Dubai rent increase calculator (RERA)
Enter your current rent and the rental index average for a similar unit to see the most your landlord can increase the rent when you renew, and the last day they can tell you.
How the cap is calculated
Gap = (index average − current rent) ÷ index average × 100
Maximum increase = current rent × allowed % for that gap
Maximum new rent = current rent + maximum increase
| Your rent compared with the index average | Maximum increase |
|---|---|
| At or above the average, or up to 10% below | No increase |
| 11% to 20% below | 5% of current rent |
| 21% to 30% below | 10% |
| 31% to 40% below | 15% |
| More than 40% below | 20% |
The bands are set by Article 1 of Decree No. 43 of 2013, and Article 3 says the average comes from the Rent Index approved by RERA. Law No. 26 of 2007 (Art. 10) gives RERA the power to set these percentages, and its Article 14, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, requires 90 days' notice before the lease ends to change any term. The decree's bands are written in whole numbers; for a gap such as 10.5% the calculator applies the next band (5%), as the DLD's own calculator treats anything over 10%.
Worked examples
Example 1: the DLD's own example
Current rent AED 60,000, index average AED 80,000. Gap = (80,000 − 60,000) ÷ 80,000 = 25%, which falls in the 21–30% band, so the cap is 10%. Increase 6,000, maximum new rent AED 66,000 (AED 5,500 a month). This is the example in the DLD tenancy guide.
Example 2: rent close to the market
Current rent AED 92,000 for a two-bedroom flat, index average AED 100,000. Gap 8%, so no increase is allowed at renewal. If the landlord asks for more, you can point to the index result.
Example 3: long-term tenant far below the market
Current rent AED 45,000, index average AED 80,000. Gap 43.75%, more than 40%, so the cap is 20%. Increase 9,000, maximum new rent AED 54,000, still well below the market average. Next year the gap is smaller, so the cap will usually drop.
Example 4: exactly on a band edge
Current rent AED 80,000, index average AED 100,000. Gap exactly 20%, which is in the 11–20% band, so the cap is 5%: AED 84,000.
Step by step at renewal
- About four months before the lease ends, check the index on the DLD website or the Dubai REST app with your current rent and end date.
- If your landlord wants new terms, their notice must reach you at least 90 days before the end date. Enter the end date above to see the deadline.
- Agree the new rent in writing, sign the renewed contract and renew your Ejari registration.
- If you cannot agree, you can file a case with the Rental Disputes Centre, which applies the decree and the index.
Common mistakes
- Comparing with the wrong unit. The average must be for a similar unit: same area, property type and bedrooms.
- Applying the percentage to the market rent. The cap is a percentage of your current rent, not of the index average.
- Treating the cap as automatic. It is a maximum. Your landlord can ask for less, and you can negotiate.
- Missing the 90-day notice. An increase notice sent late does not meet the law unless your contract allows a shorter period.
- Using it outside Dubai. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates have their own rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai?
It depends on how far your current rent is below the average rent for similar units in the RERA rental index. Up to 10% below: no increase. 11–20% below: up to 5%. 21–30%: up to 10%. 31–40%: up to 15%. More than 40% below: up to 20%. The percentage is of your current rent (Decree No. 43 of 2013, Art. 1).
Where do I find the average rent?
Use the Rental Index calculator on the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app. Enter your area, property type, bedrooms, current rent and lease end date. The decree says the average must come from the Rent Index approved by RERA (Art. 3).
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
At least 90 days before the lease ends, unless your contract says otherwise (Law No. 26 of 2007, Art. 14, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008). Notice is usually sent in writing or by registered email.
Can my landlord increase the rent if it is already at the market average?
No. If your rent is at, above, or up to 10% below the index average, the decree allows no increase at renewal. The landlord can still ask, but you do not have to accept, and the Rental Disputes Centre applies the decree.
Does the cap apply in the middle of a lease?
No. Decree 43 applies "when renewing" a lease. During the lease term the agreed rent stands, unless both sides agree to change it.
Does this apply to free zones and commercial property?
Yes. The decree applies to all landlords in Dubai, public or private, including those in special development zones and free zones such as the DIFC (Art. 2). The tenancy law covers both residential and commercial leases.
What if my landlord asks for more than the cap?
Ask for the index result in writing and reply in writing. If you cannot agree, the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) can decide the fair rent, using the index and the decree. Keep paying the current rent while the case runs.
Does this apply in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
No. Decree 43 is a Dubai law. Other emirates have their own rent rules.
Results are estimates. The index average changes as RERA updates the index, and the index result on the DLD website on your renewal date is what counts in a dispute. This is not legal advice.
Last verified on 2026-11-09 against Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 Determining Rent Increase for Real Property (Arts. 1 to 3) and Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008 (Arts. 10 and 14), on the Dubai Legislation Portal (dlp.dubai.gov.ae).