Understanding Dubai's Rent Increase Laws
قوانين زيادة الإيجار في دبي
Dubai regulates rental increases through Decree No. 43 of 2013 (المرسوم رقم ٤٣ لسنة ٢٠١٣), which ties allowable increases to the RERA Rental Index (مؤشر الإيجارات). Your landlord (المؤجر) can't just pick a number — the increase must fall within specific limits based on how your current rent compares to similar properties in your area.
Maximum Allowable Rent Increases (الحد الأقصى لزيادة الإيجار)
Based on how your rent compares to the RERA Rental Index average (مؤسسة التنظيم العقاري)
90-Day Notice Requirement (شرط الإخطار بـ ٩٠ يوماً)
Under Article 14 of Dubai Tenancy Law (المادة ١٤ من قانون الإيجارات), your landlord must notify you of any rent increase at least 90 days before the contract renewal date. If they didn't give proper notice, the increase is automatically invalid.
Is Your Rent Increase Illegal?
هل زيادة الإيجار غير قانونية؟
Use this checklist and the RERA Rental Index Calculator to find out.
Quick Checklist
If you answered NO to any of the first three questions, your rent increase may be illegal and you have grounds to challenge it.
Use the RERA Rental Index Calculator
The official Dubai Land Department calculator tells you exactly how much your landlord is allowed to increase your rent. Enter your property details and it will compare your current rent against the market average.
Open RERA CalculatorWhat Is the Offer & Deposit Service?
ما هي خدمة العرض والإيداع؟
The Offer and Deposit (العرض والإيداع) is a legal motion filed through the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) (مركز فض المنازعات الإيجارية). It lets you deposit your rent — at the amount set in your current contract (عقد الإيجار) — directly with Dubai Land Department (دائرة الأراضي والأملاك) when your landlord demands an illegal increase and refuses to accept your rightful payment.
Protects Your Tenancy
By depositing rent through DLD, you prove you're a paying tenant — even if your landlord refuses to accept your cheques. This blocks any eviction claim for non-payment.
Preserves Your Rights
The filing is reviewed by a judge who issues a decision. If the ruling favors you, DLD remits your deposit to the landlord under the original contract terms.
Affordable
Only AED 50 base fee to file online, with total costs around AED 122.50 including all surcharges. No lawyer required.
Fast
Processing takes just 1 business day. You can file online from home — no need to visit any office in person.
When Should You Use It?
Use the Offer & Deposit service when your landlord demands a rent increase that exceeds RERA limits, refuses to accept your cheques at the current rate, or threatens eviction for not agreeing to the increase. It's your first line of defense before escalating to a full RDC dispute.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
دليل التقديم خطوة بخطوة
Two ways to file: online (recommended) or through a Real Estate Services Trustee center.
A Online Filing (Recommended)
Create Your Account
Go to rdc.gov.ae and register using your Emirates ID or UAE Pass.
Select "Offer and Deposit"
Navigate to eServices and select "Register an Offer and Deposit."
Fill In Your Details
Enter your personal information, property details, and the dispute details. Specify the rent amount you're offering (your current contract rate).
Upload Documents
Upload all required documents (see checklist below). Everything must be in Arabic or legally translated.
Pay the Fees
Pay AED 122.50 total via Noqodi, debit card, or credit card after electronic verification.
Receive the Judge's Decision
The decision is delivered through the website — typically within 1 business day.
B Via Real Estate Services Trustee Center
- 01. Visit a registered Real Estate Services Trustee center
- 02. Submit your documents for compliance review
- 03. Staff enters the transaction data on your behalf
- 04. Pay the service fee (AED 130 + VAT) and receive your receipt
- 05. Receive the Judge's decision online
Required Documents
المستندات المطلوبة
Offer and Deposit Motion (طلب العرض والإيداع)
The formal application form (generated during filing)
Emirates ID (بطاقة الهوية الإماراتية)
Copy of your Emirates ID. For companies: manager's Emirates ID + Commercial License (الرخصة التجارية)
Last Signed Lease Agreement (عقد الإيجار الأخير)
Your current/previous tenancy contract with all terms
New Lease with Same Terms (عقد إيجار جديد بنفس الشروط)
A copy of the new lease you're proposing — same terms, same rent as current contract
Cheques / Payment (شيكات / مدفوعات)
Post-dated cheques matching the current contract amount. If previously paid by cheque, must be replaced with cash.
