The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty
The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upwards trajectory. Getty

UAE property: 'Can I raise rent based on the vacant unit rate?


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Question: I have been renting out my studio apartment in Dubai for the past two years. The two-year contract was signed during Covid-19 and the rent was very low.

I rented out the apartment for Dh37,000 in the first year and the year after, I increased it to Dh42,000 after a mutual agreement with the tenant.

Both times, the rent stipulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) index was higher than what was mutually agreed.

As the tenancy agreement ends in March, my tenant approached me for contract renewal in January.

Since rents have gone up, I cited a higher amount of Dh55,000, which is currently the market rate for similar units.

However, he suggested a rent of Dh48,500 and we could not arrive at a mutual agreement.

My tenant sent an email last week saying that he visited the Rera office and filed a rental agreement dispute.

How can I deal with this situation, as it is difficult to pay the service charges and rent the apartment at a rate acceptable to the tenant?

I am also thinking of selling the property. What are the options to get this apartment vacant?

How does Rera decide in such cases? What needs to be done to ensure this lease is not renewed in 2024? SI, Dubai

Answer: In these times when the market is very strong, I advocate all parties to reach mutual agreements that sometimes go beyond what the law states is allowed.

The law is there as a guide, but it’s always followed by the words, “unless otherwise agreed”. It is this term that determines what actually takes place.

I understand your frustration in wanting the current market rate as rent. However, you have to take a few things into consideration.

The rent you seek at renewal is the full market rent and it is not indicative for renewals because this is a vacant unit rental price. When a tenant is in situ, the rents are not at the same level as market rates.

I understand your financial constraints, especially with service charges or mortgage payments. But this is no reason to request what is not allowed.

The Rera rental calculator is designed to offer both landlords and tenants a guide to future rental increases when the market is on an upward trajectory.

But it doesn’t mean that either party has to stick to it verbatim, it is just a guide to assist in reaching an agreement.

I have to agree with the tenant because he has suggested a figure as stipulated by the rental calculator, although less than your desired amount. This shows willingness on his behalf.

If a case is taken to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee (RDSC), a judge could potentially look at who is being reasonable.

I suggest another round of negotiations, but keep in mind that, according to the law, your next renewal rent should be no more than Dh46,000.

The offer the tenant made is 15 per cent more, which in any one year is fair.

I cannot tell you what to do, but having a good tenant, who gives no trouble, is also worth their weight, so bear this in mind in your future negotiations.

If you wish to sell, you can send a 12-month notification of eviction citing the reason as property sale. This must be sent either via notary public or registered mail.

____________

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Your last point about non-renewal is not valid. Unfortunately, you do not have the right of refusal if your tenant wants to renew and is paying rent commensurate with what the law states. You have to renew.

If the tenant wants to vacate, you can then re-let at the rent of your choice because the property will be vacant.

Q: My villa tenancy agreement is due for renewal on May 1.

I received an email from my landlord last November and it included a statement that showed the rent increase and the new rent.

I received an email notifying me about a rent increase this year, but there was no indication of the percentage increase or new rent upon renewal.

I have requested this from the landlord, but nothing has been forthcoming to date. SD, Dubai

A: All that the landlord is doing is informing you 90 days prior to the expiration of your agreement that there will be an increase in rent at renewal.

