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Dubai’s 2025 Rent Hike Rule: What Tenants & Landlords Must Know 1011

Dubai’s 2025 Rent Hike Rule: What Tenants & Landlords Must Know

Category: Rent and Lease, Posted at Feb. 25, 2025,

In 2025, Dubai's rental market has undergone significant regulatory changes aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness for both tenants and landlords. A pivotal aspect of these reforms is the mandatory 90-day notice period that landlords must observe before implementing any rent increases.


Mandatory 90-Day Notice Period

According to Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, landlords are legally required to provide tenants with a written notice at least 90 days before the expiration of the tenancy contract if they intend to increase the rent. Failure to comply with this notice period renders any proposed rent hike invalid, regardless of market conditions or rental indices.

Introduction of the Smart Rental Index

In January 2025, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched the Smart Rental Index, an AI-driven tool designed to standardize rent assessments across the emirate. This index considers various factors, including building classification, historical and current rental rates, and area-specific demographics, to determine fair rental values. The goal is to align rent increases with actual market trends, ensuring a balanced approach for all stakeholders.


Application of the Smart Rental Index

The implementation of the Smart Rental Index varies based on the timing of contract renewals:

  • Renewals Before 2025: Rent adjustments are governed by the previous rental index.
  • Renewals From 2025 Onward: The new Smart Rental Index is applicable, and any rent increase must be validated by this system to be legally enforceable.

Implications for Tenants and Landlords

For landlords, adherence to the 90-day notice period is crucial. Even if the Smart Rental Index permits a rent increase, failing to provide timely notice prohibits the implementation of such an increase. Tenants, on the other hand, are encouraged to stay informed about their lease terms and the Smart Rental Index to understand their rights and anticipate potential changes in rent.

These regulatory updates reflect Dubai's commitment to fostering a transparent and equitable rental market, benefiting both property owners and residents.


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