Dubai tenancy contract registration with Ejari in 2024
Dubai is home to many expats from around the world. If you are looking for long-term accommodation in Dubai, you must familiarise yourself with the terms used in real estate. One common term is ‘Ejari’ – a government-run program regulating all Dubai tenancy contracts. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to explain everything you need to know about it.
What is Ejari?
The Ejari system in Dubai is a RERA initiative under the provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007. The law states that all rental contracts for properties in Dubai must be registered online through the official portal, a state-of-the-art system built to protect the rights of landlords and tenants in the city.
It is an integral part of renting a property in Dubai to ensure tenancy contracts are drafted into a legally binding document structured in a government-approved format.
This system also officially records the agreed-upon rent, so landlords cannot indiscriminately increase the rent during the tenancy contract renewal in Dubai. This is the ideal time for tenants to decide whether they are happy with their current arrangement.
How to register Ejari in Dubai?
The responsibility to register Ejari ‘meaning my rent in Arabic’ rests with the tenant and landlord. However, in most cases, the tenant or the real estate agent completes the process.
There are two methods to register – online and offline. You can do it online through the Ejari portal on the DLD website and Dubai Rest app. You can also visit any approved typing centres. So, one can choose between Ejari online registration or in-person registration.
HOW TO REGISTER EJARI ONLINE?
There are three platforms to register Ejari online:
- Ejari system (Dubai Land Department’s website)
- Dubai REST App
- Dubai Now App
Head over to our comprehensive guide to registering Ejari online, where we walk you through each step of the process on DLD’s site.
EJARI REGISTRATION VIA THE DUBAI REST APP
Tenants can register their tenancy contracts through the Dubai REST app. The Ejari online registration process is as follows.
- Download the Dubai REST app
- Go to the ‘Services’ section
- Select RERA
- Opt for ‘Register Contract’
- Fill out the required fields
- Upload the documents and submit
Please note that the landlord must also be registered on the app.
REGISTERING VIA REAL ESTATE SERVICE TRUSTEE CENTRES
Follow these steps to register your tenancy contract through Real Estate Service Trustee Centres or typing centres in Dubai.
- Visit one of the centres near you.
- Submit the necessary paperwork.
- Enter the transaction data into the system, which is checked and approved.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the contract and the contract registration certificate.
Once you have submitted the required documents and paid the fees, you will receive your registration certificate within 1 to 2 days.
WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
While applying through any of the centres, you must submit the following documents:
- A tenancy contract
- A copy of Emirates ID, passport, visa, commercial licence or power of attorney (if assigned) of the tenant
- Copy of the landlord’s passport (for individuals)
- A letter from the landlord stating the meter number (if there are shared electricity meters)
- An undertaking form of the data validity (if registered through real estate services trustees)
- Security deposit receipt
- Trade licence for commercial properties
- Title deed copy of the rented property
WHERE CAN I FIND THE EJARI OFFICE IN DUBAI?
Real Estate Service Trustee Centres are located across the emirate. Here is a list of some of the centres.
Ejari Offices | Contact |
|---|---|
Ejari Offices Al Twar Center, Al Nahda Road | Contact +971-4-263-6622 |
Ejari Offices 1st floor, Al Barhsa Mall, Al Barsha 2 | Contact +971-4-263-6622 |
Ejari Offices Dubai Municipality, Manara Center | Contact +971-4-333-6767 |
Ejari Offices Dubai Municipality Center, Al Nahda Road, Altwar 1st | Contact +971-4-333-6767 |
Ejari Offices Office 1, Ground Floor, Emaar Business Park 3, The Greens, Sheikh Zayed Road | Contact +971-4-457-1111 |
Ejari Offices Ground Floor, Mazaya Center, Sheikh Zayed Road | Contact +971-4-447-7918 |
Ejari Offices Business Park Building A2, Dubai World Central, Dubai South | Contact +971-4-884-4444 |
Ejari Offices Business Venue Building, Oud Metha | Contact +971-4-404-0404 |
WHAT ARE THE REAL ESTATE SERVICE TRUSTEE CENTRE TIMINGS?
Ejari registration office timings are from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday. There is a prayer break on Friday. So, you can visit from 08:00 am to 12:00 pm or from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
The offices are closed on Saturdays.
WHAT IS EJARI COST?
As per the DLD website, the total Ejari registration fee is AED 120 if you do it through the app.
- AED 100 for the registration (excluding VAT)
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
Registering through the real estate services trustee centres amounts to AED 215+VAT.
