Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allThe landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do?




0
Q: Hi everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice.
I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22.
The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area.
I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive.
To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond.
My question is: what should I do next?
Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now.
Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?





+4
Nov 14, 2024
387
What if landlord didn't inform of rent increase and offer and deposit case rejected?




2
Q: Hi,
My tenancy contract expired last week, and I filed an offer and deposit case with DLD because the landlord had not informed me of the rent increase 90 days earlier, and the RERA calculator also stated no rent increase was due.
The offer and deposit case has been rejected due to no response from the landlord. What are the next steps? Do I need to file anything further?
Thanks!





+1
Mar 15, 2024
700
Can the landlord increase rent according to the valuation certificate?




1
Q: Hello Everyone,
I know it has been discussed quite a few times; however, it's not clear. Can the landlord increase rent according to the valuation certificate?
My current rent is AED 71,400. When I check the RERA Rental Index, below is the text being shown:
When renewing real property lease contracts, the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai is 5% of the rent of real property unit, where the rent is 11% to 20% less than the average rental value of similar units.
The rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Port Saeed ranges from 72,000 to 88,000 AED per year (excluding water, electricity, or any other fees). The increase amounts to 3,570 AED per year.
The landlord's valuation certificate states AED 85,000.
Therefore, my question is whether the rent can be raised to AED 85,000 using the valuation certificate, or if the increase should be limited to 5% since the valuation falls between 11-20%.





+4
Jun 4, 2024
216
How do I handle a landlord’s case over an unfair rent increase and security deposit?




1
Q: Hello,
My landlord and I are having a problem with a rent increase. The landlord gave me a rent increase notice 90 days ago, which was higher than the rental index, and he demanded a 10% extra security deposit which I rejected.
He also tried to force me to leave the house, but I have no proof of this. I went to the RDC office and filed a complaint, after which I received a letter from the RDC stating that my rent would remain the same.
However, the landlord rejected the application and said I could only renew the lease with a 10% increase, a 10% security deposit, and four cheques, which I also rejected.
Now, he has filed a case against me, and the hearing is in February.
Kindly advise me!





+4
Feb 4, 2025
103
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allMy Tenant Stopped Paying Rent & Became Unresponsive, What Should I Do? 6
An interview-format article covering the topic of defaulting on commercial lease in the UAE and related procedures. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila discusses what one should do if the tenant becomes unresponsive.
Feb 11, 2020
14926
Procedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.
Oct 20, 2018
21419
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allDecree No. (43) of 2013 Determining Rent Increases for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai 9
This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.
Dec 18, 2013
13268
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
Provisions of this Law supersede articles (2), (3), (4), (9), (13), (14), (15), (25), (26), (29), and (36) of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.
Dec 1, 2008
25057
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
This Decree establishes a specialised judicial system to hear rent disputes and develops the procedure for determination of such disputes through an expeditious and simple process for the purpose of realising social and economic stability for all persons involved with the real property rental and other related sectors.
Sep 18, 2013
7317

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