____________

Dubai apartment prices January 2023 — in pictures

  • APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,324 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
    APARTMENT PRICES BY CBRE: Jumeirah: Dh2,324 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, up 3.7 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, up 3.4 per cent in August, up 0.1 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, up 3.6 per cent in May, up 3.5 per cent in April. The National
  • The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,171 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, up 5.0 per cent in November, down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Palm Jumeirah: Dh2,171 per square foot — up 1.9 per cent in December, up 5.0 per cent in November, down 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.5 per cent in September, up 2.0 per cent in August, up 1.5 per cent in July, down 4.2 per cent in June, up 4.2 per cent in May, up 4 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Downtown Dubai: Dh2,170 - up 0.4 per cent in December, up 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
    Downtown Dubai: Dh2,170 - up 0.4 per cent in December, up 0.6 per cent in November, up 2.5 per cent in October, down 0.3 per cent in September, up 1.5 per cent in August, up 1 per cent in July, up 0.3 per cent in June, up 0.5 per cent in May, up 0.7 per cent in April. Reuters
  • DIFC: Dh1,601 per square foot — down 2.3 per cent in December, down 4.7 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
    DIFC: Dh1,601 per square foot — down 2.3 per cent in December, down 4.7 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, down 3.0 per cent in September, up 3.1 per cent in August, up 0.3 per cent in July, down 0.5 per cent in June, up 2.5 per cent in May, up 1.2 per cent in April. Jeff Topping / The National
  • Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,702 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in December, up 4.7 per cent in November, no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
    Mohammed bin Rashid City: Dh1,702 per square foot — up 1.6 per cent in December, up 4.7 per cent in November, no change in October, up 2.2 per cent in September, up 1.0 per cent in August, up 1.3 per cent in July, up 1.9 per cent in June, up 2.3 per cent in May, down 0.2 per cent in April. Satish Kumar / The National
  • Dubai Hills: Dh1,722 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in December, up 3.2 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Dubai Hills: Dh1,722 per square foot — up 0.9 per cent in December, up 3.2 per cent in November, up 2.1 per cent in October, up 4.0 per cent in September, up 1.4 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent in July, up 1.6 per cent, up 2.7 per cent in May, up 0.3 per cent in April. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • Business Bay: Dh1,579 per square foot — down 1.1 per cent in December, up 3.4 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    Business Bay: Dh1,579 per square foot — down 1.1 per cent in December, up 3.4 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 1.5 per cent in September, up 2.6 per cent in August, down 1.4 per cent in July, down 2.2 per cent in June, up 1.3 per cent in May, up 1.7 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,483 per square foot — up 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.1 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
    Jumeirah Beach Residence: Dh1,483 per square foot — up 3.7 per cent in December, down 0.1 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, up 1.4 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 2.8 per cent in June, down 1.0 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Photo: LuxuryProperty.com
  • Dubai Marina: Dh1,421 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Marina: Dh1,421 per square foot — down 1.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 0.5 per cent in October, down 2.0 per cent in August, up 2.3 per cent in July, up 1.8 per cent in June, down 0.3 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Victor Besa / The National
  • The Greens and The Views: Dh1,190 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
    The Greens and The Views: Dh1,190 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 2.7 per cent in November, up 1.9 per cent in October, flat in September, up 3.0 per cent in August, up 2.4 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, down 2.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Sarah Dea / The National
  • Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,023 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Jumeirah Lakes Towers: Dh1,023 per square foot — down 0.2 per cent in December, up 0.5 per cent in November, up 0.1 per cent in October, up 0.6 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 1.7 per cent, down 0.9 per cent in June, up 3.1 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Damac Hills: Dh1,052 per square foot — down 0.1 per cent in December, up 3.3 per cent in November, down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Damac Hills: Dh1,052 per square foot — down 0.1 per cent in December, up 3.3 per cent in November, down 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.3 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, up 2.1 per cent, up 0.4 per cent in June, up 2.1 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh950 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.0 per cent in November, up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
    Jumeirah Village Circle: Dh950 per square foot — up 2.4 per cent in December, up 1.0 per cent in November, up 0.4 per cent in October, up 0.7 per cent in September, down 0.8 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent in July, up 1.2 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, up 0.1 per cent in April. Razan Alzayani / The National
  • Town Square: Dh856 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
    Town Square: Dh856 per square foot — up 0.6 per cent in December, down 0.8 per cent in November, up 0.9 per cent in October, up 0.5 per cent in September, down 0.9 per cent in August, up 0.9 per cent in July, down 1.9 per cent in June, up 0.4 per cent in May, down 1.9 per cent in April.
  • Motor City: Dh694 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 2.8 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
    Motor City: Dh694 per square foot — up 1.1 per cent in December, up 2.8 per cent in November, up 1.5 per cent in October, up 0.8 per cent in September, up 1.9 per cent in August, down 1.8 per cent in July, down 2.5 per cent in June, up 0.8 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April.
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh614 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai Silicon Oasis: Dh614 per square foot — down 0.8 per cent in December, down 0.4 per cent in November, up 1.6 per cent in October, up 0.2 per cent in September, down 0.3 per cent in August, up 1.8 per cent in July, up 3.6 per cent in June, down 2.9 per cent in May, down 0.7 per cent in April. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dubai Sports City: Dh638 per square foot — up 0.3 per cent in December, down 0.5 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Dubai Sports City: Dh638 per square foot — up 0.3 per cent in December, down 0.5 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 2.6 per cent per cent in September, down 1.0 per cent in August, up 0.5 per cent, up 3.0 per cent in June, down 3.9 per cent in May, down 1.1 per cent in April. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Discovery Gardens: Dh545 per square foot — up 2.7 per cent in December, down 2.3 per cent in November, up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
    Discovery Gardens: Dh545 per square foot — up 2.7 per cent in December, down 2.3 per cent in November, up 3.5 per cent in October, up 1.7 per cent in September, up 0.9 per cent in August, down 0.8 per cent in July, down 1.8 per cent in June, up 0.3 per cent in May, down 2.2 per cent in April. Pawan Singh / The National
  • International City: Dh480 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
    International City: Dh480 per square foot — up 1.2 per cent in December, down 0.2 per cent in November, up 3.3 per cent in October, up 1.8 per cent in September, up 0.4 per cent in August, up 2 per cent in July, up 0.9 per cent in June, down 0.5 per cent in May, down 0.6 per cent in April. Antonie Robertson / The National

The actual amount will be determined closer to the date of renewal and according to the guidelines of the Rera rent calculator.

If, at the time of renewal, you do not agree with the proposed amount but the new amount is in line with the law, you will have no alternative but to vacate, especially if the landlord insists on this increase in rent.

However, if the increase is more than the permissible amount that the law states, you can contest this by filing a case at the RDSC.

Mario Volpi is the sales director at AX Capital. He has worked in the property sector for 39 years, in London and Dubai. The opinions expressed do not constitute legal advice and are provided for information only. Please send any questions to m.volpi@axcapital.ae

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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Watford v Bristol City

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UAE v Gibraltar

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Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

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A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

UAE squad

Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.

The specs: 2018 Audi Q5/SQ5

Price, base: Dh183,900 / Dh249,000
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder /  3.0L, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic / Eight-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,000rpm / 354hp @ 5,400rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm / 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy: combined 7.2L / 100km / 8.3L / 100km

The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: March 09, 2023, 4:00 AM