How to check if your rent increase in Dubai is legal
Use the Rental Index Calculator to see if your landlord can legally raise your rent
Dubai: Worried about a rent hike? Before agreeing to any increase in your Dubai rental contract, there’s a quick and official way to check if it’s legal. The Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) Rental Index Calculator shows whether your current rent is above or below the market average and if your landlord is allowed to raise it.
Powered by AI and data analytics, the Dubai Smart Rental Index is designed to help both tenants and landlords determine fair rental values.
Here’s how to use the tool and what Dubai’s rent increase rules say.
How to use the rent calculator to check for a rent increase
To find out if your Dubai rent increase is legal, use the Rental Index Calculator, here’s how:
Steps to Use the Dubai Rent Calculator:
Visit this link from the official DLD website - https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/
Choose how you want to search:
By Title Deed Number (if you have it)
Or by entering property details manually
Select your contract end date
Choose your property type (Apartment or Villa)
Select the area you live in
Enter your unit details:
Number of rooms
Current annual rent
Complete the Captcha and click Calculate
The tool will show:
The average rent for similar units in your area
Whether your current rent is above or below market value
The maximum legal increase allowed by Dubai law
How is rent increase in Dubai calculated?
Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the rent increase is calculated by comparing your current rent with the average market rent from the Smart Index.
Dubai rent increase rules
0% Increase: If your rent is ≤10% below average market rent
5% Increase: If 11–20% below average
10% Increase: If 21–30% below average
15% Increase: If 31–40% below average
20% Increase: If more than 40% below average
Example: Calculating a legal rent Increase
Average rent in the index: Dh80,000
Your current rent: Dh60,000
This is 25% below the average, so your landlord can increase the rent by 10%:
10% of Dh60,000 = Dh6,000
New rent = Dh66,000
What if the rent increase is higher than allowed?
If your landlord demands a rent increase that exceeds the permitted percentage, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Centre at the Dubai Land Department. Call the toll-free number 800 4488 for assistance.
Do landlords still need to give a 90-Day notice?
Despite the new smart system, landlords in Dubai are still legally required to provide a 90-day written notice before increasing rent or changing any contract terms. This protects tenant rights and gives time to respond or relocate if needed.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
