Can I reject the rent increase (41%) & short notice (81 days) served by my landlord in RAK?

Dear Inquirer,

In Ras Al Khaimah, rent increases and renewal notices must comply with the RAK tenancy laws and Municipality guidelines.

Generally, landlords are required to give at least 90 days’ notice for a rent increase before the expiry of the contract, and the increase must align with the RAK Rental Index rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

If the landlord’s notice is shorter than the required period or the increase exceeds permitted limits, you may have the right to dispute it and request renewal at the existing rent.

Such matters are resolved through the RAK Rent Dispute Committee, where legal representation can help protect your rights effectively.

To receive precise advice on your case and representation before the committee, if needed, we recommend booking a consultation or granting us power of attorney through Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy.

We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.

To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.

Regarding lease renewals in Ras Al Khaimah, an 81-day notice of rent increase may be invalid if the contract requires a 90-day notice.

There is no maximum rate of increase, but it must comply with the rent index issued by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.

As a tenant, you have the right to negotiate the rent and reject the increase if the notice is invalid or the increase is unjustified.

If you cannot agree, you can file a lawsuit with the Ras Al Khaimah Rental Department to settle the dispute.

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Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your detailed query regarding your tenancy renewal in Ras Al Khaimah. Please note the following points based on current rental regulations and practices in RAK:

1. Notice Period Validity

In the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah, landlords are generally required to provide at least 90 days’ written notice prior to the contract expiry for any changes to the tenancy terms, including rent increases.

Since the notice you received was served 81 days before expiry, it falls short of the 90-day requirement and can therefore be challenged as procedurally invalid.

2. Rent Increase Legality

Rent increases in Ras Al Khaimah are subject to the RAK Municipality Rental Committee’s regulations and the Rental Index (similar to the Dubai RERA Index, though administered separately).

A sudden 41% increase (from AED 27,000 to AED 38,000) would generally not be permissible unless supported by the Municipality’s approved rental benchmarks.

You have the right to request verification of whether this proposed rent aligns with the official index.

3. Tenant’s Rights

Given the insufficient notice and the likely excessive increase beyond the index, you are within your rights to:

- Insist on renewal under the current rent (AED 27,000), or

- Challenge the landlord’s proposal before the Rental Dispute Committee in Ras Al Khaimah.

4. Dispute Resolution

If the landlord does not accept renewal under fair terms, you may file a case with the RAK Rent Dispute Settlement Committee (part of RAK Municipality). The Committee will review:

Whether the landlord complied with notice requirements, and

Whether the proposed rent increase complies with the official rental index.

Conclusion:

The notice served on October 1st, 2025, is not valid under the 90-day rule, and a 41% rent increase is unlikely to be enforceable unless justified under the Rental Index.

You are entitled to challenge both the timing and the amount.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Hello,

Regarding your Ras Al Khaimah tenancy renewal with a proposed 41% rent increase and 81 days' notice:

Notice Period Validity:

The landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice before the tenancy expiry for a rent increase to be valid. An 81-day notice does not meet this requirement, so you may reject the increase on the basis of insufficient notice.

Rent Increase Legality:

Ras Al Khaimah typically limits rent increases to a maximum of 5% annually under its rental laws.

A 41% increase far exceeds this and is generally not permissible unless your contract or negotiations stipulate otherwise.

Tenant's Rights:

You have the right to renew your lease at the current rent amount if the notice was short or the increase is unlawful.

You can formally notify the landlord in writing, rejecting the increase, citing the above reasons.

Dispute Resolution:

If negotiations with the landlord fail, you may file a complaint at the Ras Al Khaimah Rental Dispute Center before the contract expires.

The RDC mediates rent disputes and can enforce fair rental terms in line with applicable laws.

In summary, the landlord’s 41% increase and 81-day notice are likely invalid, and you can demand renewal on current terms or seek dispute resolution through the RDC.

Keep all communications documented, and consider legal advice if needed to protect your tenant's rights.

Thank you.