- AED 100 for registration (excluding VAT)
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
- AED 95 Service partner’s fee (excluding VAT)
How to download an Ejari certificate
You can follow these simple steps for Ejari download.
- Visit dubailand.gov.ae and click on Download Ejari Certificate
- Add your contact number and a DEWA Premise Number or ‘Municipality Number.’
- Click ‘Download PDF’
HOW DO I CANCEL MY EJARI CONTRACT?
As a landlord, you have to keep Ejari’s cancellation in mind. That’s right. It is important to cancel the contract when your tenant moves out. This is the responsibility of the landlord. As per RERA law, there should only be one registration against a property. If the previous contract has not been cancelled, the next tenant cannot register.
Cancellation is possible in the case of:
- Early termination of the rental contract
- Cancelling the contract if parties don’t wish to renew the contract at the end of the lease
The documents required for cancellation include:
- Emirates ID of both parties
- Ejari Certificate
- Tenant’s passport
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the landlord
- The last DEWA bill issued to the tenant
- Original unified tenancy contract
- A termination letter from the property owner
You can cancel the contract via the DLD Website, Dubai Rest App or by visiting Real Estate Services Trustee Centres. Online cancellation Ejari is free of charge, but if you wish to visit one of the service centres, it will cost you AED 40.
For more details, check out our guide on How to cancel Ejari in Dubai.
WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING THIS SYSTEM?
Besides making sure that all rental transactions in the emirate are clear and transparent, there are several other benefits to having the system in place:
- As a renter, you can perform the requisite background check on the landlord and the property by requesting historical data. It always helps to be more aware of the arrangements you are getting into.
- There is no room for fraud or tampering with documents by either the landlord or the tenant, which again clarifies if there is any contention in the future.
- It helps clamp down on illegal housing and unfair exploitation within the real estate market.
- The system ensures a smooth relationship between landlords and tenants.
FAQS ABOUT EJARI REGISTRATION
Why is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?
When you sign a new tenancy contract in Dubai, you must also complete the registration of your Ejari. This is mandatory for adhering to RERA regulations, as well as several associated formalities that include:
- For getting residence visas, new applications and renewals
- To get a telephone/television/internet connection
- Obtaining a commercial licence
- Employing domestic staff
- Acquiring an alcohol licence
- Electricity and water connection
Who is responsible for Ejari registering?
Once the tenancy contract has been agreed upon, the tenants and landlord are responsible for registering the property. However, the agency or the tenants usually handle the registration and bear the associated costs.
What is an Ejari Number?
Once the tenancy contract is logged into the system, you are given a unique Ejari Number.
What is the process of Ejari renewal?
Ejari renewal is required every time you renew the tenancy contract for your apartment or villa for rent in Dubai, which will most likely be once a year. You can renew the contract online by submitting all the required Ejari renewal documents.
According to current RERA regulations, it is not possible to register with Ejari Dubai if the previous contracts have not been registered. So, if you missed registering for an earlier tenancy contract, you must do that first. Tenancy contract registration is mandatory.
You can renew Ejari via the following channels:
- Ejari typing centres in Dubai
- Real Estate Services Trustee offices
- Dubai Land Department website
- Dubai REST app
The documents required are:
- The original unified tenancy contract
- Emirates ID card
- Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if applicable)
- Copy of previous Ejari
- Trade licence (For commercial properties only)
For further details, read our Ejari renewal blog.
Who can register Ejari?
Landlords, tenants, their appointed representatives and property management companies can register.
Is it possible to get Ejari for a hotel apartment in Dubai?
Yes, it is. According to the authorities, those leasing hotel apartments should submit their tenancy documents at the GDRFA instead of the Land Department. You should also get a letter from the hotel stating you are a tenant. It should also specify the annual rent you will be paying. Aside from this, you will also need to produce your passport and a DEWA bill.
What is Ejari Dubai’s Cost?
If you register Ejari online, the fee is AED 120 + VAT. However, if you plan to register by visiting one of the Service Trust Centres, the fee is AED 215 + VAT.
What is the purpose of this system?
The purpose is to ensure that the rights of all parties involved are protected.
Which are the most popular areas to rent in Dubai?
If you prefer the ease and convenience of living in a flat, the apartments for rent in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Village Circle are popular. On the other hand, those looking for a bigger home can consider rental villas in Arabian Ranches or Mirdif.
