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How much can my Dubai rent go up?
Decree 43 of 2013 caps renewal increases by how far your rent is below the RERA index average: up to 10% below, none; 11-20% below, 5%; 21-30%, 10%; 31-40%, 15%; over 40%, 20%. The landlord must give 90 days' notice. Since January 2025, the DLD Smart Rental Index sets the average.
Sources checked 20 Oct 2026 · official sources first · Sources
“Check the index before your renewal letter arrives. If your rent is close to the average, the landlord cannot add a dirham.”
How much can my Dubai rent go up?
Decree 43 of 2013 caps renewal increases by how far your rent is below the RERA index average: up to 10% below, none; 11-20% below, 5%; 21-30%, 10%; 31-40%, 15%; over 40%, 20%.
Step by step
- Open the DLD Rental Index (DLD website, Dubai REST or DubaiNow). It is free and gives an instant result.
- Enter the contract expiry date, property type, area, number of rooms and current annual rent.
- Read the average rent and the permitted increase.
- Work out how far your rent is below the average and apply the Decree 43/2013 band.
- Check the landlord gave written notice at least 90 days before expiry (Art. 14; DLD confirmed this still applies under the smart index).
- If you disagree, negotiate or file a renewal case at the RDC (3.5% of annual rent, AED 500-20,000).
What it costs
Documents you need
- Current Ejari / tenancy contract (expiry date, rent)
- Landlord's written 90-day notice
How long it takes: Calculator: immediate. Notice: at least 90 days before expiry.
The numbers behind Dubai renting: 480,371 residential Ejari leases started in Dubai between 1 Jan and 15 Oct 2026: 187,978 new market leases (39%) and 286,377 renewals (60%). Source: Dubai Land Department Ejari open data.
Where the sources disagree
- DLD's 2 Jan 2025 release and Dubai Media Office cite 'Decree No. (34) of 2013'. The legislation is Decree No. 43 of 2013 (Dubai Legislation Portal).
- The DLD/Media Office release says rents 'more than 40% above the average' may rise up to 20%. Decree 43/2013 says 'more than 40% below' the average. The release appears to be a wording error.
We quote the official figure where there is one. Check the official page before you pay.
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Questions
What is the Smart Rental Index?
DLD's AI-based index, launched 2 January 2025. It rates buildings on structure, finish and maintenance quality, location, and services such as maintenance, cleanliness and parking, as well as market conditions. It covers all residential areas, including free zones; commercial and industrial indexes are planned (DLD; Dubai Media Office).
Which index applied if notice was given under the old one?
Cushman & Wakefield, citing DLD: the previous index for contracts renewed before 2025, the new one for renewals during 2025 (secondary).
What is the legal basis?
Decree 43 of 2013 Art. 1 sets the bands. Art. 3 says the average comes from the Rent Index approved by RERA. It took effect on issue, 18 December 2013.
Sources (checked 20 Oct 2026)
- Decree No. 43 of 2013 Determining Rent Increase, Dubai Legislation Portal (official)
- DLD eService: Rental Index (official calculator)
- DLD news: Smart Rental Index announcement, 2 Jan 2025 (official)
- Dubai Media Office: Smart Rental Index, 2 Jan 2025 (official)
- Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007, Dubai Legislation Portal (official)
- Cushman & Wakefield: 90-day notice under smart index (secondary)
More guides: Register Ejari · Ejari online · Renew Ejari · Ejari certificate · Tenancy contract · DEWA move-in · Security deposit · Rent cheques · Eviction notice · Rental disputes
Rent increase calculator → · The Haggle-o-Meter → · The Dirham Stretcher → · All renting guides →
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