Dubai Tenants! RERA Rental Index Has Your Back

If you're renting in Dubai, chances are you've come across the term RERA Rental Index. But beyond the name, how well do you actually understand it? More importantly, do you know how it can protect you from unfair rent increases? One Dubai tenant recently found out just how useful it can be and it might help you too.

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The Surprise Rent Hike

Out of the blue, a tenant received an email from their real estate agency regarding the upcoming tenancy renewal. For a studio apartment in a popular neighborhood... that’s a significant jump.

After all, prices go up, right? But something didn’t sit right. So, they did what every tenant in Dubai should do, they turned to the RERA Rental Index.

What is the RERA Rental Index?

The RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) Rental Index is an official tool from the Dubai Land Department that outlines average rental prices across the city. It considers property type, location, and size, so whether you’re in a studio, 1BR apartment, or a villa, the index shows what the going rate is in your area.

Using the RERA Rent Calculator, tenants can input their details and find out:

• The average market rent for their unit type
• Whether their landlord is legally allowed to increase the rent
• If so, by how much

How Rent Increases Are Regulated

In Dubai, landlords can’t just raise the rent at will. The rules are clear and based on how far your current rent is from the market average.

Here’s how it works:

• No increase if your rent is less than 10% below market value
• 5% increase if it’s 11 - 20% below
• 10% increase if it’s 21 - 30% below
• 15% increase if it’s 31 - 40% below
• 20% increase if it’s more than 40% below

This sliding scale is governed by Decree No. 43, which ensures fairness for both tenants and landlords.

What the Tenant Discovered

When the tenant used the RERA rent calculator, it confirmed their suspicion: their current rent was already in line with the market range. It wasn’t low enough to legally justify any increase, let alone one above 10%.

They responded to the agency with a polite but firm email, referencing the RERA guidelines and asking for the renewal to be processed at the existing rate. It worked. The rent increase was withdrawn.

What You Can Do

If you receive a rent hike notice, here’s how to respond smartly:

• Check the RERA Rental Index for your area and property type
• Calculate how your rent compares to the market average
• Make sure the notice was sent at least 90 days before your lease expires
• Respond in writing, using the data to support your case
• Knowledge is your best protection.

The Bottom Line

The RERA Rental Index isn’t just another government tool, it’s a practical resource that gives Dubai tenants leverage. In a market that moves fast, it helps ensure fairness and transparency. So the next time your lease is up and the numbers don’t feel right, you’ll know where to look and how to respond.