RERA Rent Increase Calculator: Dubai

Article 1 of Decree No. 43 of 2013 sets the maximum increase when a lease is renewed, based on how far the current rent is below the average market rent:

The percentage is of your current rent, not of the index average. Under Article 3, the average is the “Rent Index of the Emirate of Dubai” approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Under Article 2, the decree applies to all landlords in Dubai, including special development areas, free zones and DIFC.

How far below = (index average − current rent) ÷ index average × 100

Maximum new rent = current rent × (1 + bracket %)

Open the DLD Rental Index on the DLD website, or use the Dubai REST or DubaiNow app. Enter your contract expiry date, property type, area, number of rooms and current annual rent. It shows the average rent and the increase it allows. Copy the average into the calculator above, or use the DLD result directly: it is the official figure.

In January 2025 the Dubai Land Department launched the Smart Rental Index. It changed how the average rent is determined, not the brackets:

• What changed:a building classification system now feeds the index. It considers a building's technical and structural characteristics, the quality of its finishes and maintenance, its location, and the services and facilities it offers. The index covers all residential areas, including special development zones and free zones.
• What didn't change:the increase percentages. DLD's announcement confirms increases still start at 0% and go up to 20%, in line with the 2013 decree.

Illustrative figures only, not market data. Round numbers chosen to show the arithmetic:

In this example the landlord could ask for up to AED 82,500 at renewal, with 90 days' notice. A request for AED 90,000 would be more than the decree allows.

• Only at renewal.The decree applies “upon renewing” a lease. Article 13 of Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended, lets landlord and tenant change terms or increase or reduce the rent before the contract expires, for its renewal.
• With 90 days' notice. Article 14 requires the party who wants a change to notify the other at least 90 days before the lease expires, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
• Within the bracket.If your rent is at or above the index average, or within 10% of it, the decree allows no increase. The decree caps increases; it doesn't oblige a landlord to cut the rent.

1. Check the notice.Was the change notified at least 90 days before your lease ends? If not, and your contract doesn't set a different period, the proposal doesn't meet Article 14.
2. Run the official check. Get the result from the DLD Rental Index calculator for your property and keep a copy.
3. Reply in writing. Send the landlord the DLD result and the amount you accept. Keep every message.
4. Go to the Rental Disputes Center if you can't agree. The Rental Disputes Center hears Dubai rent disputes and offers an amicable settlement route before a lawsuit. Under Article 13, where the parties don't agree, the tribunal may determine a fair rent. You need your Ejari-registered contract.

For the full process, see how to renew your lease in Dubai and our UAE rental laws guide.

This calculator is for Dubai only. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) announced on 3 June 2026 a 0% cap on renewals of residential, commercial and industrial tenancy contracts, for a temporary period and until further notice. Check ADREC's announcement for the current position before you renew.

• Look up the index for you. It uses the average you enter. A wrong average gives a wrong answer.
• Replace the DLD result. Use the DLD Rental Index calculator as the official figure.
• Cover other emirates. Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates have their own rules.

Budgeting for a move instead? Estimate the full yearly cost with the rental cost calculator, or browse properties for rent in Dubai.