Dubai: Tenants who receive a rent increase notice can challenge the proposed hike if the RERA Smart Rental Index does not permit an increase for their property. Dubai Land Department guidance confirms that a rent increase is valid only when the index shows the unit is eligible and the landlord has followed the required notice rules.
Under Dubai tenancy rules, a landlord or tenant seeking to change rental terms generally must notify the other party at least 90 days before the tenancy contract expires, unless both sides have agreed otherwise. DLD’s FAQ confirms this notice requirement for changes to rental value or contract terms.
The rent increase scale under Dubai’s rules can range from 0% to 20%, depending on how far the current rent is below the average rental value for similar properties. If the current rent is up to 10% below the average, no increase is allowed; higher gaps can permit increases of 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%.
If a landlord and tenant cannot agree, the matter may be taken to Dubai’s Rental Dispute Centre for resolution. Tenants can also check the official DLD Rental Index through Dubai Land Department channels before responding to an increase notice.
