How much can my landlord increase my rent in DIFC, Dubai?

It depends on how far your current rent is below the DIFC market average. Under Dubai Decree 43/2013: 0% if within 10% of market, up to 5% if 11-20% below, up to 10% if 21-30% below, up to 15% if 31-40% below, and up to 20% if more than 40% below market. Use the free calculator on this page to get your exact figure.

What is the average rent in DIFC?

Based on the 2025 RERA rental index, average annual rents in DIFC range from approximately AED 80,000 to AED 280,000 depending on property type and bedrooms.

Is a 20% rent increase legal in DIFC?

A 20% increase is only legal in DIFC if your current rent is more than 40% below the market average for your property type, AND your landlord gave you 90 days written notice before renewal. Otherwise the maximum is lower or zero. Check your exact case with the calculator above.

How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase in Dubai?

At least 90 days written notice before the lease renewal date. If the landlord misses this window, any proposed rent increase is void and the contract renews at the existing rent on the same terms.

Free Tool · Dubai

DIFC Rent Increase Calculator

Find out exactly how much your landlord can legally raise your rent in DIFC, Dubai under RERA Decree No. 43 of 2013. Based on DIFC market rents of AED 80,000–280,000 (2025 index). Free, instant, no signup.

Check your DIFC rent increase

The calculator below is pre-set to DIFC. Pick your property type, bedrooms, and enter your current annual rent.

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How much do you pay per year? (AED)

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How much extra is your landlord asking for? (AED) - if you know it

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Average market rent in DIFC (2025)

These are the RERA rental index averages for DIFC. Your allowed rent increase depends on how far your current rent sits below these figures — that is the comparison Decree 43/2013 uses.

Apartment — DIFC

Bedrooms	Average annual rent (AED)
Studio	AED 80,000
1 Bedroom	AED 120,000
2 Bedrooms	AED 180,000
3 Bedrooms	AED 280,000

Office — DIFC

Bedrooms	Average annual rent (AED)
Studio	AED 150,000

Source: DLD, 2025 rental index.

How much can a landlord increase rent in DIFC?

Dubai rent increases are capped by Decree No. 43 of 2013. The legal maximum depends on how far your current rent is below the DIFC market average above:

Your rent vs. market average	Max legal increase
Up to 10% below market	0% (no increase)
11% – 20% below market	Up to 5%
21% – 30% below market	Up to 10%
31% – 40% below market	Up to 15%
More than 40% below market	Up to 20%

Even if an increase is within these limits, your landlord must give you 90 days written notice before renewal. If they miss that window, the increase is void and your contract renews at the existing rent — regardless of the DIFC market rate.

Landlord's DIFC increase is illegal?

Generate a formal, bilingual legal notice citing Decree 43/2013 and your RERA calculation — ready to send to your landlord or file at the RDC.

Generate a legal notice

Check rent increases in other Dubai areas

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RentShield provides general information about UAE tenancy laws and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. For complex legal matters, consult a qualified UAE lawyer. Laws and regulations may change — always verify current requirements with official government sources.