Renting Property
Rent Increase Rules in Dubai
How much can your rent legally increase?
Updated: September 2026 4 min read
In Dubai, a landlord can only raise the rent when the lease is renewed, only if your current rent is more than 10% below the average for similar properties, and only after giving you 90 days' notice. The maximum increase is set by Decree No. 43 of 2013.
How much the rent can go up
The cap depends on how far your current rent is below the average rent for comparable properties:
- Up to 10% below average: no increase allowed
- More than 10% and up to 20% below average: up to 5%
- More than 20% and up to 30% below average: up to 10%
- More than 30% and up to 40% below average: up to 15%
- More than 40% below average: up to 20%
Where the average comes from
The average is the Dubai Land Department's rental index, built from registered Ejari contracts. Since 2025 the DLD's Smart Rental Index also rates each building, so comparisons are made against similar buildings rather than the whole area. Check your property with the DLD's rental index calculator on the Dubai REST app or DLD website.
Notice and timing
- Any change to the rent or terms must be notified at least 90 days before the lease expires, unless the contract says otherwise. To check the maximum increase for your numbers, use the rent increase calculator at /tools/rent-increase-calculator.
- The rent can be changed only on renewal, not during the contract term.
- Keep written records of all notices.
If you disagree
Try to resolve it with your landlord using the rental index result. If that fails, either party can file a case with Dubai's Rental Disputes Center.
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord increase the rent in Dubai?
It depends on how far your rent is below the average for similar properties, under Decree No. 43 of 2013. 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%.
Can my landlord raise the rent in the middle of the lease?
No. The rent can be changed only on renewal, not during the contract term. Any change must be notified at least 90 days before the lease expires, unless the contract says otherwise.
What is the Dubai rental index and where do I check it?
It is the Dubai Land Department's rental index, built from registered Ejari contracts, and it sets the average rent used to cap increases. Since 2025 its Smart Rental Index also rates each building. Check your property with the rental index calculator on the Dubai REST app or the DLD website.
What can I do if I disagree with a rent increase?
Try to resolve it with your landlord using the rental index result, and keep written records of all notices. If that fails, either party can file a case with Dubai's Rental Disputes Center.
Sources
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