RERA Rent Calculator: How to Check If Your Rent Increase Is Legal
Use the RERA rent calculator to confirm your Dubai rent increase stays within legal limits before you sign a new contract.
Why RERA sets rent caps each year
The Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) publishes an annual rent index that limits how much landlords can raise rent. In 2026 the index allows increases only when the current rent sits below market value by a defined percentage. Checking the calculator prevents surprise hikes that breach the rules.
Where to find the official calculator
Visit the Dubai REST app or the RERA section on the Dubai Land Department website. Both tools are free and update monthly with new index data. No login is required; simply enter your building name or community to pull the average market rent for your unit type.
Step-by-step check using the calculator
1. Select your property type: studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom or villa.
2. Enter the exact community and tower name.
3. Input your current annual rent in AED.
4. The tool shows the permitted percentage increase for 2026, the maximum legal new rent, and any applicable notice period.
5. Compare the landlord’s proposed figure against the calculator result. If the ask exceeds the cap, you can negotiate or refuse.
What the 2026 index numbers actually mean
Units more than 40 percent below the average market rent may rise by up to 20 percent. Units 26-40 percent below allow 15 percent. Units 11-25 percent below allow 10 percent. Units within 10 percent of market value cannot increase at all. These brackets are fixed for the calendar year and apply to both renewals and new contracts.
If your increase looks too high
Send the landlord a polite message attaching the calculator screenshot. Reference RERA rules and request they adjust the figure. Should the landlord insist, file a complaint through the Dubai Land Department portal or visit a Customer Happiness Centre with your Ejari contract and calculator printout. Disputes are usually resolved within ten working days and cost nothing to the tenant.
Documents you need ready
Keep a copy of your current Ejari, the landlord’s renewal offer, and the calculator result. These three items settle most disagreements quickly. Tenants who act early, at least 90 days before expiry, give themselves time to find alternatives if talks fail.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the RERA calculator free to use?▾
Yes. Both the Dubai REST app and RERA website offer the tool at no cost.
What if my building is not listed?▾
Use the closest similar community; RERA accepts comparable data for index checks.
Can a landlord ignore the calculator?▾
No. Any increase above the RERA index can be rejected and reported to the Dubai Land Department.
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