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• Using an outdated contract end date instead of the upcoming expiry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.

FAQs on Dubai Rent Increase Calculator

• Does the calculator bind the parties?
  It is the practical reference point used in renewals and rent disputes, reflecting the bands under Decree 43/2013.
• What if my area or property type has changed?
  Re-check the inputs and save the updated result, as minor changes can affect the permitted percentage.
• Can I challenge an unlawful increase?
  Yes. If the increase exceeds the permitted band or notice was not served at least 90 days in advance, you may file a claim with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) using your evidence pack.

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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.