Rent increases can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure whether they’re fair or legal. Fortunately, Dubai offers a smart, official solution to help tenants and landlords determine legal rental hikes. The Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) Rental Index Calculator allows you to verify if a rent increase is justified based on market averages.
What is the Dubai Rental Index Calculator?
The DLD’s Rental Index Calculator is an online tool that shows whether your current rent is above or below the average market rent for similar properties in your area. Based on the result, it determines if your landlord is allowed to increase the rent, and by how much.
Powered by AI and data analytics, the tool supports fair rental practices for both landlords and tenants.
How to Use the Dubai Smart Rental Index
To check if your rent hike is legal:
- Visit the platform: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/
- Choose your search method:
- By Title Deed Number (if available)
- Or by manually entering property details
- Enter required information:
- Contract end date
- Property type (apartment or villa)
- Location and unit details
- Current annual rent
- Solve the captcha and click “Calculate.”
The tool will display how your rent compares to similar units in your area and whether your landlord is legally allowed to increase the rent.
Dubai Rent Hike Rules
Under Decree No. 43 of 2013, the allowed rent increase depends on how much lower your current rent is compared to the average market rent:
- 0% Increase: Rent is less than 10% below average
- 5% Increase: Rent is 11%–20% below average
- 10% Increase: Rent is 21%–30% below average
- 15% Increase: Rent is 31%–40% below average
- 20% Increase: Rent is over 40% below average
Note: Landlords must give 90 days’ written notice before applying a rent increase or changing the contract terms.
Example Scenario
If the average rent in your area is AED 65,000 and you are paying AED 50,000, your rent is 30% below the market average. According to the rules, your landlord is entitled to a 10% rent increase, which means your new rent would be AED 55,000.
What If the Increase Is Not Legal?
If your landlord increases rent above the permitted limit:
- File a complaint with the Rental Dispute Centre at the Dubai Land Department.
- Or call the toll-free number 8004488 for assistance.
This process ensures your rights are protected and encourages fair rental practices across Dubai.
Summary
Before agreeing to any rent increase in Dubai, it’s essential to check its legality using the official Rental Index Calculator by the Dubai Land Department. It’s fast, accurate, and legally binding. Protect yourself and stay informed — always verify before you sign.
