Dubai Rent Increase Rules 2026: How Much Can Your Landlord Raise the Rent?
The RERA rental index bands under Decree 43 of 2013, the 90-day notice rule, how to check the average rent, and what to do if you disagree.
Updated 27 October 2026
Rent increases in Dubai are not up to the landlord alone. Decree No. 43 of 2013 links the maximum increase at renewal to how far your current rent is below the average rent for similar homes in the area, as published in the official rental index.
The increase bands
| Your rent compared with the average | Maximum increase |
|---|---|
| Up to 10% below | No increase |
| 11% – 20% below | 5% |
| 21% – 30% below | 10% |
| 31% – 40% below | 15% |
| More than 40% below | 20% |
Notice: 90 days
A landlord who wants to change any term of the lease, including the rent, must notify you at least 90 days before the contract expires. Without proper notice, the lease renews on the same terms.
Finding the average rent
Use the Dubai Land Department’s rental index (available on the DLD website and the Dubai REST app). Choose the same area, property type and number of bedrooms. The result is the figure to compare your current rent with.
Example
You pay AED 90,000 and the index average is AED 110,000. Your rent is 18% below average, which falls in the 11–20% band, so the maximum increase is 5% – AED 4,500, taking the rent to AED 94,500. Try your own figures in the Dubai rent increase calculator.
If you disagree
Talk to the landlord first and show the index result. If you cannot agree, you can file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre. Keep paying the current rent while the case is decided.