Q: My landlord suggested a 10% rent increase despite the Rent Index indicating no increase for my unit. His argument is that the unit is partially furnished… A: The law relies on the rental index for rent increases, and if the rental index does not indicate an increase, then there is no increase…

Dubai, UAE

Landlord wants rent increase citing furnishings and view. Is this a legitimate reason?

Dear Sir/Madam,

My landlord suggested a 10% rent increase despite the Rent Index indicating no increase for my unit. His argument is that the unit is partially furnished and has a better view.

Is this a legally legitimate reason? What should be my counterargument?

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Ahmad Amiri

Amiri Advocates & Legal Consultants

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3 Apr 2024, 19:08

Dear Questioner,

Your counterargument is based on what the law states. The law relies on the rental index for rent increases, and if the rental index does not indicate an increase, then there is no increase.

4 Apr 2024, 10:32

Thank you for your advice!

If the landlord decides not to renew my contract (as he believes he can find another tenant with higher rent), how soon should I vacate?

Is the due date the end of the current contract (May 31)? Or does the law mandate the landlord to send 90 days' notice (so July 4 at the earliest)?

4 Apr 2024, 15:27

The eviction must be preceded by an official notice of 12 months, and the notice must specify the reason for the eviction: sale or personal use of the property.

And you don't wait for him, but go to the RDC and deposit the rent checks.

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Khaled Ebid

KHE Legal Consultancy

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4 Apr 2024, 08:38

Dear Questioner,

The landlord can increase the rent according to the RERA Index. But the above-mentioned reason is not according to the Dubai Rental law.

Apart from that the landlord is obliged to serve a 12-month eviction notice to evict the tenant from the premises.

If he wants to change the conditions, then he may serve the notification before 90 days of the expiry of the tenancy contract.

If you need further clarification, we will discuss more.

Kindly share your WhatsApp number to proceed.

5 Apr 2024, 16:07

Thank you for your advice!

The landlord contacted me 3.5 months before the contract expired for the rent increase. So the timing was legal though the increase is illegal.

If the landlord decides not to renew my contract (as he believes he can find another tenant with higher rent), how soon should I vacate?

Is the due date the end of the current contract (May 31)? Or does the law mandate the landlord to send 90 days' notice (so July 4 at the earliest)? Or I have 12 months even after the end date of the current contract?

15 Apr 2024, 04:25

You have this 12 month time to stay in the property.

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