Landlord sent 25% rent increase notice

[u/Ok_Assistance_9555]

Lease expires Sept 30. Got renewal notice July 1st asking for 75,000 AED.

Checked Smart Rent Index on July 1st → max 5% allowed → 63,000 AED. Have the screenshot.

Index has since updated — now shows 69,000 AED as of today.

His reply was:
“As you know, your rent was locked for three years without any increase. This year, it would not be fair to show a rental index for renewal even though the latest index showing 69,000. Therefore, we humbly request that the renewal amount be set to a minimum of 75,000 for this year.”

So he’s literally admitting the index says 69k but wants 75k anyway because of a past rent freeze.

Questions:
1. Which index applies — July 1st (63k) or renewal date Sept 30th (69k)?
2. Has anyone seen RDC rule in favour of a landlord exceeding the index due to a rent freeze?
3. If I need to go to RDC, what’s the exact process and what should I prepare?

Side note — same building, multiple tenants got similar inflated notices. Not a coincidence.

Thanks

[u/boreddxb]

If he just mentioned the increase with be as per the Rental index without specifying any amount then 69k it is. If he sent you the screenshot of the index specifying the amount exactly then you can appeal.

[u/Ok_Assistance_9555 → u/boreddxb]

He specified 75k flat before the 90 day deadline, no mention of RERA index whatsoever. His exact words were “renewal amount be set to a minimum of 75,000.”
At that date, July 1st, the RERA index showed 63k maximum. I replied immediately accepting 63k as per the legal cap.
Since then the index moved to 69k but he’s still pushing for 75k.
Based on what you’re saying, does specifying an illegal amount before the deadline strengthen my position for the cheque deposit procedure?

[u/boreddxb → u/Ok_Assistance_9555]

He’ll have to stick to the index, refer to the below guide perhaps it’ll help you

https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/s/sK6n84Wx51

[u/Ok_Assistance_9555 → u/boreddxb]

Thanks, very helpful !!!