Calculator
Rent increase calculator
This calculator shows the maximum rent increase allowed at renewal under Decree No. 43 of 2013. Enter your current annual rent and the average rent for similar units from the DLD rental index. It works out how far your rent sits below that average and applies the official increase band. The official DLD calculator remains the authoritative result.
- Legal basis
- Decree No. 43 of 2013 and the RERA rental index
- Notice
- At least 90 days before expiry to change terms
- Index since January 2025
- Smart Rental Index considers building ratings
- Official check
- DLD rental index service
How to use it
1. Enter the current annual rent from your tenancy contract. 2. Find the average rent for similar units on the DLD rental index service and enter it. 3. The calculator shows how far below the average your rent is, the band that applies and the maximum new rent.
What each input means
- Current annual rent — the total yearly rent in your Ejari-registered contract, not the monthly figure or the number of cheques.
- Index average — the average annual rent the DLD rental index shows for comparable units, matched as closely as possible on area, property type, bedrooms and building.
- Result — the band that applies and the highest rent the landlord may ask for at this renewal. A lower figure can always be agreed.
| Current rent below index average by | Maximum increase |
|---|---|
| Up to 10% | No increase |
| 11–20% | 5% |
| 21–30% | 10% |
| 31–40% | 15% |
| More than 40% | 20% |
The rule in words
Gap = (index average − current rent) ÷ index average. If the gap is up to 10%, no increase is allowed. The cap then rises in steps to 5%, 10% and 15%, reaching 20% for rent more than 40% below the average (see the table). The maximum new rent is the current rent plus that percentage. If the current rent is at or above the average, no increase is allowed.
Limitations
The result depends on the index figure you enter, and the Smart Rental Index (from January 2025) also reflects building classification, so use the official DLD figure for your exact unit. The cap is a maximum, not an automatic entitlement. To change terms, a landlord must give at least 90 days' notice before expiry. See our guides on rent increase rules and the 90-day notice.
Questions people ask
Where do I find the index average?
On the DLD rental index service, by entering your unit's details. Our rental index guide walks through it.
Can my landlord increase rent without notice?
To change terms at renewal, a landlord must give at least 90 days' notice before expiry under Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended.
What if we disagree about the increase?
Either party can take the matter to the Rental Dispute Centre. Its filing fee has been reported as 3.5% of annual rent, minimum AED 500 and maximum AED 20,000; check the current fee.
Does this apply to shared housing?
Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026 introduced separate rules and an index for shared housing. See our shared housing guide.
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