RERA Dubai 2025: Your complete handbook for navigating real estate regulations

Key Takeaways

• RERA’s Core Role: RERA regulates Dubai’s real estate market, ensuring fairness, transparency, and stability.
• 2025 Highlights: New tools like the Smart Rental Index were launched in January 2025. It addresses the rise in off-plan projects and rental demand.
• Tenant Protections: RERA requires landlord maintenance, limiting rent increases and RDC dispute resolution.
• Investor Safeguards: Off-plan investments are safe with escrow accounts and developer oversight. Tools like the Dubai REST app shows project progress and ownership rights.
• Professional Standards: Becoming RERA-certified involves training, an exam, and licensing (1-2 months). You must renew the license 60 days before it expires.

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) plays a key role in keeping Dubai’s real estate market fair, transparent, and stable. This 2025 guide has the latest information, useful tools, and detailed analysis to help you succeed in the property industry in Dubai. Here’s everything you need to know about RERA, from tenancy laws to investor safety.

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is a government agency to regulate the real estate sector in Dubai. RERA is a government agency that regulates the real estate sector in Dubai. It was founded in 2007 by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President, and operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

RERA’s impact is evident in 2025 when Dubai’s population is expected to be 3.6 million and real estate is projected to contribute roughly 7% to GDP. It keeps the market steady as it speeds up toward Vision 2040, making sure that trust is maintained.

In 2025, off-plan developments, foreign investment, and rental demand are all on the rise. One example of how RERA regulated this expansion is the Law No. (6) of 2019 which adjusts the rules managing service fees for properties held in joint ownership. This system protects property owners by making sure fee collection is transparent.

In a real estate market that isn’t regulated by RERA, there could be unlicensed agents, rogue developers, and unfair rent increases. Instead, it gives:

• Transparency: Every deal, from leases to sales, is tracked and verified.
• Protection: Tenants, buyers, and investors have legal options.
• Professionalism: Only real estate agents who have been certified by RERA are authorized to work.

With RERA as its foundation, Dubai has become a haven for international players and residents in the real estate market.

The structure of RERA adapts to market growth and regulatory demands. Here’s what’s important in 2025:

• Tenancy Laws: Rent increases are limited (e.g., 20% if your rent is 40% below the market average), and 90 days’ notice is required through Ejari.
• Escrow Accounts: Off-plan project funds must sit in RERA-approved trust accounts, safeguarding buyers.
• Broker Licensing: Agents need RERA certification—unlicensed operators are illegal.
• Advertising Rules: Ads require RERA approval and QR codes (updated in 2023).

Stay ahead by keeping up with these shifting rules.

RERA equips you with advanced tools in 2025:

• Smart Rental Index Calculator: AI-powered tool that gives real-time rental norms. It replaced the old Rent Calculator and came out in January 2025.
• Dubai REST App: Helps you manage transactions, verify brokers, or track projects from your phone.
• Ejari: An innovative online registration system that gathers all Dubai’s rental agreements into one centralised database. Mandatory for tenancy contracts, it’s your digital dispute protection.

These resources make RERA accessible to all.

In Dubai, you can’t sign a rental deal until you’ve registered with Ejari, which is run by RERA and is for registering tenants. Here’s how to get it done in 2025:

1. Gather Documents: You’ll need your passport, visa, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, landlord’s title deed, and a DEWA bill.
2. Log In: Use your UAE Pass to access the Ejari portal or the Dubai REST app.
3. Fill Out the Form: Type in the details of the property, the tenant, and the landlord (such as the unit number and area).
4. Upload Files: Remember to provide all necessary papers in PDF format.
5. Pay the Fee: AED 155 (plus VAT) via card or digital wallet.
6. Get Your Barcode: Once approved (usually within 24 hours), download your Ejari certificate with its unique barcode.

Tip: Both landlord and tenant can register, but it’s typically the landlord’s job. Without Ejari, your contract isn’t legally enforceable—don’t skip it!

Facing a real estate issue? The Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) offers full assistance. Here’s the process for 2025:

1. Check Eligibility: Disputes must involve RERA-regulated matters (e.g., rent hikes, evictions, maintenance).
2. Collect Evidence: Gather your Ejari certificate, contract, payment receipts, and correspondence.
3. File Online: Log into the Dubai REST app or visit an RDC office.
4. Submit Details: Describe the issue (e.g., “Landlord raised rent 30% without notice”) and upload documents.
5. Pay the Fee: AED 500 minimum, up to AED 15,000, based on annual rent and case type.
6. Attend Hearing: Most cases go virtual via RDC’s tele-litigation tools—expect a ruling within 30 days, though complex cases may take longer.

Pro Tip: Try negotiating first; RDC is your backup if talks fail.

Renting in Dubai? RERA ensures fairness in 2025:

• Rent Control: There are no sudden price raises thanks to the Smart Rental Index. If the market rate for your JLT apartment is $25,000 a year but your rent is $20,000, the highest increase that can happen is 10%.
• Eviction Rules: Landlords need a valid reason (e.g., selling) and 12 months’ notice via notary public.
• Maintenance: Major repairs are the landlord’s duty (Article 16, Law No. 26).
• Dispute Resolution: RDC settle conflicts quickly.

Buying property—especially off-plan? RERA minimizes risks:

• Developer Oversight: Projects must be RERA-registered and have funds in escrow accounts.
• Transparency: DLD’s Smart Rental Index and building classification system projects are moving forward without any surprises.
• Freehold Clarity: Ownership rights are defined in zones like Dubai Hills.
• Dispute Support: RERA and DLD quickly resolve seller challenges.

How to get RERA certified and join the top of Dubai’s real estate market:

1. Residency Visa: You must have a resident visa in Dubai. This can be done by starting a business in Dubai or being employed by a local company. 
2. Submit Your Application: Submit your application to Dubai Land Department. This application includes personal information, professional background, and real estate qualifications or experience. 
3. Train: Complete the training program certified by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). You can sign up for online classes or visit training institutes at the Dubai Land Department.
4. Test: Pass the exam—it evaluates how well you know Dubai’s real estate laws. The exam is mandatory to work as a licensed real estate agent in Dubai.
5. Apply: Once you’ve completed your DREI course and passed the RERA exam, you can apply for your realtor license. 
6. Receive Your License: Once you receive the certificate, you can work as an authorized real estate agent or broker in Dubai. The RERA certificate is valid for one to two years and needs to be renewed on time to avoid penalties.