How Often Can a Landlord Increase Rent in Dubai?

In Dubai, the real estate market is constantly evolving, making it crucial for both landlords and tenants to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities. As your lease renewal approaches, you might be concerned about a potential increase in rent from your landlord. The DLD addresses the common query of how often can a landlord increase rent in Dubai as well, offering transparency regarding increases in rental fees. Let’s read further for more details.

Rent Increase Regulations

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is a division of the DLD dedicated to overseeing the real estate sector. In Dubai, landlords cannot raise the rent whenever they want. To facilitate smoother leasing transactions, the DLD has introduced an online rental index. Additionally, both landlords and tenants can utilise the online RERA rent calculator to ensure that the proposed increases adhere to permissible limits.

Frequency of Rent Increase

As per local regulations, landlords can only increase rent upon tenancy contract renewal. Additionally, landlords are required to provide tenants with proper notice before implementing a rent increase. According to RERA rent increase regulations in Dubai, landlords must provide a 90-day notice before the end of the tenancy agreement for rent increases. 

Failure to do so means the tenancy contract renews automatically at the same rate and terms. Moreover, this notification period allows tenants to prepare for the adjustment and consider an alternative accommodation if necessary. 

Maximum Rent Increase

The maximum rent increase a landlord can impose depends on how low the current rent is compared to the market value. The RERA specifies the maximum allowable increases based on the percentage deviation from the average market rental rate. Read here to learn more about how much a landlord can increase their property’s rent in Dubai.

Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

While landlords are within their rights to increase rent within the limits set by RERA, tenants are not entirely powerless in the matter. While emphasising on the rights of tenants in Dubai, they have the option to negotiate with their landlords about the proposed increase in rent or if they are not comfortable with the rent increase frequency by their landlords in Dubai. Mostly, open communication and a willingness to discuss the issue can lead to a mutually acceptable solution for both parties.

If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, tenants can seek recourse through Dubai’s Rental Dispute Centre (RDC). The RDC is responsible for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants and promoting a healthy relationship between both.

FAQs

What are the responsibilities of tenants in Dubai?

In Dubai, tenants must adhere to various responsibilities outlined in the RERA rental law. These include paying a refundable security deposit, timely rent payments, property maintenance, subleasing approval and government fee payments.

What are short and long-term rentals in Dubai?

Dubai offers both short-term and long-term rental options for tourists and expats. Short-term rentals are available daily, weekly or monthly, catering to temporary stays. Whereas, long-term rentals, lasting over six months or more, require Ejari registration and separate payment of utility bills.

How much is the average rent in Dubai?

Determining the rental cost in Dubai involves considering various factors like location, amenities and property condition. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to dubizzle’s 2023 Dubai annual rental market report to explore average costs and popular rental areas.

That is all about how often a landlord can increase the rent in Dubai. Understanding the rental regulations is essential for both landlords and tenants in Dubai. By adhering to the guidelines set by RERA, both parties can maintain a fair and transparent rental relationship.

Besides, if you are apartment hunting, here are a plethora of apartments for rent in Dubai to help you find your dream residence.

For more on laws related to property in the UAE, stay tuned to the dubizzle property blog.