Dubai rent hike: Can I challenge increase if new rate falls within Rera calculator range?

Dubai rent hike: Can I challenge increase if new rate falls within Rera calculator range?

Landlords and tenants may review the rent and agree on changes based on certain criteria — here's what you need to know

Published: Sun 8 Jan 2023, 11:21 AM Last updated: Sun 8 Jan 2023, 11:29 AM

Question: I received a rent hike notice for my Dubai apartment after just one year of living there. The hike was substantial but falls within the limits of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) calculator. Is this legal? Can landlords hike rents substantially in just one year? Can I go to the disputes centre even if the rent is within the Rera calculator?

Answer: It is assumed that the term of your tenancy contract with the landlord is for one year and it is due for renewal soon. Since you are residing in a rented apartment in Dubai, the provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai and the provisions of Law No.33 of 2008 Amending Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai are applicable.

In Dubai, a landlord is entitled to increase the rent in accordance with the rent calculator designed by Rera. This is