As Dubai rents continue climbing, a question haunts many tenants: can your landlord raise rent before your lease expires?
The short answer is no, unless your contract specifically says otherwise. UAE rental law is clear that landlords cannot unilaterally increase rent during an active lease period. Any increase must come at renewal and must follow RERA's rental index calculator.
The RERA calculator compares your current rent to the market average for your area and property type. If your rent is already at or above market rate, your landlord cannot increase it. If significantly below, increases are capped at graduated percentages.
Landlords must also provide 90 days written notice before any proposed increase at renewal time. If you receive a demand for a mid-lease increase, you have legal grounds to refuse.
Legal experts advise tenants to check their EJARI registration is current, as this is the primary reference point in any dispute. The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre handles disagreements.
With average Dubai rents up significantly over the past two years, understanding these protections has never been more relevant.