Your rent was increased illegally. Here’s what to do

Dubai’s rental market is strictly regulated to protect both landlords and tenants. Your rent can’t just double overnight—RERA, the government authority, enforces clear rules on price adjustments.

Landlords can only increase rent once per year and must give tenants a 90-day notice. The increase must align with market rates and follow RERA guidelines.

How much can your landlord legally increase the rent?

• 5% – if your rent is 11-20% below market value.

• 10% – if your rent is 21-30% below market value.

• 15% – if your rent is 31-40% below market value.

• 20% – if your rent is more than 40% below market value.

How to check the market rate?

RERA regularly analyzes rental listings and sets an official market average, which serves as the benchmark for legal rent adjustments.

You can also use the RERA Rental Calculator—enter your location and property details, and it will compare listings to determine the legal limit for your rent increase.

What is the new rental smart index?

Dubai Land Department has introduced the rental smart index, a classification and rating system ranking buildings from 1 to 5 stars. It evaluates properties based on 60 factors, influencing how rental prices are set.

This index is expected to become the new standard for rental pricing across the city.