Optimus Properties

RERA Rental Index 2026: How Much Can Your Landlord Legally Increase Your Rent?

Date
February 20, 2026
Category
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The rental market in Dubai in 2026 is again the burning issue between tenants and landlords. As demand increases, more residents are concerned about the possibility of unexpected rent increases and unreasonable evictions. However, the situation is reinforced by the fact that Dubai has one of the best and most transparent rental arrangements in the world. Tenants are well protected by Dubai rental law through the official RERA Rental Index.

Can my landlord raise rent in 2026? By how much? The answer depends on official decisions, the RERA rent calculator 2026, and the existence of strict legal processes, such as the 90-day rule requiring 90 days’ notice to increase rent. Through this blog, you can find out what is and is not permitted, as well as how tenants can avoid illegal eviction in Dubai.

What the RERA Rental Index will look like in 2026.

To keep prices fair in Dubai, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) regularly updates its rental index. The RERA rent calculator 2026 is the official method for determining whether a rent increase is permissible under the law.

The law that regulates the rental industry in Dubai requires landlords not to increase rents arbitrarily. All increments should be justified using the official RERA rent calculator 2026. This is to ensure transparency and clarity of argument.

When you are experiencing a rent increase, the RERA rent calculator 2026 should always be the first step before you accept anything.

The 90-Day Notice Rent Increase Rule.

The rule on 90-day notice rent increase is one of the most significant aspects of Dubai rental law. A landlord cannot just notify you that you are going to raise the rent next month.

The law clearly states that:

  • Rent increases should be notified at least 90 days before the contract renewal.
  • The notice should be formal and in writing.
  • Verbal or last-minute notices are not valid.

If your landlord attempts to raise the rent without providing 90 days’ notice, the increase is invalid. Under Dubai law regarding renting, tenants are fully safeguarded against such activities.

One of the most common errors landlords make in Dubai is failing to comply with the 90-day notice rule for rent increases.

How the RERA Rent Calculator 2026 Determines Increases

The RERA rent calculator 2026 is a systematic formula that compares your current rent to the market average.

According to the official Dubai law on rentals, the following caps are applicable:

  • None if your rent is already within 10 percent of the market average.
  • 5 percent addition in case rent is under 11-20 percent of the market.
  • 10% increment when rent is below market, 21-30% below market.
  • A 15 percent increase is possible when the rent is below market by 31-40 percent.
  • 20 percent raise when rent exceeds less than 40 percent of the market.

Such a system guarantees the equity of tenants and landlords. The RERA rent calculator 2026 eliminates speculations and emotional persuasion.

Always confirm any rent increase using the official RERA rent calculator 2026.

What is an illegal eviction in Dubai?

Most tenants are scared of being evicted after rejecting a rent rise. Nevertheless, the Dubai rental law is solemn in ensuring that renters are not unfairly evicted.

The situation of illegal eviction in Dubai arises when:

  • There is no valid legal reason, and a landlord requests that a tenant move out.
  • The pressure to evict and raise rent is resorted to.
  • Correct processes of notices are disregarded.
  • There are false statements about selling the property or using it personally.

Although your landlord may argue that they want to get rid of you, the eviction procedure must comply with the Dubai rental law. Any effort to circumvent these regulations constitutes an illegal eviction in a Dubai case.

Illegal eviction practices in Dubai: illegal tenants are advised to note that these acts can be defended in court at the Rental Disputes Center.

Can a Landlord Evict You to Increase Rent?

The first myth is that a landlord can evict a tenant and replace them with another tenant who is ready to pay more. This is entirely false.

The Dubai rental law stipulates that eviction can only be done when there are specific reasons, which include:

  • The landlord will reside on the property.
  • The property is to be sold.
  • Large-scale renovation is needed.
  • The tenant breaches the contract.

Ejection as an alternative to the RERA rent calculator 2026 or the 90-day notice rent increase rule is unlawful. Any attempt like that would signify an evident instance of illegal eviction in Dubai.

What to do if you are given a Rent Increase Notice.

In case your landlord sends you a notice, do the following:

  • Confirm the assertion by referring to the RERA rent calculator 2026.
  • Ensure that the 90-day notice of the rent increase has been served.
  • Compare the suggested increase with restrictions in the Dubai rental law.
  • Every communication should be in writing.
  • In case of doubt, file a complaint to prevent illegal eviction in Dubai.

Dubai rental law, combined with the RERA rent calculator 2026, provides tenants with a reasonable legal force.

Common Scenarios in 2026

Scenario 1: Late Notice sent.

If your landlord issues a notice of less than 90 days to renew, it would be invalid, as it would have breached the 90-day notice of increased rent.

Scenario 2: Above Legal Cap Increase.

Should the proposed increase be 25 percent as compared to the RERA rent calculator 2026, which indicates that 10 percent is permissible, you can disapprove it under the Dubai rental laws.

Scenario 3: Threat of Eviction

In cases of a threat to be removed due to refusal of an increase, it is a typical illegal eviction case in Dubai.

Why Dubai Rental Law Protects Tenants

Dubai’s reputation as a global city has been established through equitable real estate practices. The Dubai rental law aims to strike a balance between tenants’ and landlords’ rights.

Instruments such as the RERA rent calculator 2026 and policies such as the 90-day notice rent increase make the rental perfectly predictable and stable.

Without these safeguards, illegal evictions in Dubai would spread much more widely.

Tips for Tenants in 2026

  • RERA rent calculator 2026: Before signing the renewal, always check.
  • No verbal rent increment requests.
  • Demand adherence to the 90-day notice rental increment policy.
  • Recording any suspected illegal eviction attempts in Dubai.
  • Dubai rental law: know your rights.

The most excellent defense in the Dubai competitive rental market is being informed.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai rental system of 2026 is among the most reasonable in the world. The rent increase is not arbitrary; it is determined by the official RERA rent calculator 2026 and is informed by the strict rent regulations in Dubai.

The 90-day rent-increase requirement is essential, as it protects tenants against unlawful evictions in Dubai, where the regulatory framework is robust.

That being said, with the proper knowledge of your rights and official resources, such as the RERA rent calculator 2026, you are always sure that you can safely navigate through the rent renewal without any fear.

The rental market in Dubai can change; however, the legislation remains essential: the principles of fairness, transparency, and tenant safety are always upheld.