How to Check If Your Landlord Can Raise Your Rent in Dubai

Introduction to Dubai Rent Increase Calculator

Residents in Dubai should understand the basics of the Dubai rent increase calculator.

Who this is for: Tenants and landlords verifying renewal increases using Dubai’s official Rental Index (RERA calculator).
When to use it: 90–180 days before renewal and whenever negotiating terms.
Time & cost: Approximately 10 minutes; the official calculator is free.
You’ll need: Current annual rent, number of bedrooms, community or area, contract end date, and optionally your Ejari or DEWA premise number.

Step-by-step

1. Open the official calculator on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website or via the Dubai REST app.
2. Enter details exactly: property type (residential or commercial), number of bedrooms, area, contract end date, and current annual rent. Even small input differences may affect the result, so ensure consistency with your contract.
3. Read the outcome: the tool will indicate whether an increase is permitted and the maximum percentage allowed at renewal, applying the caps under Decree No. 43 of 2013.
4. If no increase is allowed: save a PDF or screenshot of the result and share it with the other party. Propose renewal on the permitted terms. The DLD platform allows PDF export.
5. If an increase is allowed: consider negotiating trade-offs such as a multi-year term, maintenance caps, repainting, or AC servicing in exchange for certainty.
6. Serve notice correctly: any change, including a rent increase, requires written notice at least 90 days before contract expiry, unless both parties agree otherwise. Retain dated emails, registered mail receipts, or approved digital notices.

Quick reference — Dubai rent increase calculator bands (Decree 43/2013)

These are the caps applied by the DLD calculator, now powered by the Smart Rental Index within Dubai REST.

Evidence pack (keep this on file)

• Calculator PDF or screenshot with timestamp from the DLD platform
• Ejari certificate and the latest tenancy contract or renewal
• Notice trail (email, registered mail, or approved digital notice)
• Any agreed concessions (maintenance, repainting, AC servicing) confirmed in writing

Common pitfalls

• Selecting the wrong area or bedroom count, resulting in an incorrect outcome
• Using an outdated contract end date instead of the upcoming expiry
• Relying on unofficial calculators rather than the DLD tool
• Missing the 90-day notice, which can invalidate even a lawful increase

Outcome

A clear, official indication of the permitted rent at renewal, supported by a complete paper trail to assist negotiation or, if necessary, an RDC filing. The Dubai Land Department recognises the calculator as the reference tool for determining whether a rent increase is due.

We hope this guide helps you quickly confirm whether a rent increase is permitted in Dubai and how to document it for a smooth renewal. If you have questions about your specific tenancy, assistance is available.

For more practical content in English, explore our Publications and the English videos by our Partner, Maria Rubert.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. It provides a practical overview of rent increase rules in Dubai under RERA and Decree 43/2013, including notice requirements. Laws and practices may change; tailored advice should be obtained for individual cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dubai Rent Increase Calculator?

The Dubai Rent Increase Calculator is a tool that helps tenants and landlords estimate lawful rent adjustments under Dubai’s rental index and applicable regulations, providing clarity on potential increases based on contractual and market parameters.

How does the rent increase calculation work in Dubai?

The calculation compares the current rent with average market rents for similar properties in the same area; if the average market rent exceeds a threshold established by the rental index, the lawful increase is determined accordingly.

When can landlords apply a rent increase in Dubai?

Landlords may apply a rent increase when renewing a lease or at a point permitted under Dubai’s tenancy regulations, provided the increase complies with the rental index thresholds and notification requirements.

Can tenants challenge a proposed rent increase in Dubai?

Yes. Tenants may challenge a proposed rent increase through the Rental Dispute Centre if they believe the increase is inconsistent with the rental index or applicable tenancy laws.

Does the rent increase calculator guarantee legal protection?

The calculator provides an estimate based on available data and the rental index; it does not replace formal legal advice or the formal process at the Rental Dispute Centre, but helps parties understand likely outcomes before initiating disputes.