RERA Rent Increase Calculator
— is your increase legal?
How much can rent go up in Dubai? It depends on how far your current rent sits below the average market rent in the RERA rental index: within 10% of market → no increase; 11–20% below → max 5%; 21–30% → 10%; 31–40% → 15%; over 40% below market → max 20% (Decree No. 43 of 2013). Enter your numbers below to check a proposed increase in seconds — then verify against the official index before you sign or dispute.
The legal basis — Decree 43/2013 and the 90-day rule
| 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% |
Increase above the cap? Here is what to do
- Run the official RERA index calculator in Dubai REST and screenshot the result — it is the single most persuasive exhibit.
- Reply to your landlord in writing, citing the index figure and Decree 43/2013. Many landlords back down at this step.
- Check the notice date. If the increase was announced less than 90 days before expiry, it is unenforceable this year regardless of the slabs.
- File at the Rental Dispute Centre if the landlord insists — full RDC filing guide here (fee 3.5% of annual rent, min AED 500, first hearing in 7–15 days).
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai?
It depends on how far your current rent sits below the average market rent in the RERA rental index. Within 10% of market: no increase allowed. 11–20% below: max 5%. 21–30% below: max 10%. 31–40% below: max 15%. More than 40% below: max 20%. These caps are set by Decree No. 43 of 2013.
What notice is required for a rent increase in Dubai?
The landlord must give at least 90 days written notice before the contract expiry date (Article 13(2) of Law No. 33 of 2008). An increase announced with less than 90 days notice is not enforceable for that renewal, even if it would otherwise fall within the RERA caps.
Where do I find the average market rent for my property?
Use the official RERA Rental Index calculator in the Dubai REST app or on the Dubai Land Department website (dubailand.gov.ae). Enter your area, property type and size to get the average annual rent used to compute the allowed increase.
Can my landlord increase rent mid-contract?
No. Rent is fixed for the duration of the tenancy contract. Increases can only take effect at renewal, within the Decree 43/2013 caps and with 90 days prior written notice.
What can I do if the increase is above the legal cap?
Reply in writing citing the RERA index figure and Decree 43/2013, and keep a screenshot of the official calculator result. If the landlord insists, file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre (rdc.gov.ae) — the fee is 3.5% of annual rent, minimum AED 500, and out-of-cap increases are routinely struck down.
Is this calculator official?
No — it applies the public Decree 43/2013 formula to the numbers you enter, so you can sanity-check a proposed increase in seconds. The binding figure always comes from the official RERA Rental Index calculator in Dubai REST, so verify there before signing or filing a dispute.