LifeDesk

LifeDesk › Guides

Dubai rent increase rules 2026

Your landlord cannot raise the rent by any amount. Dubai has a notice period and a rent index. Here is how to check what is allowed before you renew.

Checked October 2026

Notice before a rent change90 days before the contract ends
Rent up to 10% below the indexno increase allowed
11–20% belowup to 5%
21–30% / 31–40% belowup to 10% / 15%
More than 40% belowup to 20%

The 90-day rule

Under Dubai’s tenancy law (Law 26 of 2007, amended by Law 33 of 2008), any change to the contract at renewal — including the rent — must be notified at least 90 days before the contract ends. A late notice does not apply to this renewal.

How much can rent go up?

Decree 43 of 2013 links the increase to the RERA rental index (the average rent for similar homes):

Your rent is up to 10% below the average0%
11–20% below5%
21–30% below10%
31–40% below15%
More than 40% below20%

Example: the average is AED 80,000 and you pay AED 60,000 (25% below), so the most the rent can rise is 10% — AED 6,000.

How to check

  1. Use the rental index calculator on the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app with your area, property type and bedrooms.
  2. The newer index (from 2025) also uses a building rating, so check the result for your exact building.
  3. If you disagree with the landlord, you can file a case at the Rental Disputes Center.

Plan ahead

Set a reminder 4 months before your contract ends: check the index, talk to your landlord early, and keep the 90-day date in view.

Get a reminder before it expires — free.

Add the document once. LifeDesk reminds you on your phone, for you and your whole family.

Set a free reminder

Questions

How much notice must a Dubai landlord give before raising the rent?

At least 90 days before the tenancy contract ends.

How much can rent increase in Dubai?

Between 0% and 20%, depending on how far your current rent is below the RERA rental index average for similar homes.

Where do I check the allowed rent increase?

On the rental index calculator on the Dubai Land Department website or in the Dubai REST app.

Sources

More guides

Ejari registrationDEWA move-inUAE visa overstay finesCheck & pay traffic finesDocuments that expire in the UAE — checklistAll guides →
LifeDeskGuidesGet quotesFor businessesالعربيةFlightsPrivacyTerms

LifeDesk is not a government service. Information is checked against public sources at the date shown; rules and fees change — always confirm with the official authority.