A new requirement for lease registration
From 2025, property owners in Dubai will be required to declare all changes to their property before registering or renewing a lease via the Ejari system. This new obligation applies in particular to renovation work, changes of use (e.g. conversion of a storage space into an office) or any other structural improvement that has an impact on the value or use of the property.
A direct link to the Smart Rental Index
This initiative is part of the roll-out of the Smart Rental Index, a digital tool set up by the Dubai Land Department to evaluate properties according to a star rating system. Each property is ranked according to its features, condition and level of comfort. Renovated or upgraded properties can achieve a higher rating, which has a direct impact on the reference rent. By declaring these changes, owners can enhance the value of their property while complying with the system's requirements.
Greater transparency for tenants and landlords
The reform also aims to protect tenants' rights by giving them a clearer picture of the actual condition of the accommodation on offer. By requiring the declaration of alterations, the Ejari system becomes more transparent, enabling lessors to be better assessed and tenants to make more informed choices. This is a further step towards a more structured, fair and modern rental market, in line with international best practice.
Proactive property management
This new rule illustrates Dubai's desire to digitize the management of its real estate assets and promote high quality standards. The authorities hope to encourage landlords to maintain, renovate and improve their properties, while offering them official recognition in the assessment criteria. This policy is part of a wider strategy to make the rental market more transparent, efficient and competitive.
Conclusion: a structuring reform for a more reliable rental market
With this requirement to declare property changes in Ejari, Dubai is continuing its drive to modernize the real estate sector, placing housing quality and transparency at the heart of the rental system. By enhancing the value of well-maintained properties and clearly informing tenants, this measure contributes to a more professional, attractive and secure rental ecosystem.
