Looking for a clear answer on rent changes at renewal? The RERA Index Calculator—also called the rental index calculator or RERA rental index Dubai calculator—compares your current rent to Dubai’s benchmark for your area and property type. This guide explains how it works, step by step, with examples, edge cases, and negotiation tips so you can decide confidently.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- The calculator checks your current rent against the official benchmark for your area and type of property, then tells you if an increase is allowed at renewal.
- Eligibility and caps are based on fixed brackets from 0% to 20% depending on how far your rent is below the benchmark.
- Any increase needs 90 days written notice before contract end. No increase applies at renewal if no notice given.
Pro Tip: Run the calculator 100–120 days before renewal. If an increase is indicated, you’ll have time to compare nearby communities, negotiate, or plan next steps. Save a screenshot or PDF of the result and keep it with your renewal emails.
What the RERA Index Calculator actually does
The calculator is an official service that estimates whether your unit can legally be increased at renewal. It uses the current rent benchmark for your area and returns two essentials:
- the benchmark range for comparable units, and
- whether a permitted increase applies at renewal under the rent-cap brackets.
What Inputs you’ll need?
- Property category: residential, commercial, industrial, or staff accommodation
- Property type: apartment or villa
- Bedrooms, community/area, and contract end date
- Current annual rent (AED)
- Optional identifiers you can search by: Ejari contract number or DEWA premise number (Source: DLD)
How to use the RERA rental index calculator (5 steps)
- Open the official “Inquiry about the Rental Index” service on web or Dubai REST app.
- Choose a search path: by Area, Ejari contract number, or DEWA premise number.
- Select your property category, apartment/villa, bedrooms, community, and enter the contract end date.
- Enter your current annual rent (AED) and submit.
- Review the result: note the benchmark range and whether a rent increase is allowed under the brackets. Save a copy for your records.
RERA Rent increase brackets
Dubai applies fixed caps based on how far your current rent is below the benchmark:
- 0% increase if your current rent is up to 10% below benchmark
- 5% if 11–20% below
- 10% if 21–30% below
- 15% if 31–40% below
- 20% if more than 40% below
These thresholds convert your position in the market into the maximum permitted increase at renewal.
RERA Index Calculator Quick and realistic examples
| Scenario | Current rent | Benchmark range | Gap vs. midpoint | Indicative outcome* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, Dubai Marina | AED 80,000 | AED 85,000–95,000 | ~12% below | Up to 5% |
| 2-bed, JVC | AED 65,000 | AED 70,000–78,000 | ~10–17% below | 0–5% |
| 3-bed villa, Mirdif | AED 145,000 | AED 150,000–170,000 | ~3–14% below | 0–5% |
* Outcomes depend on the index applicable at your renewal date, valid 90-day notice, and accurate inputs.
RERA Notice and timing rules that matter
- 90-day written notice is mandatory for any increase. If the notice is not served at least 90 days before lease end, no increase applies—even if the index would otherwise allow it.
- The calculator reflects market benchmarks; the final rent must follow the cap table above. Classifieds or listing prices are not legal justification to exceed caps.
- The index that matters is the one applicable to your renewal window. Re-check close to renewal, because benchmarks can change.
Special cases & quick fixes
- Not listed or new buildings: Try the wider area. New stock can take time to appear in the index.
- Bedroom count mismatch: Choose the closest layout (studio vs. 1-bed, 2 vs. 2-plus-study) and note this in negotiation.
- Big gap but result shows 0%: You might already be in the benchmark range; re-check area, property type and date entries.
- Offer exceeds cap: Respond in writing with your calculator result and the cap brackets. If unresolved, escalate to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre with your documentation.
Practical case study
Fatima rents a 2-bed in JLT at AED 95,000. The calculator shows a benchmark AED 100,000–112,000. Using the midpoint (AED 106,000), her rent is roughly 10.4% below.
- If the landlord served a valid 90-day notice, the cap points toward up to 5% (at the boundary between 0% and 5%, the precise allowance depends on the benchmark at the renewal moment).
- If the notice arrived late, no increase is permitted at renewal and the lease continues on current terms.
Tips for tenants and landlords for fair negotiation
- Use the calculator result and the bracket you fall into.
- Consider total occupancy cost: parking, chiller, and routine maintenance.
- Offer a longer term (for example, two years) in exchange for a gentler step-up within the allowed cap.
- Keep all communication in writing and attach the calculator snapshot.
FAQs – RERA Index Calculator
Is the RERA index calculator legally binding?
It reflects the official rent index used to determine whether a rent increase is allowed and, if so, the cap. The result applies at renewal, subject to proper 90-day notice.
Can a landlord raise rent mid-contract?
No. Rent changes apply at renewal and only with valid notice served at least 90 days before the contract end date.
What if my unit is unique?
Those details can inform negotiation, but the cap brackets linked to the index still limit the maximum increase.
Where do I escalate a dispute?
If you cannot resolve it directly, you may escalate to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, with copies of notice, calculator result, and correspondence.
Disclaimer
This guide summarises rules and tools for convenience. Always verify your case on the official service close to your renewal date and keep records of notices and results.
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