Rent increase in Dubai: the legal caps,
90-day notice, and how to dispute
Can your landlord raise the rent? Only at renewal, only with 90 days written notice, and only within the caps of Decree No. 43 of 2013: no increase if your rent is within 10% of the RERA index average, and at most 5–20% when your rent sits further below market. An increase that breaks either rule is unenforceable — and refusing it is not a ground for eviction. This guide walks through the slabs, the notice rule, and exactly how to push back.
The Decree 43/2013 slabs — 2026 rates
| Rent within 10% of market average | 0% — no increase allowed |
| 11–20% below market | Max 5% |
| 21–30% below market | Max 10% |
| 31–40% below market | Max 15% |
| More than 40% below market | Max 20% |
The 90-day notice rule — the increase killer
- Notice sent 60 days before expiry? The increase cannot apply this renewal.
- Verbal "the rent is going up" with nothing in writing? Not a valid notice.
- Notice within 90 days but above the slab? Only the capped portion can ever apply — and an out-of-cap demand can be refused entirely.
How to dispute an illegal increase — 4 steps
- Verify the numbers. Run the official RERA index calculator and our quick checker; screenshot both.
- Reply in writing. Cite the index figure, Decree 43/2013 and — if applicable — the missed 90-day notice. Offer to renew at the legal figure.
- Do not move out under pressure. Refusing an illegal increase is not a ground for eviction; the landlord needs a 12-month notarised notice on limited grounds — see the eviction notice guide.
- File at the RDC if the landlord insists: full filing guide. Fee 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500); out-of-cap increases are struck down as a matter of routine.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?
Increases are capped by Decree No. 43 of 2013 based on the RERA rental index: no increase if your rent is within 10% of the market average, then a maximum of 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% as your rent falls 11–20%, 21–30%, 31–40% or more than 40% below market. Check your exact cap with the free rent increase calculator on this site or the official RERA index in Dubai REST.
Is a rent increase valid without 90 days notice in Dubai?
No. Article 13(2) of Law No. 33 of 2008 requires the landlord to notify the tenant of any contract change, including rent, at least 90 days before expiry. Less than 90 days notice makes the increase unenforceable for that renewal even if it is within the RERA caps.
Can my landlord increase the rent during the contract?
No. Rent is fixed for the duration of the tenancy contract and can only change at renewal. A mid-contract increase demand has no legal force.
How do I dispute an illegal rent increase in Dubai?
Reply in writing citing the RERA index figure and Decree 43/2013, attach a screenshot of the official calculator, and refuse the out-of-cap portion. If the landlord threatens non-renewal or insists, file at the Rental Dispute Centre (rdc.gov.ae) — fee 3.5% of annual rent, minimum AED 500. Remember the landlord cannot evict you for refusing an illegal increase.
Can the landlord evict me if I refuse the rent increase?
Not for that reason. Eviction at contract end requires a 12-month notarised notice on specific legal grounds (sale, personal use, demolition, major renovation). Refusing an above-cap increase is not a ground for eviction, and the tenancy renews on the legal terms if you continue occupying the property.