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Dubai rent increase calculator

The most a landlord can raise rent at renewal under RERA's Decree No. 43 of 2013, from the current rent and the Smart Rental Index average, and the last day to give notice. General information, not legal advice.

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The yearly figure the Smart Rental Index on the Dubai REST app or the DLD website shows for your unit.

Used to work out the last day to give notice of the new rent.

Most you can ask at renewalAED 84,000
Below the average by
20%
Increase allowed
5%
Extra a year, at most
AED 4,000
Notice must reach the tenant by
31/12/2026
  1. Up to 10% below averageNo increase
  2. 11% to 20% belowUp to 5%
  3. 21% to 30% belowUp to 10%
  4. 31% to 40% belowUp to 15%
  5. More than 40% belowUp to 20%

How the Dubai rent cap works

Dubai does not allow a free rent increase at renewal. The landlord compares the current rent with the average rent for similar units in the Smart Rental Index. The further the current rent is below that average, the bigger the increase allowed, up to 20%. A rent at or above the average, or less than 10% below it, cannot go up at all.

The 90 day notice

Any change to the terms at renewal, including the rent, needs written notice at least 90 days before the lease ends. Miss the date and the lease renews on the same terms. Send the notice in a way you can prove: by email with a reply, by registered post, or through a notary.

The rules in other emirates

The brackets on this page are Dubai's. In Sharjah, rent cannot rise in the first three years of a tenancy unless both sides agree. Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates have their own rules. Check with the emirate's rent authority before sending a notice.

Managing renewals across a building is easier with a list of every lease ending in the next 90, 60 and 30 days. Aangan for UAE buildings keeps that list, notes the notice date next to each lease and sends the tenant messages on WhatsApp.

Sources: Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 rent increase brackets and the Smart Rental Index (wasl); Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008, 90 days notice (Gulf News, Ask the Law); Sharjah Law No. 5 of 2024 on property leasing (Gulf News summary).

Questions about rent increases

It depends on how far the current rent is below the average for similar units. Under Decree No. 43 of 2013: no increase up to 10% below the average, up to 5% when 11% to 20% below, 10% when 21% to 30% below, 15% when 31% to 40% below, and 20% when more than 40% below.

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