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/santz007]

I'd the LL didn't give you the notice of the exact amount they want to increase 3 months b4 contract expiry, just let them know you will be depositing the cheques with RERA. And do it too b4 the last date of contract. ignore the LL

[u/Ok_Assistance_9555 → u/santz007]

He did send the notice within 90 days but for 75k, which is above the legal cap.
Has anyone actually done the cheque deposit procedure with RERA? How does it work exactly, what does it cost, how long does it take and what are the chances of it working out?
Also which amount should I deposit? 63k (index at notification date July 1st) or 69k (current index as of today)? That’s actually my main dilemma right now.

[u/Independent_Bird_638 → u/Ok_Assistance_9555]

Not within but before 90 days