If your Dubai landlord proposes a higher rent at renewal, three things usually decide what happens next: whether the notice was given correctly, what your lease says, and what the Dubai rent index shows for your type of unit.
Start with the notice
Published guidance on Dubai tenancy law describes a written notice requirement: a landlord or tenant who wants to change the terms of a tenancy at renewal, including the rent, should give written notice at least 90 days before the contract expires, unless the parties agreed otherwise. Check the date on any notice you received and how it was delivered, and keep the proof.
How the rent index limits an increase
Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the maximum increase depends on how far the current rent is below the average rent for similar units, as shown by the Dubai rental index approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The published bands are:
- Up to 10% below the average: no increase.
- 11% to 20% below: up to 5%.
- 21% to 30% below: up to 10%.
- 31% to 40% below: up to 15%.
- More than 40% below: up to 20%.
The index and the rules can be updated, so always confirm the current figures for your unit on the official Dubai Land Department tools before you rely on this summary.
What to check in your own tenancy
- Contract dates. Confirm the expiry date on your registered tenancy contract and count back the notice period.
- Renewal clause. Read whether your lease says anything about renewal, notice or rent changes.
- Index result. Check the result for the right area, property type and size, and save a copy or screenshot with the date.
- The landlord’s offer. Keep the written proposal and any reply, including messages and emails.
- Payment history. Keep proof of rent paid and any receipts, since a dispute can turn on the record.
If you cannot agree
If the landlord and tenant cannot agree on the rent at renewal, published guidance says the Rental Disputes Center can decide the matter. Our guide to preparing a Dubai rental dispute case explains the documents to organise first.
Common questions
What if the notice came less than 90 days before expiry?
Keep the notice and proof of when and how it was delivered. Timing can matter, so ask for advice on your facts before you accept or refuse the proposal.
Does the rent index apply to every property?
Not necessarily. The rules apply to tenancies covered by Dubai’s tenancy law, so confirm that yours is covered and check how your lease is registered.
Which documents should I keep?
Keep the tenancy contract, the notice, rent index results, payment records and all correspondence with the landlord or agent.
Official sources and further reading
This guide is based on the sources below. Rules and index figures can change, so check the current position before acting.
- Dubai Land Department: official site and rental index tools
- Khaleej Times: how much rent landlords can increase under the rental index
- Wasl: RERA rental calculator and increase bands
Related Legal Compass guides
- Dubai Rental Dispute Centre: how to prepare a rental case
- Dubai rental deposit disputes: documents and first steps
- Dubai eviction notice: what tenants and landlords should check
Get help with a rent increase or tenancy dispute
If you have received a rent increase notice or a renewal proposal you are unsure about, we can review your documents and explain your options. First-time clients can book a free 15-minute consultation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Your situation depends on your facts and the documents involved.