Wherever you decide to rent, do not forget about the Ejari tenancy contract registration. As discussed, registering a tenancy contract in Dubai is fairly straightforward.
That wraps up our guide. If you need information or have any queries about registering a tenancy contract in Dubai, contact the authorities at the DLD toll-free number: 800-4488.
Knowing the RERA tenancy laws is important before signing your rental agreement. Use the RERA Dubai calculator to find an accurate estimation of an expected increase in rent.
Ensure you maintain a good tenant-landlord relationship so your tenancy term is smooth and hassle-free. You can find various apartment rental options if you want to move to a new place.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on real estate laws, tenancy contracts and rental arrangements in the UAE.
Leave a Reply
Very useful article. Good job
I own a property that is in joint name with my wife. Unfortunately she passed on and as the law requires I applied for a succession certificate. The court has granted the certificate stipulating the new owners as myself and my 2 sons. I await a court order to have the lands department issue a new title deed as per the succession certificate. In the mean time I now have a new tenant coming in. Can he register an Ejari based on the certificate and the existing title deed? Please clarify.
Hi Rajiv. We are very sorry to hear about your wife’s demise. Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
With regards to your question on the registration of Ejari, since the title deed is still in the joint name, Ejari would most likely be registered on the current title deed. Since this is a unique situation, however, we would recommend that you connect with the official channels to find out the right solution. You can contact the Ejari authorities on:
Phone: +971-8004488.
Email: info@eres.ae.
We hope this helps you, and thank you so much for checking in.
I intend to lease and move in a 4 bedroom Hotel apartment @ The Galleria Residence Hyatt regency.
P
Can you please guide, how to do Ejari for such a lease agreement. What are the documents needed for the Ejari.
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. As per the authorities, hotel apartment residents should submit their tenancy documents at the GDRFA, as the Land Department in Dubai is no longer issuing tenancy contract registration certificates or Ejari letters in such cases. You should also get a letter from the hotel stating that you are a tenant of a room at the hotel and should specify the annual rent you are going to be paying. The letter should bear the hotel manager’s signature and be stamped with the hotel’s official seal. Apart from this, you will also need to produce your passport and a DEWA bill. For clarity on any other documents that may be required, we recommend that you speak with the Ejari associates on 971-8004488. All the best with your move!
Hi, thank you for the useful article. I wondered how someone renting a room or apartment at a hotel would have a DEWA bill in their name?
Thanks
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. The DEWA bill does not need to be in the name of the resident for hotel apartments. It needs to be supplied by the hotel with their details and should be submitted to GDRFA. Hope this clarifies things.
Hi
I am renewing my contract, what do I need to provide to re register with Ejari?
Also as a tenant can I complete this process online?
Is there an easy way of doing this as it is only the rental price that has changed?
Thanks for your guidance
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. Even if it’s a renewed contract, you will need to submit the same set of documents including your last Dewa bill. You won’t be able to do this online unless you complete the mandatory training. If you have a real estate agent managing the property, you could get it done through them, and even though it’s just a change of rent, you will still need to re-register for Ejari as each contract is treated as individual rental agreements. Hope this helps and all the best!
I recently signed a tenancy contract with a private landlord to rent a 1BR apartment in address BLVD. We agreed on all bills included so everything such as DEWA is chargeable to the landlord. How can I register the contract? Until now, I am still staying as a guest.
Hello,
This would fall under the hotel apartment clause. Kindly contact the GDRFA for more information on registering the tenancy contract. You can reach them on 800 5111. Thank you!
Hi,
We moved into our apartment 6 years ago and the agent took care of the ejari for that first year. Since then we have not registered for Ejari as we were not aware – now the new agent who is giving us back our deposit wants a cancellation confirmation and he is saying it is our responsibility even though we do not have one for the contract that we had?
What should happen here as he is holding our deposit money?
Thanks
Hello Amy,
Thank you for writing to us. You would definitely need to get the Ejari information updated before cancelling it. You can reach out to the authorities on +971-8004488, they will be able to advise you on the best course of action. All the best!
Hi,
What happens if I do not renew Ejari for a hotel apartment.
Water & Electricity are working fine, I receive Dewa bill monthly and I pay.
if I continue the remaining period of the contract without registering Ejari, what happens?
Thanks
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. It’s important to renew the Ejari as that will be the only way you can resolve any legal complications that may crop up in future. You will also not be able to cancel your DEWA account in future without making sure that the Ejari was renewed for all the years that you stayed in this property, which will be challenging when you need to get back any deposits.In addition, while you may now have the DEWA connection, as long as you don’t have your Ejari renewed, there are chances that it will be disconnected. We highly recommend that you renew your Ejari at the earliest. All the best!
