Rent Increases & Rent Cap
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
Landlords cannot raise your rent by any amount they choose. The UAE has rules that limit rent increases:
- Dubai RERA Index: Rent increases in Dubai are governed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) rental index. If your rent is already at market rate, the landlord generally cannot increase it.
- Percentage caps: In Dubai, increases are capped on a sliding scale — for example, if your rent is 11-20% below market value, the maximum increase is 5%. If 21-30% below, the cap is 10%, and so on up to 20%.
- 90-day notice: The landlord must give you at least 90 days' written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi previously had a 5% annual rent cap, but rules have changed — check the latest municipality guidelines.
- No mid-lease increases: Rent cannot be increased during the lease term — only at renewal.
When does it apply?
- You are a tenant in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a registered lease.
- Your lease is up for renewal and the landlord wants to increase the rent.
- Other emirates may have different rules — check with the local municipality.
What should you do?
- Check the RERA rental calculator (available online on the Dubai Land Department website) to see if the proposed increase is legal.
- If the increase exceeds the allowed percentage, reject it in writing and cite the RERA index.
- If you cannot agree, file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) before the lease expires.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept a verbal rent increase — it must be in writing with 90 days' notice.
- Do not agree to an increase above the RERA cap — even if the landlord pressures you.
- Do not leave the property just because the landlord demands more — you have the right to stay at the legal rate.
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