In March 2008, DIC announced a rental increase to 180 AED per square foot - a 25% rise (the government's rent cap on private landlords is 5% for 2008). The DIC statement accompanying the release said "operating costs have shot up recently due to economic growth in the region". It made no mention of the decision by the UAE government in November 2007 to hike federal government employees' salaries by 70%.. In late 2008, Dubai property prices began to crash heavily, falling by up to 50% over the next six months. Rents across the emirate fell heavily and many jobs were lost, particularly in real estate. Despite this, as of December 2009 DIC rents were not reduced. The present rent of 160 AED (July '11), including the service charge for electricity, is roughly double the rents available in the areas immediately outside DIC. From January 15, 2013 the RTA began charging workers and visitors to DIC, as well as Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village for parking, which had previously been provided free. In addition to charging fees for parking in car parks and designated parking areas, the authorities began activating parking meters on the streets, and in off-street areas. The move caused widespread concern among workers in DIC and the other TECOM areas.