How Rent Increases Are Capped in Dubai
Dubai landlords cannot raise rent freely. Decree No. 43 of 2013 ties the maximum increase to how far your current rent sits below the average market rent for similar units, as published in the RERA rental index. If your rent is within 10% of the average, no increase is allowed at all. Even in the most extreme case, the increase is capped at 20% per renewal.
Where to Find Your Market Average
The official average for your building type and area comes from the Dubai Land Department's Smart Rental Index, available through the Dubai REST app. Since 2025 the index also scores individual buildings (A to D classifications), which feeds into what landlords can charge. Look up your unit there, then enter the average into the calculator above.
Your Rights as a Tenant
- Landlords must give 90 days written notice before the contract renewal date to change the rent.
- If the proposed increase exceeds the slab limit, you can refuse it and renew at the legal maximum.
- Disputes go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC) at Dubai Land Department.
- An increase agreed outside these limits is not enforceable just because it is written in the contract.
Renting Near the Metro
Rent and commute costs trade off against each other. Living near a Red or Green Line station often lets a household drop a second car entirely. Compare areas with our Dubai cost of living calculator and browse areas along the metro to see station-by-station options.