How much can my Dubai landlord increase my rent and is 20% legal?

A 20% rent increase in Dubai is almost certainly illegal — here's how to check and challenge it. Dubai's rent increase law: RERA publishes the Dubai Rental Index, which sets the maximum allowable rent increase based on how your current rent compares to the market rate for equivalent properties in your area. The rules: If your rent is up to 10% below market rate — no increase allowed. 11–20% below market rate — maximum 5% increase. 21–30% below market rate — maximum 10% increase. 31–40% below market rate — maximum 15% increase. More than 40% below market rate — maximum 20% increase. How to check: Use the RERA Rental Increase Calculator on the Dubai REST app or the DLD website. Enter your property details and current rent. For AED 85,000 in JLT for a 2-bed, check the index rate for your specific building. For your landlord to legally impose a 20% increase, your rent would need to be more than 40% below the current market rate for your building — which is extremely unlikely at AED 85,000 in JLT. If the increase exceeds what the RERA calculator shows is permissible, send your landlord a written notice referencing the RERA Rental Index and stating the legally allowable increase. If they insist on the illegal increase, file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre before your lease expires — the RDC will rule based on the RERA index.