RERA Calculator & Rental Index Dubai 2026
In Dubai, landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) cap rent hikes strictly under Decree No. 43 of 2013 based on how far your current lease is below the market rental index.
Decree No. 43 of 2013 Brackets
Dubai RERA Rent Laws: Decree No. 43 of 2013
A complete breakdown of legal rent brackets, notice periods, and dispute resolution via Dubai's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).
Official Decree No. 43 Rent Increase Caps
| Rent Below Market Index | Max Legal Increase | Legal Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 1% to 10% below average | 0% (No hike allowed) | Article 1 (1) |
| 11% to 20% below average | 5% Maximum | Article 1 (2) |
| 21% to 30% below average | 10% Maximum | Article 1 (3) |
| 31% to 40% below average | 15% Maximum | Article 1 (4) |
| More than 40% below average | 20% Maximum | Article 1 (5) |
How is the RERA rent increase calculated in Dubai?
Can a landlord raise rent without 90 days notice in Dubai?
What can a tenant do if a landlord demands an illegal rent hike?
Does the RERA calculator apply to Abu Dhabi or other Emirates?
In-Depth RERA & Tenancy Law Guides & Statutory Analysis
Explore our comprehensive library of 7 authoritative guides covering Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 & Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008).
Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 Explained: Official 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% & 20% RERA Rent Increase Brackets
In the Emirate of Dubai, a landlord cannot arbitrarily raise your annual rent upon contract renewal just because neighboring listings on property portals are higher. Under Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 (Determining the Increase in Real Estate Rent in the Emirate of Dubai), any rental increase is strictly capped at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or an absolute ceiling of 20%, based purely on how far your current contract rent sits below the official DLD Rental Index benchmark.
The Mandatory 90-Day Rent Increase Notice Rule in Dubai (Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007): Tenant Rights
Under Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), if either the landlord or the tenant wishes to amend any term of the tenancy contract upon renewal—including increasing the rent or changing the number of cheques—they MUST notify the other party in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the contract expiration date, unless both parties mutually agreed otherwise in the contract.
How to File a Case at the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC) & Use "Offer and Deposit" When Landlord Refuses Renewal
What should you do when the official DLD Rental Index (or a missed 90-day notice) says your rent increase should be 0% or 5%, but your landlord refuses to sign the renewal contract or accept your post-dated cheques? Under Dubai tenancy law, you must NOT simply hold onto your cheques and stop paying—doing so allows the landlord to claim non-payment of rent! Instead, you must file an official "Offer and Deposit" (Ardh wa Eidaa) motion at the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC).
Dubai 12-Month Eviction Notice Rules (Article 25): Notary Public Service, Selling vs Personal Use & Unfair Eviction Compensation
Under Article 25(2) of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), a landlord CANNOT evict a tenant upon lease expiry simply because they want to find a new tenant who will pay higher rent. Eviction upon contract expiry is only permitted for four strict statutory reasons (such as selling the property or moving in personally) AND requires a formal 12-month (365-day) notice served exclusively via a UAE Notary Public or Registered Post.
How the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Smart Rental Index Works: Building Star Ratings & Valuation Benchmarks
To make the RERA Rental Index fairer across luxury, mid-tier, and older towers situated in the same neighborhood, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) upgraded its rental valuation engine to the AI-powered Smart Rental Index incorporating a 1-to-5 Star Building Classification system. Rather than applying a single flat price band to an entire zone like Dubai Marina or JVC, the Smart Index evaluates individual building quality, maintenance, amenities, and actual registered Ejari transactions.
Dubai Rental Security Deposit Refunds: Fair Wear and Tear vs Tenant Damage & How to Recover Your Deposit
Under Articles 20 and 21 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, every tenant is legally entitled to a full refund of their 5% (unfurnished) or 10% (furnished) security deposit upon vacating the property, minus only actual, documented repairs caused by tenant misuse. Crucially, the statute explicitly exempts the tenant from paying for "ordinary wear and tear" (such as sun-faded paint, aging AC parts, or normal appliance depreciation).
Complete Ejari Guide Dubai: Online Registration via Dubai REST App, Fees, Documents & Contract Cancellation
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, a residential or commercial tenancy contract in Dubai has no official legal standing with government utilities, visa authorities, or courts unless it is registered in the Dubai Land Department's Ejari ("My Rent") system. Registering your Ejari online via the Dubai REST App takes 10 minutes, costs ~AED 175, and automatically triggers your DEWA electricity and water activation.