Dubai landlords can raise rent only within RERA's rental index brackets, no more than once every 12 months and with at least 90 days' written notice, according to Bayut — MyBayut Blog.
According to Bayut — MyBayut Blog, rent in Dubai is overseen by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), part of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The guide cites the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) and says the rules are meant to prevent arbitrary rent hikes. Rent can generally be reviewed and potentially increased only once every 12 months, unless the contract states otherwise. The size of any increase depends on how far the current rent sits below the average market rent in the RERA index. Per the article: less than 10% below market – 0% increase; 11–20% below – up to 5%; 21–30% below – up to 10%; 31–40% below – up to 15%; more than 40% below – up to 20%. The source describes the RERA Smart Rental Index as a data-driven DLD tool that takes factors such as building age, condition and specific sub-community into account, and says it is accessible via the DLD website. Under Decree No. (43) of 2013, as cited by the source, increases range from 0% to a 20% cap. On procedure, the guide says landlords must give written notice at least 90 days before the contract expires if they want to change terms, including the rent. Without proper notice, the tenancy generally renews on the same terms, although a different notice period agreed in the contract may apply instead. Notice should be delivered in a verifiable written form, such as a registered email, a letter or the official DLD REST app. Tenants who believe an increase is unlawful can bring a dispute to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC), typically with documents such as the Ejari certificate or tenancy contract, the increase notice, Emirates ID, passport and visa copies, proof of rent payments and the RERA calculator result. The source also notes that a DLD "Rental Valuation Certificate" can no longer be used to raise rent unless the landlord holds a formal order or judgment from the RDSC. This article is a summary of the source and not legal advice; investors planning to let property in Dubai should check the current rules with official sources.