Real estate simplified: How to use the RERA rental calculator?

Thinking about renting in Dubai? Or are you a landlord with a property up on rent?

As you may know, rent has been the major household expense for the majority of the population renting globally, and tenants are often looking to understand the market better. This comes anywhere from understanding when rents will begin to rise, and if rents are about to drop then what can be expected?

This is where the Dubai Land Department’s recently announced RERA Index Calculator comes in handy.

So, what is RERA?

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority which is part of Dubai’s Land Department has announced a rental index calculator through which tenants and landlords can find out/predict potential rental increases.

One of the significant responsibilities of RERA is the maintenance and updating of Dubai's Rental Price Index. This is the database which records average rental prices, and this is updated annually to ensure transparency in rental transactions across the city's properties.

To make this index more accessible and user-friendly for UAE residents, RERA has introduced an online service called the Rental Increase Calculator.

The Rental Increase Calculator helps users determine potential rent increases and discover the average rental prices in various areas of Dubai. This free online service is available to all Dubai residents, providing an effective tool for making informed decisions about renting.

How to use the RERA Rental Increase Calculator?

You can go onto the Dubai Land Department’s portal where you can access this RERA Rental Increase Calculator.

This is the following information needed before beginning the process:

• Property type: residential, commercial, industrial, or staff accommodation
• Expiry date of the current contract
• Property location/area and ownership model (e.g., freehold)
• Property type (e.g., apartment or villa)
• Number of bedrooms
• Current annual rent

Access the rent increase calculator by logging into the Dubai REST app or visiting the Dubai Land Department’s official website.

1. Navigate to the section - Inquiry about the Rental Index. 2. Select the option - Access This Service, and choose your property type (residential, commercial, or industrial). 3. Input the necessary details - Into the RERA rent calculator, such as current contract details, title deeds, etc. 4. Click the Calculate button to view your results.

After that, the screen will display the average rents in your area for the selected property type and indicate if you are eligible for a rental increase.

Whether you are renting villas or moving into apartments in Dubai, the RERA index rent calculator provides essential information to help you determine the actual value of your property and verify if your landlord is charging a fair amount.

When can rents be increased?

If one is thinking of increasing rents, as landlords they must notify tenants of any rent increase at least 90 days prior to the contract renewal.

If this notice is not given within the specified timeframe, tenants have the right to reject the increase.

Considerations for rental increases in Dubai

RERA recommends that both tenants and landlords utilise the Rental Increase Calculator during lease negotiations. Existing and prospective tenants should check the Rental Price Index with the RERA rent calculator when considering renting apartments in Dubai.

And there you have it…

Thinking about renting in Dubai?

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