RERA Rent Calculator and Rental Index: Complete 2026 Guide
How the RERA Rental Index caps rent increases in Dubai, how to use the Dubai REST rent calculator, and what the sliding scale actually means for your renewal.
The RERA Rental Index is the single most important document for anyone renting in Dubai — it caps how much your landlord can raise the rent at renewal. The rent calculator on the Dubai REST app applies the index automatically to your unit. This guide breaks down how the calculator works, the sliding-scale rules, and how to use it before every renewal.
- The RERA Rental Index caps every Dubai rent increase through a five-tier sliding scale.
- The Dubai REST calculator is the official tool — screenshot the result as evidence.
- No increase is allowed if current rent is within 10% of the index rate.
- Even lawful increases require 90 days' written notice.
- Illegal increases can be voided at RDSC within 30 days of renewal.
The five-tier sliding scale
- Current rent within 10% of index rate → NO increase allowed.
- 11–20% below index → maximum 5% increase.
- 21–30% below index → maximum 10% increase.
- 31–40% below index → maximum 15% increase.
- Over 40% below index → maximum 20% increase.
How the RERA Rental Index is calculated
RERA aggregates every registered Ejari across Dubai by community, unit type, size, and view, then publishes the average annual rent per unit type. The index updates continuously as new Ejaris are registered. Your calculator result is compared against the index for your exact community — Downtown vs Marina vs JVC vs Dubai Hills all have different bands.
How to use the calculator in practice
- 1. Open Dubai REST → Services → Rental Increase Calculator.
- 2. Enter emirate, community, sub-community, property type, and number of bedrooms.
- 3. Enter your current annual rent (from Ejari).
- 4. The calculator returns the index rate for your unit type, the % gap, and the maximum lawful increase.
- 5. Screenshot the result — it's admissible evidence at RDSC.
The 90-day notice rule
Even a lawful increase requires 90 days' written notice before renewal. Notice served late is invalid, and the contract auto-renews at the same rent — regardless of how much below index it sits.
What to do if the landlord ignores the cap
File at RDSC within 30 days of the renewal date. Bring: your Ejari, the landlord's increase notice, and the calculator screenshot. RDSC will void the increase and enforce renewal at the RERA-permitted rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord increase rent in Dubai?
It depends on the RERA index. Within 10% of index: 0% increase. 11–20% below: max 5%. 21–30% below: max 10%. 31–40% below: max 15%. Over 40% below: max 20%.
Where is the RERA rent calculator?
It's on the Dubai REST app (Services → Rental Increase Calculator) and on the DLD website. Both use the same live RERA Rental Index data.
How often is the RERA index updated?
It updates continuously as new Ejaris are registered. Practically, the market rate you see today reflects average rents across the last 30–60 days of registrations.
Can the landlord charge more than the calculator says?
No. Any increase above the calculator's cap can be voided at RDSC. The calculator screenshot is treated as authoritative evidence.
Does the calculator apply to commercial units?
The residential calculator is for apartments and villas. Commercial units have their own RERA index and are calculated separately — check the RERA commercial rent index for shop, office, and warehouse rates.
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