How the RERA Rent Index calculator works

The RERA Rent Index calculator is one of the most important tools for landlords in Dubai. It determines whether you are permitted to increase rent at renewal, and if so, by how much. Understanding and using it correctly protects you from RDSC challenges and ensures your rent stays competitive with the market.

What is the RERA Rent Index calculator?

The RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) Rent Index calculator is an official tool operated by the Dubai Land Department, available at dubailand.gov.ae. It sets the permissible rent increase for any given property at renewal by comparing the current contracted rent against the prevailing market rate for similar properties in the same area.

The calculator was introduced under Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013, which amended the earlier rent increase rules to reflect market conditions more accurately. It is the definitive reference for rent disputes — the RDSC uses the same benchmark when adjudicating rent increase challenges.

The 5 tiers of permitted rent increase

The RERA calculator compares your current contracted rent against the market rate for comparable properties. The permitted increase (if any) is determined by how far below market rate your current rent sits:

For example: if the market rate for a comparable apartment in your area is AED 100,000 per year, and your current tenant is paying AED 82,000 (18% below market), you are permitted to increase the rent by a maximum of 5% — meaning the new rent cannot exceed AED 86,100.

How to use the RERA calculator

1. 1

   Visit the Dubai Land Department website at dubailand.gov.ae.

2. 2

   Navigate to 'Smart Services' or search for 'RERA Rent Index Calculator' (also called the 'Rental Price Determination' tool).

3. 3

   Select the property type (apartment, villa, townhouse, studio, etc.).

4. 4

   Select the emirate (Dubai) and the area/community from the drop-down list.

5. 5

   Enter the number of bedrooms.

6. 6

   The calculator will display the current market rate range for similar properties — a minimum, average, and maximum figure.

7. 7

   Compare your current contracted rent against the market figures to determine which tier applies.

8. 8

   Calculate the maximum permitted increase based on the applicable tier.

The 90-day notice requirement

Even if the RERA calculator shows you are entitled to a rent increase, you must give the tenant at least 90 days' written notice before the proposed increase takes effect. The notice must specify the new rent amount and be served via registered mail or notary public.

Consequences of an illegal rent increase

If you increase rent above the RERA-permitted level, or without giving 90 days' notice, the tenant has the right to:

• Refuse to pay the increase and continue paying the old rent
• File a challenge at the RDSC requesting the increase be set aside
• Seek an RDSC order fixing the rent at the correct RERA-compliant level
• Potentially claim back any overpaid rent already paid under an illegal increase

RDSC cases involving rent increases are very common and are typically decided swiftly. Landlords who have followed the RERA calculator and notice requirements correctly generally prevail. Those who have not follow the process almost invariably lose.

The RERA calculator is updated periodically

The market rate figures in the RERA calculator are updated by DLD to reflect current market conditions. The relevant date is the date of the rent increase notice — check the calculator at the time you issue the notice, not six months earlier. Dubai's rental market can move significantly in short periods, especially in high-demand areas.

Always retain a screenshot of the RERA calculator result on the date you issue your rent increase notice. This is your evidence if the tenant challenges the increase at the RDSC.