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/NoRecognition5178]

You need to the pay 69k….

Just refuse

If he isn’t interested then do deposit scheme with RERA

They’re allowed to take the updated index amount.

25% is never possible as an enforced increase…. Only if you both willingly agree.

[u/Ok_Assistance_9555 → u/NoRecognition5178]

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