Your tenancy contract is coming up for renewal - now what? For most Dubai tenants, renewing is quick and simple. But there are a few rules and deadlines worth knowing before you sign, especially when it comes to rent increases and your Ejari registration.
What is Ejari, and why does renewal matter?
Ejari is the Dubai Land Department's official system for registering tenancy contracts. Once registered, your contract becomes a government-recognised document.
One thing many tenants miss: Ejari does not renew automatically when your lease does. Each new contract period has to be registered again. Without a valid Ejari:
You may struggle to connect or transfer DEWA and other services.
Visa and family sponsorship applications can be held up.
Your contract carries less weight if a dispute ever goes to the Rental Dispute Centre - unregistered leases are not heard there.
Before you renew: the two rules that matter most
1. The 90-day notice rule. If your landlord wants to change anything in the contract - including the rent - they must notify you in writing at least 90 days before the contract expires. If neither side gives notice, the contract normally renews on the same terms.
2. The RERA Rental Index. Rent increases are capped by the official RERA Rental Index. How much your landlord can raise the rent depends on how far your current rent sits below the average for similar homes in your area:
If your rent is up to 10% below the area average, your landlord cannot raise it at all.
If it is 11% to 20% below, the maximum increase is 5%.
At 21% to 30% below, the cap is 10%, and at 31% to 40% below, it is 15%.
Only when your rent is more than 40% below the average can it rise by up to 20%.
Tip: Check your unit on the Dubai Land Department's rental index calculator before you agree to any new figure. The rent on your renewed Ejari becomes the starting point for next year's calculation.
How to renew your Ejari
Agree on the new terms with your landlord and sign the renewed unified tenancy contract.
Open the Dubai REST app or the DLD website and sign in with UAE Pass. You can also visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre in person.
Choose "Register / Renew Ejari Contract", enter the contract details, and upload your documents.
Wait for landlord approval in the app, then pay the fee.
Download your new Ejari certificate and keep a copy - you will need it for DEWA, visas, and more.
Ejari renewal fees (Dubai Land Department):
Online via Dubai REST app or DLD website: AED 177.75
In person at a Trustee Centre: AED 220
Renewing costs the same as a new registration.
Documents you will usually need:
The signed renewed tenancy contract
Your Emirates ID (and passport and visa copies, where requested)
Your previous Ejari certificate or number
Landlord's title deed and ID copies, where required
A power of attorney, if someone is renewing on your behalf
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Smart tips before you sign
Set a reminder 90 days before expiry. That is your real deadline for any rent or term changes.
Get everything in writing. Any agreed change should appear in the registered contract, not just a side letter or message.
Sort out your cheques. Hand over new post-dated cheques for the new term, and make sure old ones from the previous contract are returned or cancelled.
Inspect the property. Raise any maintenance issues before you sign the renewal.
Renew Ejari quickly. Start as soon as the new contract is signed, ideally before the old one ends.
Thinking about buying instead of renewing?
Every renewal is a good moment to ask: is it time to stop paying rent and own your home? With flexible payment plans on many off-plan projects and attractive mortgage options, buying in Dubai can be more reachable than many tenants think.
Azora Property helps tenants explore their options - from finding the right home to arranging mortgage financing through our Mortgage Services.
Contact Azora Property today to compare renting and buying, and find a home that works for you.
FAQs
Does Ejari renew automatically?
No. Even if your tenancy contract renews, you need to register the new contract period on Ejari.
How much does Ejari renewal cost in 2026?
AED 177.75 online through the Dubai REST app or DLD website, or AED 220 at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.
How much can my landlord increase the rent?
It depends on the RERA Rental Index. If your rent is within 10% of the area average, there is no increase. The cap rises in steps up to 20% when your rent is more than 40% below average.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
At least 90 days' written notice before the contract expires.
Can I renew Ejari online?
Yes. Use the Dubai REST app or the DLD website, sign in with UAE Pass, upload the signed contract and pay the fee.