Hello everyone,
I’m currently renting an apartment in Dubai, and my landlord has informed me of a rent increase without giving any prior written notice. From what I understand, UAE tenancy laws — particularly in Dubai — require landlords to provide at least 90 days’ written notice before contract renewal if they intend to raise the rent. I also read that any increase must comply with the RERA rental index, which sets limits based on market conditions.
In my case, the landlord simply mentioned the increase verbally a few weeks before renewal, with no official documentation. I’m unsure whether this is legally enforceable, and I want to know what options I have to challenge or negotiate this.
My questions are:
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Is a verbal notice valid, or must it be written and served formally?
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How can I check if the rent increase complies with the RERA calculator?
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If the landlord insists, what legal steps can I take to protect my rights?
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Has anyone here had experience filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre?
I’d appreciate any guidance or shared experiences.
