What Is The RERA Rental Index Calculator & How Do You Use It?

What Is The Rera Rent Calculator?

With real estate being one of the largest and most important industries in Dubai, it is essential for authorities to provide a reliable framework that protects all parties involved. 

In Dubai, RERA sets policies to maintain a fair market, boost foreign investments and handle any issues between tenants and landlords. 

One of RERA’s most effective and essential tools is the RERA rent calculator. The RERA Rent Calculator is a vital tool that helps tenants and landlords determine whether or not a rent increase is allowed. 

To do this, the RERA calculator considers a number of factors relating to a property to determine the typical market rate for a similar property. This market rate can then be compared to the current rent being paid by the tenant, to determine whether the landlord can increase the rent at the time of renewal and if so, by how much.

The RERA Dubai calculator​ is provided with data points such as: 

• Property Location 

• Property Size 

• Property Type (e.g. apartment/villa)

• Number Of Bedrooms

• Current Annual Rent 

Smart Rental Index 2025: Dubai's New Rental Index 

Dubai’s Smart Rental Index 2025 introduces a more advanced and transparent approach to rental pricing, using real-time data and AI-driven analytics. This updated system enhances the accuracy of the RERA Rent Calculator, ensuring tenants and landlords can determine fair rental values based on market trends. 

Unlike previous versions, the Smart Rental Index 2025 considers additional factors like building quality, amenities, and location demand, providing a more comprehensive assessment through the RERA Dubai Calculator. For those looking to renew or negotiate their lease, the RERA Calculator remains the go-to tool for verifying rental limits in compliance with Dubai’s rental laws. 

RERA Rent Calculator Reset 

Previously, the RERA rent calculator in Dubai​ was adjusted and updated annually. In 2024, in was recalibrated on March 1st, leading to widespread, permissible rental increases of up to 20%. 

However, the switch to the Smart Rental Index in January 2025 means that the rental index will be updated much more frequently. This, in combination with the index considering additional factors, should ensure more accurate and transparent market prices for landlords and tenants. 

Historically, landlords have complained that the rental index prevents them from charging the full market rate, whilst tenants have rallyed for stricter enforcement of the RERA Rent Calculator. The recalibration of the calculator is the DLD and RERA’s attempt at satisfying the needs of both stakeholders, while also providing more clarity in rental price regulations.

Benefits of Using the RERA Rent Calculator in Dubai

The primary aim of the RERA rent calculator in Dubai is to promote transparency in the real estate market. It benefits tenants by allowing them to verify if an increase in rent is justified while it lets landlords justify their rental adjustments within legal limits. 

There are several other benefits of using the RERA calculator:

• It ensures legal compliance as landlords are required to notify tenants of any rental adjustments (including an increase in rent) at least 90 days before the contract renewal date. This doesn’t leave tenants caught off guard with sudden changes to their rental contracts. 

• As the data offered is clear and accessible, the RERA rent calculator empowers all stakeholders to make informed decisions. While landlords can adjust their rent prices according to accurate market insights, tenants can negotiate their leases more effectively. 

• The RERA rent calculator also makes fact-checking and verification extremely easy for tenants when confirming whether increases in rental payments are fair. Inevitably, it promotes accountability in the real estate market. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Using the RERA Rent Calculator

Utilizing the RERA rent calculator in Dubai can be a straightforward, stress-free process. Here is a step-by-step guide on correctly using it. 

1. Gathering the required information and documents 

It is advised for both landlords and tenants to collect the required information beforehand so that there are no mistakes or confusion while updating the RERA rent calculator. The information includes: 

• Property category

• Property location 

• Property size and type 

• Date of contract expiration 

• Current annual rent

2. Accessing the calculator 

To access the RERA rent calculator, one will have to visit the DLD RERA website and click on the “Inquiry about the Rental Index” tab. You will be redirected to the calculator.  

3. Data inputs

The calculator will then clearly show the required information which must be inputted. Tenants/landlords will also be required to input their Ejari certificate or title deed number and year. After double-checking all the inputted data, click on the “Calculate” button. 

If tenants input their Title Deed Number, they will have to input details of their current rent, and certificate year, along with other required information. If they input their Ejari Contract Number, they will only be required to input their contact number - the RERA rental index will then display the current rent and the amount to be increased. 

4. Review results 

After receiving the calculation, both parties are free to discuss and negotiate rent increases and contract adjustments. While it is necessary that the rent increase complies with the legal limits of the RERA rent calculator, both parties can approach RERA to dispute the results.

Understanding the RERA Rental Increase Calculator

In Dubai’s rapidly growing market, rental prices have increased drastically. This has prompted tenants and landlords to increasingly refer to the RERA calculator to understand whether raising the rent for a property is legal - along with the maximum rent increase that is allowed.

There are a few significant points to be kept in mind when referring to the RERA rental increase calculator. 

First of all, for a rental increase to be permissible, it must meet the following requirements: 

• A rental increase can only happen at the time of tenancy contract renewal. The rent cannot be changed mid-tenancy.

• The landlord must provide written notice to the tenant at least 90 days before the contract renewal date to inform them of the rental increase. 

When referring to the RERA rental increase calculator, the permitted rental increase depends on how different the current rent is to the market rate. The rules are as follows: 

• Increasing a property’s rent will not be permitted if the current annual rent is less than 10% below the rental index 

• If the existing annual rent is between 11% and 20% less than the rental index, a maximum rent increase of 5% is permitted

• If the existing annual rent is between 21% and 30% less than the rental index, a maximum rent increase of 10% is permitted

• If the existing annual rent exceeds 31% below the rental index, a maximum rent increase of 20% is permitted

How To Calculate Rental Increases With The Rera Rent Calculator

The process of calculating rental increases is the same as the regular process. 

1. Log onto the DLD website or the Dubai REST app

2. Click on the “Inquiry about the Rental Index” tab 

3. Select “Access this service” and choose the property type 

4. After entering all the relevant details and information, click on the “Calculate” button to receive the result 

Key Factors Influencing The Rera Rental Index

In Dubai, both the RERA rental index and the RERA rent calculator are annually updated to strike a balance in the real estate market. Certain factors that may influence the RERA rental index are: 

1. Location: This is one of the most pivotal factors in impacting the RERA rental index. Properties located in prime locations such as Downton Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, or Dubai Marina will lead to higher rent prices due to high demand from potential tenants and limited supply of such exclusive properties. 

2. Property Characteristics: While a property has many characteristics that can be capitalized on by its landlord; from the living space and maintenance to furnishing and amenities; the RERA rental index and calculator takes into account the property’s size and number of bedrooms.

3. Economic factors: Factors such as a thriving job market or foreign investment may attract more people to Dubai, thereby hiking up rental prices. Periods of economic stagnation may result in tenants shifting to more affordable areas and the potential lowering of rent. 

Conclusion

The RERA Rent Calculator remains an essential tool for ensuring fairness and transparency in Dubai’s real estate market, helping both tenants and landlords navigate rent adjustments with confidence. 

With the 2025 Smart Rental Index update, the system is now more dynamic, factoring in real-time data, building quality, and location demand to provide a more accurate rental assessment. 

Whether you’re a tenant verifying a rent increase or a landlord ensuring compliance with Dubai’s rental laws, the RERA Calculator offers a clear, reliable, and legally backed solution for informed decision-making.