What is the maximum rent increase allowed in Dubai?

Under Decree 43/2013, the maximum rent increase in Dubai is 20%, and only if your current rent is more than 40% below the average market rent for similar properties in your area according to the RERA rental index.

Can my landlord increase rent without notice?

No. Under UAE tenancy law, your landlord must provide at least 90 days written notice before your contract renewal date for any rent increase. If they fail to give proper notice, the increase is void.

What can I do if my landlord proposes an illegal rent increase?

You can use the RERA rent calculator to verify the allowed increase, send a formal dispute notice citing Decree 43/2013, and if the landlord persists, file a case at the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) in Dubai.

Can My Landlord Increase Rent in Dubai? [2026 Guide]

If you're a tenant in Dubai, you've probably faced — or worried about — a rent increase at renewal time. The good news is that Dubai has strict laws governing how much your landlord can raise the rent. Here's everything you need to know.

The Legal Framework: Decree No. 43 of 2013

Rent increases in Dubai are regulated by Decree No. 43 of 2013, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This decree establishes a tiered system based on how your current rent compares to the average market rent for similar properties in your area.

The RERA rental index, maintained by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), determines the average market rent for each area, property type, and number of bedrooms.

The Rent Increase Brackets

Here's how the permitted increase is calculated:

0% increase — if your rent is equal to or up to 10% below the market average
Up to 5% increase — if your rent is 11–20% below the market average
Up to 10% increase — if your rent is 21–30% below the market average
Up to 15% increase — if your rent is 31–40% below the market average
Up to 20% increase — if your rent is more than 40% below the market average

This means the maximum possible increase is 20%, regardless of how far below market your rent may be.

The 90-Day Notice Requirement

Even if a rent increase is within the legal brackets, your landlord must notify you at least 90 days before your contract renewal date. This notice must be in writing. If your landlord fails to give proper notice, the increase is legally void and your contract renews at the current rate.

What to Do If Your Increase Seems Illegal

Check the RERA rental index — Use our free rent checker tool to see what increase (if any) is legally permitted
Respond in writing — Send a formal notice to your landlord citing Decree 43/2013 and the allowed percentage
File at the RDC — If your landlord insists on an illegal increase, you can file a case at the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC)

Common Myths About Rent Increases

Myth: Landlords can increase rent by any amount at renewal. Fact: Increases are capped by Decree 43/2013.
Myth: Verbal notice is sufficient. Fact: Notice must be in writing and given 90 days before renewal.
Myth: If you signed the new rate, you can't dispute it. Fact: Clauses that contradict RERA regulations are legally unenforceable.

Check Your Rent Increase Now

Use RentShield's free RERA rent calculator to instantly check whether your landlord's proposed increase is legal. It takes less than 30 seconds and could save you thousands of dirhams.

Related Resources

Complete Guide to Tenant Rights in Dubai
How the RERA Rent Calculator Works
Scan Your Tenancy Contract for Red Flags
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