Your Rent Increase Question
I own a villa in Dubai that I have rented out. As per the latest RERA rental index, my tenant is paying much lesser than the average in the area. Can I raise the rent at once to bring it on par with the average? That would be a substantial hike.
Answer
In Dubai, the percentage increase allowed when renewing rental agreements depends on the average rent for similar properties in the designated area. This is regulated by Article 1 of Decree No. (43) of 2013, which sets the following limits for rent increases:
- No increase: If the current rent is up to 10% less than the average.
- 5% increase: If the current rent is 11% to 20% less than the average.
- 10% increase: If the current rent is 21% to 30% less than the average.
- 15% increase: If the current rent is 31% to 40% less than the average.
- 20% increase: If the current rent is more than 40% less than the average.
The "average rental value" is determined by the "Rent Index of the Emirate of Dubai," which is approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), as stated in Article 3 of the Dubai Rent Increase Law.