Rent Increase in Dubai: When and How Can a Landlord Raise the Rent?

Property owners in Dubai have the right to increase the rent at the end of the lease term, but this increase must comply with specific laws and regulations set by the Dubai government.

According to Decree No. 43 of 2013 and Law No. 33 of 2008, rent increases in Dubai are subject to three main conditions: first, the increase should not exceed 20 percent. Second, the increase must be in accordance with the range set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for the relevant area and the average rental value of similar units.

Landlords are required to notify the tenant of their intention to increase the rent at least 90 days before the end of the lease contract. This notification must be done in writing and formally to be legally valid.

If the landlord and tenant cannot reach an agreement, the Dubai Rental Court can determine a fair rent. Criteria such as the economic situation of the UAE, the condition of the property, the rents of similar units in the same area, and other relevant factors will be considered in this decision-making.

It is important to note that in one-year contracts, the landlord is not allowed to increase the rent more than once during the year. This law assures Dubai residents that rent increases in this city are under strict supervision and cannot be arbitrarily raised.

Source: Gulf News