Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 Compliant
RERA Rent Increase Calculator
In Dubai, landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) caps rent hikes strictly based on how far your current rent falls below the official average market benchmark for similar properties.
Decree No. 43 of 2013 Brackets
Up to 10% below market:
0% Increase
11% to 20% below market:
Max 5%
21% to 30% below market:
Max 10%
31% to 40% below market:
Max 15%
More than 40% below market:
Max 20%
DLD Regulatory Guide
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?
Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the percentage hike is determined by how far your current lease is below the average rent for identical units in your area on the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) Rental Index. Increases range from 0% (up to 10% below) to a maximum ceiling of 20% (more than 40% below).
Can a landlord raise rent without 90 days notice in Dubai?
No. Under Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), any rent modification or lease terms amendment requires formal notice served at least 90 calendar days prior to contract expiration. If notice is given late, the existing rent continues automatically for the next renewal period.
What can a tenant do if a landlord demands an illegal rent hike?
Tenants are legally entitled to refuse any rent increase that exceeds the RERA calculator index or was not served 90 days in advance. If the landlord refuses to sign the renewal at the legal rate, the tenant can open an Offer and Deposit case at the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC), handing their renewal cheques to the judge to preserve their tenancy.
Does the RERA calculator apply to Abu Dhabi or other Emirates?
Decree No. 43 of 2013 is enacted exclusively by the Government of Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, residential tenancy increases are governed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) with a statutory 5% annual rent cap. Sharjah applies a 3-year rent freeze from lease inception.