Dubai Rent Increase Calculator
Enter your annual rent and the average rent for similar units in the Dubai Rental Index to see the maximum legal increase and your new rent.
Calculate the maximum increase
Decree 43 of 2013 increase bands
| Your rent is below the index average by | Maximum increase on renewal |
|---|---|
| Up to 10% (or above the average) | No increase |
| 11% to 20% | 5% |
| 21% to 30% | 10% |
| 31% to 40% | 15% |
| More than 40% | 20% |
Example: your rent is AED 80,000 and the index average for a similar unit is AED 100,000. Your rent is 20% below, so the maximum increase is 5% = AED 4,000, and the new rent may not exceed AED 84,000.
Rules to know
- When: only on renewal, never during the lease.
- Notice: at least 90 days before the lease expires.
- Index: since January 2025 the Dubai Smart Rental Index sets the average; the Decree 43 percentages are unchanged.
- Scope: all landlords in Dubai, including special development zones and free zones.
Thinking of buying instead? See the Dubai mortgage and purchase cost calculator. Prefer Arabic? Use the Arabic version.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord increase the rent in Dubai?
It depends on how far your rent is below the average rent for similar units in the Dubai Rental Index (Decree 43 of 2013): up to 10% below — no increase; 11% to 20% below — 5%; 21% to 30% — 10%; 31% to 40% — 15%; more than 40% — 20%.
Where do I find the average rent for similar units?
In the Dubai Smart Rental Index, used by the Dubai Land Department since 1 January 2025. It draws on actual Ejari contracts, a star rating of the building and the location, and is available on the DLD website and the Dubai REST app.
Must the landlord notify me before increasing the rent?
Yes. Any change to the lease terms on renewal, including a rent increase, must be notified to the tenant at least 90 days before the lease expires (Article 14 of Law 26 of 2007). Lawyers consider an increase without that notice unenforceable for the renewal.
Can the rent go up in the middle of the lease?
No. Increases apply only when the lease is renewed, within the Decree 43 limits.
My rent is above the average — can it still be increased?
No. If your rent equals or exceeds the average, or is no more than 10% below it, no increase is allowed on renewal.
What if the landlord asks for more than allowed?
Refer to the index and ask for the legal percentage. If you cannot agree, the matter can go to Dubai's Rental Dispute Centre.
Sources
- Government of Dubai — Decree No. 43 of 2013 determining rent increases
- The National — Dubai Smart Rental Index replaces the RERA calculator (January 2025)
- Gulf News — the 90-day notice before a rent increase (Article 14, Law 26 of 2007)
- Dubai Land Department
Figures and formulas on this page were last reviewed on 2026-11-03.