Correspondence (المراسلات)
Any communication with your landlord about the increase (emails, WhatsApp messages, letters)
Arabic Translation Required
All documents must be submitted in Arabic or with a legal Arabic translation. No hard copies are accepted — everything is uploaded digitally through the RDC system.
Fees & Costs
الرسوم والتكاليف
Online Filing
Recommended
Via Trustee Center
In-person option
Payment methods: Noqodi, debit cards, credit cards (online). Cash also accepted at service centers.
After Filing: What Happens Next?
بعد التقديم: ماذا يحدث؟
Your Motion Is Filed
A Provisional and Summary Actions Judge receives your case. Processing takes approximately 1 business day.
Landlord Is Notified
Your landlord receives notification of the filing and must respond within 5 working days.
Judge Issues Decision
The judge reviews the documentation and issues an order. You receive the decision through the RDC website.
If the Decision Favors You
DLD remits your deposited rent to the landlord under the original contract terms. Your tenancy continues at the current rate. The landlord cannot evict you for non-payment.
If You Need to Escalate
If the situation isn't resolved, you can file a full dispute case with the RDC (see next section).
Escalating to a Full RDC Dispute
التصعيد إلى نزاع كامل في مركز فض المنازعات
If the Offer & Deposit doesn't resolve things — or your landlord escalates — you can file a formal case with the Rental Disputes Center. This is a two-phase process.
Arbitration Phase (التحكيم)
Target: ~15 days to reach a settlement. An arbitrator works with both parties to find common ground.
If successful, the agreement has enforcement status.
Lawsuit Phase (الدعوى القضائية)
If arbitration fails, the case proceeds to formal litigation. Typical ruling target: ~30 days (varies by complexity).
The losing party can appeal within 15 days.
RDC Dispute Filing Fees
(Min: AED 500 / Max: AED 20,000)
Documents for RDC Dispute
Filing Options
Online: Through the Dubai Land Department portal with virtual hearing attendance
In person: RDC Head Office — 10 3rd Street, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira
Your Rights as a Tenant
حقوقك كمستأجر
No Self-Help Eviction
Only an RDC court order can authorize eviction. Your landlord cannot change locks, remove belongings, or force you out. This is illegal.
No Utility Cutoffs
Disconnecting water, electricity, AC, or access cards without a court order violates your rights. Report this immediately.
Security Deposit Protection
Landlords must itemize any deductions and return the remaining balance promptly. Unjustified withholding can be challenged at RDC.
12-Month Notice for Sale/Personal Use Eviction
If a landlord wants to evict you because they're selling or want to live in the property, they must give 12 months' advance notice via notary or registered mail.
Maintenance Obligations
Your landlord must maintain the property in habitable condition with timely responses to maintenance requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
الأسئلة الشائعة
Do I need a lawyer to file Offer & Deposit?
What if my landlord doesn't respond to the Offer & Deposit?
Can my landlord evict me for filing an Offer & Deposit?
What if my rent was previously paid by cheque?
How do I check if my Ejari is registered?
Can I appeal an RDC decision?
My landlord is threatening to cut off my AC/water. What do I do?
What's the difference between Offer & Deposit and an RDC case?
An RDC case is a formal dispute resolution process with arbitration and potential litigation. It costs 3.5% of annual rent and can take weeks to months. Start with Offer & Deposit, escalate to RDC only if needed.
Arabic Glossary
قاموس المصطلحات العربية
Key legal terms you'll encounter when filing. All RDC documents must be in Arabic or legally translated — knowing these terms will help you navigate the system.
Resources & Contacts
الموارد وجهات الاتصال
RDC Offer & Deposit Portal
File your motion online
rdc.gov.ae →RERA Rental Index Calculator
Check your allowed rent increase
dubailand.gov.ae →RDC Official FAQ
Answers from Dubai Land Department
rdc.gov.ae →Dubai Land Department
All rental services and Ejari
dubailand.gov.ae →