Dubai Land Department Launches Ejari Awareness Campaign to Strengthen Rental Market Transparency

{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}

New Ejari campaign aims to reduce rental disputes in Dubai amid strong 2026 leasing activity

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign on 5-6 January 2026 focused on the Ejari rental registration system. Branded "Step by Step," the initiative addresses common inquiries about lease registration procedures while aiming to enhance transparency and protect the rights of landlords and tenants across the emirate.

The campaign arrives against a backdrop of strong rental activity following two years of significant price increases, with industry experts identifying Ejari-related misunderstandings as a leading cause of tenant-landlord conflict, particularly among first-time renters.

Campaign Scope and Distribution

The DLD's awareness drive covers several practical areas affecting most Dubai renters: lease registration and cancellation procedures, Ejari certificate downloads, calculation of rental increase percentages using the RERA rental index, proper notification timelines, and lease termination processes in accordance with approved legal frameworks.

Content is being distributed across multiple channels including the official DLD website (dubailand.gov.ae), social media platforms, and various visual and audio formats. The multi-channel approach reflects DLD's strategy to reach all customer segments, including landlords, tenants, and real estate brokers.

Ejari Registration Requirements

Ejari, meaning "My Rent" in Arabic, is Dubai's mandatory online rental contract registration system managed by DLD and overseen by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Made compulsory in 2010, the system formally records all tenancy agreements for both residential and commercial properties, making them legally recognised by government authorities.

Registration is essential for activating DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) accounts, setting up internet connections, processing visa and residence permit applications, and filing rental disputes at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC). Without a valid Ejari certificate, tenants cannot activate utilities or legally occupy a property.

Current registration fees through the Dubai REST app range from AED 155-177.75 (including fees and VAT), while typing centres charge AED 219.75-220. Required documents include a signed tenancy contract, Emirates ID for both parties, the landlord's passport or title deed, DEWA premise number, and security deposit receipt where applicable. Certificates are typically issued within one to two working days.

Rent Increase Framework Under RERA

A central focus of the campaign is educating residents about legal rent increase procedures governed by RERA's rental index system under Decree No. 43 of 2013. The framework permits increases only at contract renewal based on how far current rent falls below market average:

Less than 10% below market: No increase permitted
11-20% below market: Up to 5% increase
21-30% below market: Up to 10% increase
31-40% below market: Up to 15% increase
Over 40% below market: Up to 20% increase

Landlords must provide written notice at least 90 days before contract renewal to implement any increase. Without proper notice, increases cannot be applied even if the RERA index permits them.

Dispute Resolution Context

The campaign's emphasis on reducing disputes reflects ongoing challenges in Dubai's rental market. Without a valid Ejari certificate, tenants cannot file cases at the RDSC regardless of how well-drafted their contract may be.

The RDSC reported strong activity in Q2 2025, concluding 443 settlement agreements worth AED 190.7 million with an average settlement period of just six days per case. His Excellency Judge Abdul Qader Mousa Mohammed, Chairman of the Rental Disputes Center, stated these achievements demonstrate the centre's commitment to enhancing judicial efficiency and promoting settlement mechanisms that uphold the rights of all parties.

Market Outlook for 2026

The Ejari campaign launches as Dubai's rental market enters what analysts describe as a "mature phase" with more balanced landlord-tenant dynamics. Rental growth is expected to moderate to 4-6% in 2026, down from double-digit increases recorded in 2023-2024.

A new supply pipeline of approximately 120,000 units scheduled for delivery in 2026, with up to 200,000 units projected by 2027, is expected to ease market pressure. High-demand areas including Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay are forecast to maintain stronger rental pricing, while areas with concentrated new supply may see increased landlord competition.

The first week of January 2026 recorded 13,186 rental transactions, with renewals forming the majority—suggesting tenant stability and acceptance of prevailing rental levels. DLD has encouraged all market participants to access official awareness materials through its digital channels to benefit from the guidance provided.