Hi Amy,
My tenancy contract has the names of 3 people as the tenant. Is it possible to register Ejari with all 3 as the tenant?
Hi Zed,
Since you have to visit the Ejari office for registration anyway, I’d recommend going with the 3 people on the contract and register all if they allow you.
Best of luck!
Good Day
I am renting a property directly from the owner and did not go through any estate agency.
Can I do the registration myself online or do I need to go in to the offices?
Can I register it by myself or do I need a estate agent?
Hi there,
Thank you for your comment. If you go over the ‘Register Ejari Online’ segment of the article, you should be able to find these answers.
Keep in touch!
Hello, I’m renting new Appartment in International city phace 2. Real estate agent told i should to pay 500aed for ejari. Answer for questions why 500 instead 220. He told it’s by law and some agents charge for ejari 1000aed. Is it legal or I should pay only as per official information?
Hello Diana,
Thank you for writing to us.
Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the charges quoted by the agency as that can vary from one agency to another.
We would recommend that you check directly with the Ejari office on 971-800-4488 to see if it’s better to do the process yourself.
Hope this helps and have a great day!
Hi , I paid my landlord as per his demand for four cheque’s and security deposit , but i have not received the tenancy contract approved from municipality for more than 12 days as of now , landlord says civil defence force them has to be renewed and then they approve my tenancy contract , can anyone advise .
Hello,
We are sorry to hear that you are finding it difficult to obtain the tenancy contract. The best thing to do would be to speak to the authorities in RERA on 04 203 0555. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action to resolve this.
Thank you and all the best!
Hi I would like to understand the actual meaning of the rented property area shown in Ejari documents. Is it the carpet area available or the built up (including walls etc of the specific apartment) or the super built up ( including proportional area of the common areas i.e. external corridors, staircases, building lobby etc?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us. As per the authorities at DLD, the total built-up area of your individual unit is what is usually included in the document. There are, however, situations where this would depend on the information provided by the landlord or the property management company. To get more clarification, you can reach out to the authorities on 800 4488. Hope this helps and have a great day!
Ejari needs DEWA bill or connection receipt and DEWA needs valid Ejari in order to connect DEWA. So….. What comes first?
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us.
The Ejari is usually done by the agency managing the property. They would be able to provide the last bill to the authorities at RERA so Ejari is created for a new tenant. The new tenant then usually sets up the DEWA connection with this Ejari. Hope this clarifies things. If you are facing any difficulties, you can always contact RERA on 04 203 0555 or DEWA on 04 601 9999.
Good evening
I have a question
is the title deeds mandatory? Per my real estate agent i dont need one and the certificate of payment completion is enough to register
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. We would recommend that you check with the authorities at DLD on 800 4488 since this is the information required by them.
Hope you have a great day!
I will be relocating from Abu Dhabi to Dubai due to change of job. It is possible that by the time i finalize an apartment, my visa is cancelled. Is it possible to get Ejari based on offer letter?
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. Since the Ejari is associated with the tenancy contract it would not be possible to get one based on the offer letter.
Hope this helps and congratulations on the new job!
Hello,
In order to complete the Ejari process, I need a recent DEWA bill or connection receipt. I do not currently have a DEWA account and the previous tenants of my new apartment have left Dubai and the landlord also cannot provide this. How do I proceed?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
You will have to contact RERA on +971 – 8004488 and seek their advice on this. Normally, they may require a letter from the landlord or confirmation from DEWA.
Hope this helps and have a great day!
Hello. I am moving from a villa to another villa. The required documents states I need a DEWA Bill. Which dewa bill would I need to submit? My current home or the house that I am to move in?
Hi Arish!
Thank you for writing to us. This is the bill of the property you are moving from. For any further details, you can contact RERA on +971 – 8004488.
Hope this helps and all the best with the move!
Hi! I am moving to the new apartments and I have to apply for a new EJARI certificate. The current EJARI will be expired on 7/11/20 and I won’t renew it. So I tried the new registration online but unfortunately I can’t. It is clearly mentioned in the guide I may lease few apartments. Why then another EJARI for a new unit can’t be done? Shall any other part do it instead of me?
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us. We would recommend that you get in touch with RERA for more details since this appears to be a special case. You can reach out to RERA on +971 – 8004488. Hope this helps and have a great day!