Dubai rent increases: Understanding legal limits and landlord responsibilities
Question: Is it legal for a landlord in Dubai to increase rent at any time? Can a landlord raise rent more than once a year?
Answer: According to Decree No. (43) of 2013 Determining Rent Increase for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai and Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, a landlord has the right to increase the rental price when the term of a lease contract expires, subject to the following conditions:
The rent increase cannot exceed 20%.
Any increase must align with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) approved range for the area and the average rental value of similar properties, taking into account criteria set by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), including:
- The prevailing economic situation in Dubai
- The condition of the property
- Rental values of comparable properties in the same area
- Applicable laws regulating property rent in the Emirate
- Any other factors the Tribunal considers relevant
The landlord must notify the tenant of the intended rent increase at least 90 days before the lease contract expires.
If the landlord and tenant cannot agree on the new rent, the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (Tribunal) can determine the fair rent.
For lease contracts with a one-year term, the landlord is not allowed to increase the rent more than once during that year.
