An increase that looks too high
Where the increase appears to exceed what the index permits for the current rent level, we check the calculation before you pay or dispute it.
Rental & Tenancy Law · Dubai & Sharjah
Rent Increase Dispute Lawyer Dubai
Received a rent increase that looks too high, or too soon? Check it against the index before you pay, sign, or move out.
MBM advises landlords and tenants in Dubai rent increase disputes - whether an increase is properly calculated against the RERA rental index, whether the required 90-day notice was given, and how to raise or defend the matter at the Rental Disputes Center. We tell you where you stand against the index, not against guesswork.
The rule that decides most rent increase disputes
The index band, and the 90-day notice
Rent increases in Dubai are governed by Decree No. 43 of 2013, which sets a sliding scale of permitted increases based on how far the current rent sits below the average for comparable properties on the RERA rental index. A rent already at or above the index average generally permits no increase at all; the further below the index a rent sits, the higher the percentage increase that may be permitted.
Separately, Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, generally requires at least 90 days' written notice before an increase can apply at the next renewal. Both the index calculation and the notice must be right for an increase to stand.
Primary sources
Rental Disputes Center — rdc.gov.ae · Dubai Land Department (rental index) — dubailand.gov.ae · UAE Legislation — uaelegislation.gov.ae
Matters we handle
Rent increase situations MBM is instructed on
These are the rent increase matters that most often reach us. If yours is not listed, it is still worth a call.
Less than 90 days' notice
Where notice was given late, given verbally, or not given at all, the increase’s enforceability for that renewal may be open to challenge.
Applying an increase correctly
We calculate the permitted increase against the current index and ensure notice is given in the right form and in time, so the increase is not later challenged successfully.
Disputing the index figure itself
Where the applicable index figure for a specific property or area is disputed, we assess what evidence is available to support each position.
A case already filed at the RDC
If proceedings have started over a disputed increase, we take over the file and represent you at the Rental Disputes Center.
Refusing to pay a disputed increase
We advise on the risk of withholding payment where an increase is disputed, and on the safer way to formally contest it while remaining compliant.
Our approach
What MBM actually does on a rent increase dispute
Concrete steps, grounded in the index, not in what feels fair.
Check the index position
We establish the applicable rental index figure for the property and calculate what increase, if any, is actually permitted.
Verify the notice
We confirm whether the 90-day notice requirement was met, in writing, before the relevant renewal date.
Correspond formally
Many increase disputes are resolved once a clear, index-based position is put in writing to the other party.
File or defend at the RDC
Where the matter is not resolved, we prepare and present the case at the Rental Disputes Center.
Advise on the renewal itself
Where the increase is one part of a wider renewal negotiation, we advise on the tenancy contract as a whole.
Before you call
What to have to hand
You do not need any of this to call us - but having it ready makes the first conversation more useful.
- The current tenancy contractShowing the current rent and renewal date
- The increase noticeIncluding how and when it was sent
- The Ejari certificateOr details of the registered rent
- Any correspondence about the increaseEmails, messages or letters
- Any RDC paperworkA case number or hearing date if proceedings have begun
Why MBM
The index, checked properly, decides most of these disputes
Rent increase disputes are usually simple once the index figure is established correctly. What matters is getting that number right, and the notice checked properly.
- We act on both sides. Advising landlords and tenants gives us a practical understanding of how these disputes are argued.
- Litigation experience in-house. Where a case has to be argued at the RDC, we argue it.
- Straight answers on merits. If an increase is properly calculated and notice was given correctly, we will tell you that early.
- Two offices. Dubai and Sharjah — and Sharjah tenancies run under their own distinct rules.
17Years in practice as MBM Businessmen Services L.L.C.
90+Years of shared experience across the team
10Lawyers, litigation and arbitration capable
95%Win rate in high-stakes disputes, as published by the firm
Common questions
Rent increases in Dubai, answered directly
General information, not advice on your tenancy. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your facts.
How much can a landlord increase rent in Dubai?
Permitted increases are calculated by reference to Decree No. 43 of 2013, which sets a sliding scale of permitted increases based on how far the current rent sits below the RERA rental index average for comparable properties. The greater the gap below the index, the higher the permitted percentage increase.
How much notice must a landlord give before increasing rent?
A landlord is generally required to give at least 90 days' written notice before the end of the tenancy period if the rent is to be increased at renewal. A shorter notice period, or no notice at all, can affect whether the increase applies for that renewal.
What can a tenant do if they believe a rent increase is illegal or excessive?
A tenant can check the increase against the applicable rental index band and, where it appears to exceed the permitted percentage or the required notice was not given, raise the matter with the landlord and, if unresolved, file a case at the Rental Disputes Center.
Can a landlord increase rent every year?
An increase is only permitted where it is justified by reference to the rental index at the relevant renewal date and proper notice is given. There is no automatic entitlement to increase rent annually regardless of the index position.
What is the RERA rental index, and how is it used in a dispute?
The rental index is a published reference showing average rents for comparable properties by area and type. It is used to calculate the maximum permitted increase under Decree No. 43 of 2013, and is often central evidence in a rent increase dispute.
How do I dispute a rent increase at the Rental Disputes Center?
A case can be filed with the RDC setting out why the increase is disputed - typically that it exceeds the permitted percentage, that notice was inadequate, or both. Supporting documents include the tenancy contract, the notice, and the relevant index figures.
Does the 90-day notice rule apply to every tenancy in Dubai?
The 90-day notice requirement is the generally applicable rule for rent increases at renewal under Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended, though the specific position can depend on what the tenancy contract itself provides and should be confirmed on the facts.
Can MBM represent both landlords and tenants in a rent increase dispute?
Yes, though not in the same matter. MBM advises landlords seeking to apply a justified increase correctly, and tenants challenging one that appears to exceed what is permitted.
How long does a rent increase dispute take to resolve?
Many disputes are resolved through direct negotiation once the index position is clear. Where a case is filed at the RDC, timing depends on the tribunal's caseload and whether the matter is contested.
How much does a rent increase dispute lawyer cost in Dubai?
The initial consultation with MBM is free. Cost thereafter depends on whether the matter is resolved by correspondence or requires filing at the Rental Disputes Center. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct.
Free consultation
Tell us about the increase
Tell us briefly about your matter. Our team will review your enquiry and advise you on the appropriate next step. Everything you send is treated as confidential.
- +971 4 570 0204Dubai office · Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111Send the notice as a photo if it is easier
- info@mbm-co.comAttach the tenancy contract and the increase notice
Practice area: Rental & Tenancy Law
Jurisdiction: Dubai & Sharjah, UAE
Last reviewed: September 2026
Thank you — your enquiry is with our team.
A member of the MBM team will review what you have sent and come back to you with the appropriate next step.
An increase either matches the index, or it does not.
Whether you are applying an increase or disputing one, the index and the notice decide the matter. The first consultation is free.