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Rent Increase Dispute in Dubai: What to Do
How to challenge an illegal rent increase and when to go to the Rental Disputes Centre.
1. Your rent
2. Was the notice on time?
The Dubai rules
- โUp to 10% below average: no increase
- โ11โ20% below: up to 5%
- โ21โ30% below: up to 10%
- โ31โ40% below: up to 15%
- โMore than 40% below: up to 20%
๐งญ What to do
- Check your building on the official Smart Rental Index and save a screenshot.
- Reply to the landlord in writing, quoting the allowed increase.
- If you can't agree, file a case at the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC). Keep paying rent as usual.
Dubai only (Decree No. 43 of 2013). Other emirates and DIFC have different rules. Estimate, not legal advice; the official index decides. (October 2026) ๐
Questions people ask
How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?+
It depends on how far your rent is below the market average in the official index: no increase up to 10% below, then 5%, 10%, 15%, up to a maximum of 20%.
How much notice must the landlord give?+
Written notice at least 90 days before the tenancy contract ends.
Where do I find the official average rent?+
In the Dubai Land Department's Smart Rental Index, on the Dubai REST app or the DLD website.