Dubai market news · 2 November 2026
Renting out a Dubai home just got simpler. From 2 November 2026, landlords and tenants can create, register, renew and cancel Ejari tenancy contracts in the DubaiNow app, sign them with UAE PASS, get the Ejari certificate the moment the contract is approved, and pay the DEWA security deposit in the same journey. For investors who let their own units, it removes most of the paperwork between signing a tenant and collecting rent. Here is how it works and what it means for you as an owner.
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The new Ejari service at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | Monday 2 November 2026, by Dubai Land Department with DEWA and Digital Dubai |
| Where | DubaiNow app, signed in with UAE PASS |
| What you can do | Create and register a new tenancy contract, renew it, cancel it, and pay the DEWA security deposit |
| Ejari certificate | Issued immediately once the contract is approved |
| Fees for a registration | AED 177.75 in total (AED 100 registration, AED 55 service fee, AED 10 knowledge fee, AED 10 innovation fee, AED 2.75 VAT) |
| Who can use it | Individuals who own and manage their own property and hold a valid Emirates ID |
| Scale of the rental market | 118,385 new contracts and 135,607 renewals in Q1 2026, worth about AED 32.2 billion |
What changed
Before, registering a lease and getting the utilities connected were separate tasks on separate platforms. Now the whole tenancy journey sits in one place. The landlord starts the contract, the tenant reviews and signs it, the Ejari certificate is issued as soon as it is approved, and the tenant moves straight on to the DEWA security deposit so electricity and water can be activated before move-in. Renewals and cancellations run through the same app, with both sides signing through UAE PASS.
It is part of Dubai’s Services 360 policy, which links related government services into single digital journeys, and it matters because of volume: Dubai handled almost 254,000 new and renewed tenancy contracts in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
How it works, step by step
Registering a new lease or renewing one
- Landlord: open the Ejari service in DubaiNow and log in with UAE PASS.
- Landlord: choose New Contract or Renew Contract, fill in the details, sign and send it to the tenant.
- Tenant: review and accept the contract, sign it with UAE PASS and pay the fees.
- Tenant: continue to the DEWA security deposit, where it applies.
Cancelling a lease
- Landlord: log in to the Property Wallet and pick the property.
- Landlord: choose Cancel Tenancy Contract, complete the details and send the request to the tenant.
- Tenant: log in, review the request, and approve or decline it.
- Landlord: receive a notification of the tenant’s decision.
What it means for property investors
If you manage your own unit, you can now take a tenant from signature to registered Ejari in one sitting, without a typing centre. A registered Ejari is what makes the lease enforceable and what your tenant needs to connect utilities, so faster registration means a faster move-in and an earlier first rent cheque.
If you live overseas, check the eligibility first. The DubaiNow service is for individuals who own and manage their own property and hold a valid Emirates ID. If you do not hold one, a property manager or someone you have authorised will usually handle the registration for you.
If you are buying off-plan to rent out, this is the last step of the handover you should plan for. Once the unit is handed over and your title is registered, a lease can be signed, registered and the tenant connected to DEWA in the same day, which shortens the gap between handover and income.
If you are renewing, do it before the current contract expires so the lease stays registered without a gap. Rent changes on renewal still follow the Dubai rules on rent increases, and both sides need to have agreed them before the renewal is signed.
Why Ovation
Ovation Capital Properties (RERA ORN 47175) is a founder-led Dubai off-plan brokerage for investors who refuse to buy blind. Led by Rahul Agiwal (Lead Advisor) and Bhumika Chauhan (Waterfront Specialist), we compare projects head to head, state live From prices and payment plans as facts, and only present DLD and Trakheesi-registered stock. We plan the whole investment with you, from booking, SPA and Oqood registration through to handover and your first tenant, so the property earns from the day it is ready.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register Ejari on the DubaiNow app?
Yes. Since 2 November 2026, landlords and tenants can create, register, renew and cancel Ejari tenancy contracts in the DubaiNow app, signing with UAE PASS.
How much does Ejari registration cost in Dubai?
Registering a tenancy contract through DubaiNow costs AED 177.75 in total: AED 100 registration fee, AED 55 service fee, AED 10 knowledge fee, AED 10 innovation fee and AED 2.75 VAT.
How long does it take to get the Ejari certificate?
The service is instant. The Ejari certificate is issued as soon as the contract is approved after both sides have signed.
Who starts the Ejari contract, the landlord or the tenant?
The landlord. The owner creates the new or renewed contract, signs it and sends it to the tenant, who then reviews, signs and pays the fees.
Can I pay the DEWA deposit in the same app?
Yes. After the contract step, the tenant can pay the DEWA security deposit in the same journey to activate electricity and water, where it applies.
How do I cancel an Ejari contract?
The landlord opens the Property Wallet, selects the property, chooses Cancel Tenancy Contract and sends the request. The tenant approves or declines it, and the landlord is notified of the decision.
Do I need an Emirates ID to use the new Ejari service?
Yes. The DubaiNow service is for individuals who own and manage their own property and hold a valid Emirates ID, and both parties sign through UAE PASS.
I live abroad. How do I register a lease on my Dubai property?
If you do not hold a valid Emirates ID, a property manager or a person you have authorised normally registers the lease for you.
Why does Ejari matter to a landlord?
A registered Ejari makes the tenancy official, which matters if there is ever a dispute, and the tenant needs it to connect utilities and for many residency and bank procedures.
Can I renew a lease on DubaiNow?
Yes. Choose Renew Contract in the Ejari service, update the terms, sign and send it to the tenant to accept and sign.
How big is Dubai’s rental market?
In the first quarter of 2026 Dubai registered 118,385 new tenancy contracts and 135,607 renewals, with a combined value of about AED 32.2 billion.
How does Ovation help me buy a rental property in Dubai?
We shortlist projects that fit your yield and budget, check escrow, delivery record and the payment plan before you pay, handle the booking with you, and stay with you through SPA, Oqood, handover and letting. Tap Get the free playbook or message us on WhatsApp to start.
Disclaimer: Service details, eligibility and fees are as published on 2 November 2026 and may change; check the DubaiNow app before you start. Rental figures are for the period stated and may be revised. Rents, prices and regulations can change and past performance does not guarantee future results. This article is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Ovation Capital Properties LLC, RERA ORN 47175.
