Ever since Dubai introduced the Smart Rental Index, tenants across the city have had stronger legal backing to challenge unfair rent increases. This law, backed by data and market trends, has helped many renters successfully push back against unreasonable demands. And by understanding the rules and learning how to negotiate with landlords, tenants are now more empowered than ever.
While numerous tenants have already leveraged the index to dispute excessive demands, many residents remain unsure of how to navigate the process. This blog outlines a clear, step-by-step guide to help you take action if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Before You Act: Check the 90-Day Notice
Before considering legal action, the first thing every tenant should check is the notice period. According to Dubai rental law, if your landlord wants to raise the rent, they must give you at least 90 days’ written notice before the end of your current lease term.
If they fail to do this, any proposed rent increase is invalid, and you are legally entitled to continue at the current rate.
However, if you have received proper notice (more than 90 days) and the increase seems unreasonable, you can take further action.
How to file a complaint in RERA Dubai?
Step One: Attempting to Negotiate
Try to reason with your landlord, referring to the Smart Rental Index and offering a fair adjustment. However, if the landlord still insists on the increase, and you are unable to reach an agreement, you can pursue the legal route.
Step Two: Filing an Official Complaint
To file the complaint you need to visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Office, located near the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and file a formal complaint.
The steps are simple:
- You compile all the relevant documentation, including the lease contract and the RERA calculator output.
- Pay a filing fee of AED 500.
- The case is assigned to a RERA judge.
Step Three: RERA’s Decision Process
The RERA judge evaluates such cases primarily using the Smart Rental Index. In cases where landlords have made substantial, verifiable upgrades, some increase may be approved. However, if no major enhancements have been made, the calculator’s range is typically enforced.
Mohsin Nisar, a Dubai resident, shared his experience with us of how his landlord demanded a nearly 50% rent hike, a figure that far exceeded what the RERA rent calculator deemed appropriate. Already paying around AED 3,000 more annually than the market average, Mohsin used the calculator and confirmed that the proposed new rent was well above the fair market value for similar properties in his area.
Since no notable upgrades had been made to the unit, the judge ruled the increase unjustified. While landlords are not legally required to lower rent even if a tenant is paying above market value, they cannot impose arbitrary increases outside the limits set by the Smart Rental Index.
While handling his case, Mohsin spoke to a neighbor who had gone through a similar dispute. The neighbor had successfully requested a digital payment link from the RERA judge after resolving his issue, avoiding the hassle of submitting post-dated cheques manually.
Mohsin intends to do the same to make future payments more convenient.
Still Want to Move?
Unlike Mohsin’s case if you are unable to win your rent dispute and want to move, you can make it hassle-free by hiring the best movers and packers in Dubai. A professional team can handle your move with care and efficiency, giving you peace of mind.
Final Takeaways for Tenants
If you’re renting in Dubai, here’s what you need to remember:
- First, check if your landlord gave you a 90-day notice. Without it, any rent increase is invalid.
- Use the Smart Rental Index to confirm whether the proposed rent is fair.
- If the increase seems unfair and proper notice has been given, try to negotiate directly.
- If that fails, file a complaint with the Dubai Land (DLD) office and be ready to provide documentation.
- After the judgment, request a digital payment link to avoid manually submitting cheques.
Mohsin’s story is proof that with the right knowledge and a willingness to follow through, Dubai tenants can protect themselves from unfair rental practices.
