Rent Increase Dispute Lawyer Dubai

Permitted increases are calculated by reference to Decree No. 43 of 2013, which sets a sliding scale based on how far the current rent sits below the RERA rental index average for comparable properties: no increase within 10% of the index average, up to 5% at 11–20% below, up to 10% at 21–30% below, up to 15% at 31–40% below, and up to 20% where more than 40% below. The landlord generally has to give at least 90 days’ written notice before the contract expires to change the rent.

Yes. MBM’s first consultation is free and confidential. It is a discussion of your situation and the notice or contract you have received. If you then choose to instruct MBM, we confirm the scope and the fee in writing before any paid work starts.

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. As reported by property-portal guides, tenants have 30 days to respond to the notice.

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, and a rent already at or above the index average generally permits no increase.

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.

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. As reported, the Dubai Land Department’s Smart Rental Index, launched in 2025, sets a property-specific figure, and the cap applies to the current rent, not the market average. Check your property’s figure against the Dubai Land Department’s calculator.

Probably not on its own. The generally applicable rule is at least 90 days’ written notice, and where notice was given late, verbally or not at all, the increase’s enforceability for that renewal may be open to challenge. Keep whatever you received and send it to us.

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.

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.

Not without advice. Withholding payment carries risk, and there is usually a safer way to formally contest an increase while staying compliant. Tell us what you have received, and we advise on how to put your objection on record.

A refused increase does not by itself allow a landlord to remove you. Eviction has its own grounds, notice rules and process, and a notice to vacate can be tested. See eviction lawyer Dubai for how that works.

Calculate the permitted increase against the current index, apply no more than the band allows, and give written notice at least 90 days before the renewal date, keeping proof of delivery. MBM checks the figures and the notice before they are sent.

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.

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 on whether the matter is contested.

No. Sharjah operates its own distinct tenancy framework. As we understand it, Sharjah Law No. 5 of 2024 provides for a three-year rent freeze, after which increases are capped and may be made only every two years. MBM has a Sharjah office and advises on both frameworks, but the Dubai rules should not be assumed to apply.

Cost depends on whether the matter is resolved by correspondence or requires filing at the Rental Disputes Center. The first consultation is free. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct.