RERA Rent Calculator & Dubai Rental Laws — Complete Guide 2026
RERA — the Real Estate Regulatory Agency — is the Dubai government body that regulates all residential and commercial property rentals in Dubai. Its Rent Index is the official benchmark used by both landlords and tenants to determine whether a proposed rent increase is lawful. Understanding RERA rules can save you thousands of dirhams per year and protect you from unlawful rent hikes.
How RERA Rent Increase Calculator Works
The RERA Rent Increase Calculator (available at RERA.ae and DLD platforms) works as follows:
- Enter your property type (apartment, villa, commercial), location, and current annual rent.
- The system compares your current rent to the RERA Rent Index for similar properties in the same area.
- Based on the gap between your current rent and market average, the permitted maximum increase percentage is shown.
- If your rent is already at or above the market average, your landlord is legally permitted to increase it by 0% — meaning no increase at all.
RERA Permitted Rent Increase — Dubai (Law No. 43 of 2013)
| Current Rent vs. Market Average | Max Permitted Increase |
|---|
| At market rate or above | 0% — No increase permitted |
| Up to 10% below market | 0% — No increase permitted |
| 11–20% below market | 5% maximum increase |
| 21–30% below market | 10% maximum increase |
| 31–40% below market | 15% maximum increase |
| More than 40% below market | 20% maximum increase |
Important: The landlord must give 90 days' written notice before the rent increase takes effect. The increase can only happen at contract renewal.
Current Dubai Rental Prices by Area 2026 (Approximate)
| Area | Studio (AED/yr) | 1BR (AED/yr) | 2BR (AED/yr) | 3BR (AED/yr) |
|---|
| Dubai Marina | 70–90k | 95–130k | 140–200k | 200–280k |
| Downtown Dubai | 80–110k | 110–160k | 165–250k | 250–400k |
| JVC | 40–55k | 55–80k | 80–115k | 110–150k |
| Business Bay | 65–85k | 90–125k | 135–185k | 185–260k |
| Deira / Bur Dubai | 25–40k | 40–60k | 60–90k | 85–130k |
| Al Barsha | 35–50k | 55–80k | 80–120k | 120–180k |
| Sharjah (main city) | 15–28k | 25–45k | 40–70k | 60–100k |
Tenant Rights Under Dubai Rental Law
- Contract registration: All rental contracts in Dubai must be registered with Ejari. The landlord is responsible for registering the contract. If your contract is not on Ejari, you have limited legal protection.
- Security deposit: Cannot exceed 5% of annual rent for unfurnished properties or 10% for furnished. Must be returned within 30 days of vacating (minus documented damages).
- Eviction notice: A landlord can only evict you for specific legal reasons (non-payment, property sale, personal use). Eviction for personal use requires 12 months' written notice via registered mail or court notary.
- Maintenance obligations: Landlord is responsible for major maintenance and structural repairs. Tenant is responsible for minor day-to-day upkeep.
- Illegal rent increases: If a landlord demands more than RERA allows, you can reject it and file a complaint with RERA or the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC). The RDC can force rent correction.
Ejari Registration: Always ensure your tenancy contract is registered on Ejari (the official Dubai tenancy registration system). Without Ejari, you cannot use utility connections in your name, register a business at the address, or get school admission for children linked to the address.
RERA Rent Calculator — 10 Most Asked Questions
Can my landlord increase rent every year in Dubai?
Your landlord can only increase rent at contract renewal (once per year) and only if the current rent is more than 10% below the RERA market average for similar properties in the same area. The maximum increase is capped at 5–20% depending on how far below market your current rent is. If your rent is at or within 10% of the market average, the landlord cannot increase rent at all. The landlord must give 90 days' written notice.
What is Ejari and is it mandatory in Dubai?
Ejari (meaning "my rent" in Arabic) is Dubai's official tenancy contract registration system managed by RERA. It is mandatory for all residential rental agreements in Dubai. Without Ejari registration, tenants cannot access DEWA (utilities), enroll children in schools using the address, or file a rental dispute with the RDC. Registration costs approximately AED 220 and can be done online via the Dubai REST app or at service centers.
Can a landlord evict me to sell the property in Dubai?
Selling the property does not automatically entitle the landlord to evict you. If the property is sold, the new owner must honor the existing rental contract until it expires. The new owner can decline to renew the contract but must give 12 months' written notice (served through a public notary or registered mail) before the end of the current contract. Simply finding a buyer is not grounds for immediate eviction.
What happens if I leave my Dubai apartment before the lease ends?
Breaking a Dubai lease early can result in forfeiture of your security deposit and a potential penalty of up to 2 months' rent (depending on your contract terms). The landlord may also sue for loss of rental income for the remainder of the contract. To minimize liability, give maximum notice and cooperate with finding a replacement tenant. Some contracts include a break clause — check your specific agreement. Always negotiate early termination in writing.
Does RERA apply to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is a Dubai entity and its rules apply only to Dubai. Abu Dhabi has its own regulations under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), with its own rent increase rules (typically capped at a maximum percentage set annually by the Abu Dhabi government). Sharjah, Ajman, and other emirates have their own separate rental regulations and dispute centers. The RERA Rent Index applies only to Dubai properties.
How do I check the current market rent for my Dubai apartment?
The official source is the RERA Rent Index on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website or through the Dubai REST mobile app. Enter your property type, size, number of bedrooms, and community to see the current registered market rent range. For comparison, also check listing portals like Property Finder and Bayut to see what similar units are currently being offered at, though RERA's official index is what governs legal rent increase calculations.
Can my landlord increase my rent mid-contract?
No. A landlord cannot increase rent during an active contract period. Rent can only be changed at the time of contract renewal and with 90 days' advance written notice. If your landlord attempts to increase rent mid-contract, this is unlawful and you can refuse. If the landlord persists, you can file a formal complaint with RERA or the Dubai Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) at the Dubai Courts.
Is paying rent by post-dated cheques mandatory in Dubai?
No, post-dated cheques are not legally mandatory but remain the dominant payment method in Dubai. Many landlords still prefer 1–4 cheques per year. Under UAE law, a bounced cheque is a criminal offence (though decriminalised for smaller personal amounts since 2022 amendments). Increasing numbers of landlords now accept bank transfers, especially for renewals. The preference for cheques is a custom, not a legal requirement — you can negotiate alternative payment methods.
What is a good security deposit amount for a Dubai apartment?
By law, security deposits in Dubai cannot exceed 5% of annual rent for unfurnished apartments and 10% for furnished apartments. For a typical AED 80,000/year unfurnished apartment, the security deposit is capped at AED 4,000. The deposit must be refunded within 30 days after you vacate, minus any genuine damage costs (beyond normal wear and tear). Always do a documented check-in inspection with photos, and request a receipts/documentation of any deductions at checkout.
How do I file a rental dispute in Dubai?
File a rental dispute through the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), which is part of Dubai Courts. You can file online via the Dubai Courts portal (dc.gov.ae) or in person at their office. Filing fees are 3.5% of the annual rent amount (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000). Cases are typically heard within 30–60 days. RDC has jurisdiction over all Dubai rental disputes including illegal eviction, security deposit refunds, unlawful rent increases, and maintenance obligations.
