Dubai RERA Rent Increase Calculator 2026
Check the maximum rent increase your Dubai landlord can apply at renewal under Decree 43 of 2013, from your current rent and the RERA average market rent.
| Your rent vs the RERA average | — |
|---|---|
| Decree 43 slab | — |
| Maximum increase allowed | — |
| Maximum new rent | — |
In short
Under Dubai Decree 43 of 2013 a landlord may raise the rent at renewal only if the current rent is more than 10% below the RERA average for similar units: 5% if 11–20% below, 10% if 21–30% below, 15% if 31–40% below and 20% if more than 40% below, with 90 days' written notice.
Who this is for: Dubai tenants checking a renewal increase, and landlords checking what they may legally ask for.
The Decree 43 rent-increase slabs
Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 caps rent increases at renewal according to how far the current rent sits below the RERA average market rent for similar properties in the same area:
| Current rent compared with RERA average | Maximum increase |
|---|---|
| Up to 10% below | 0% — no increase |
| 11% to 20% below | 5% |
| 21% to 30% below | 10% |
| 31% to 40% below | 15% |
| More than 40% below | 20% |
The decree does not allow any increase during the first year, and any increase requires 90 days' written notice before the contract expires (Law 33 of 2008, Art. 13). Tenants who receive a non-compliant demand can refuse it and, if necessary, file a case at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.
Since the index moved to a building-level "smart" rental index in 2025, the average depends on the building's star rating as well as the area — always use the official figure, which this calculator cannot look up for you.
See also: UAE Rental Yield Calculator, UAE Mortgage Affordability Calculator.
Assumptions
- Gap = (RERA average − current rent) ÷ RERA average; the slab is read from the UAE rules file (0/5/10/15/20%).
- No increase when the rent is at or above the average or within 10% below it.
- The RERA average must be entered by you from the official index; it is not looked up.
Worked example
Gap = (110,000 − 80,000) ÷ 110,000 = 27.3% below average → the 21–30% slab → maximum increase 10%.
Maximum new rent = 80,000 × 1.10 = AED 88,000. A landlord asking AED 95,000 is AED 7,000 over the legal cap.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord raise the rent every year?
Only within the slab limits, and only with 90 days' notice. If the rent is within 10% of the RERA average there is no permitted increase that year.
Where do I find the RERA average rent?
The Dubai REST app or the Dubai Land Department website rental index: enter the area, property type and size and it shows the average and the permitted increase for your current rent.
Does this apply to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
No. Abu Dhabi has no rent cap since 2013 (increases are negotiated); Sharjah freezes rent for the first three years of a tenancy. This tool is Dubai-only.
Can a landlord evict me to raise the rent?
No. Eviction at renewal needs one of the statutory reasons (owner's own use, sale, major works) with 12 months' notarised notice.
How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?
Nothing if your rent is within 10% of the RERA average; otherwise 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% depending on how far below the average it is, with 90 days' notice.
Can rent be increased in the first year in Dubai?
No — Decree 43 increases apply only at renewal, after the first year.
People also ask
How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?
Nothing if the current rent is within 10% of the RERA index average; 5% if it is 11–20% below; 10% at 21–30% below; 15% at 31–40% below; 20% if more than 40% below — no increase beyond 20%.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Dubai?
At least 90 days before the renewal date, in writing; without it the rent stays the same for the next term.
Can a landlord evict me to raise the rent?
No — eviction needs a 12-month notarised notice for the legal reasons in Law 33/2008 (sale, personal use, demolition, renovation), not for a higher rent.
Where do I check the RERA rental index?
On the Dubai REST app or the DLD website — enter the area, property type and size to see the average rent your increase is measured against.
Can rent be increased in the first year?
Only on renewal; the Decree 43/2013 cap applies to renewals, and mid-contract increases are not permitted.
What if the landlord demands more than the calculator shows?
You can refuse and renew at the lawful rent; disputes go to the Rental Dispute Centre with the Ejari contract and index printout.
Does the index apply to commercial leases?
Yes, Decree 43/2013 covers all Ejari-registered leases in Dubai, residential and commercial.
Can the landlord raise rent every year?
Each renewal is tested against the index; if last year's increase brought the rent within 10% of average, no further increase is allowed.
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