad powers to regulate all aspects of the real estate market — from developer licensing and off-plan project registration to the day-to-day regulation of tenancy relationships between landlords and tenants.

One of RERA's most practically significant roles for tenants is administering the RERA Rental Index. Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, landlords in Dubai can only increase rent at renewal if the current rent falls below the market average shown in the RERA Index for that area. The permitted increase is capped at 5–20% depending on how far below market the rent sits. This means tenants can verify with certainty whether their landlord's proposed rent hike is legal.

RERA also oversees the licensing of real estate agents, manages Ejari, and supervises the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC). When a tenant or landlord files a case at the RDSC, the regulatory framework underpinning the hearing — the rules about deposits, notices, maintenance obligations, and increases — was crafted and is enforced by RERA.

Tenants can contact RERA directly via the DLD's call centre (800-DLD / 800-353) or through the Dubai REST app. RERA also publishes official guidance on tenant and landlord obligations, and the RERA Rental Index is freely accessible online.