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Unjustified rent increase: What are my options?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to seek your advice on a matter related to my tenancy. I am facing some concerns and uncertainties.

Recently, my landlord proposed an unjustified rent increase of 9,000 AED. The RERA calculator clearly indicates that the increase should be only 3,000 AED.

There was mention of going through the Rent Valuation process, but since our last communication, there has been no further response from either the landlord or the real estate agent.

My concern is that my tenancy contract is due to expire in just a couple of days, and I have not received any communication regarding the renewal process.

I had previously sent an email inquiring about the rent contract and the collection of rental cheques, but unfortunately, there has been complete silence in response.

At this point, I am unsure about the next steps to take. I genuinely want to ensure that everything is in order and that I can continue my tenancy without any disruptions or uncertainties.

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Maryam Alyassi

Maryam Alyassi Advocates and Legal Consultants

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29 May 2023, 07:57

Dear Questioner,

Good day!

Regarding your query, if the landlord did not send you a 90-day written notice of rent increase or if the intimated rent is not justified as against the prevailing rental index, then you may file an offer and deposit case in RDC.

If you require any legal assistance in this regard, kindly contact the undersigned:

Adv. Abdul Haq

Legal Consultant

Maryam Alyassi Advocates & Legal Consultants.

Best Regards,

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Khaled Ebid

KHE Legal Consultancy

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29 May 2023, 08:03

Hi,

In case of an unjustified rent increase, you are not obliged to pay the same.

You can make a complaint to the DLD. In case of expiry, the renewal will be based on the way it is mentioned in your tenancy contract.

29 May 2023, 08:39

I had replied to him with the below:

While I understand that as a landlord, you have the right to initiate the Rent Valuation process through the Dubai Land Department, it is important to note that the first notification we received regarding the rent increase was given to us less than 90 days prior to the contract renewal date.

As per the Dubai Decree No 43 of 2013 and Law No 33 of 2008, also known as Dubai Rental Law, landlords are obligated to provide tenants with a 90-day notice period before making any changes to the rental contract, including increasing the rent amount.

Failure to comply with this notice period entitles the tenant to refuse the rent increase.

Therefore, while I understand that you have the option to proceed with the property valuation, I would like to remind you that the law gives me the right to refuse the increase due to the insufficient notice period.

29 May 2023, 09:16

Yes it is.

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