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A rent increase in Dubai is not a negotiation—it is a calculation. It must comply with the RERA Rental Index and be served with 90 days' written notice before the tenancy renewal date. If either rule is missed, the increase may not be enforceable.

Two rules decide almost every rent increase dispute.

First is the RERA slab system under Decree No. 43 of 2013. The amount a landlord can increase rent depends on how far the current rent sits below the average market rent for comparable properties. If the rent is within 10% of the average, no increase is allowed. If it is 11–20% below, the maximum increase is 5% ...