Everything you need to know about Ejari

• About
• Benefits
• Registration
• Fees
• FAQs

Dubai is home to a large community of expats coming from different parts of the world. If you are new to the emirate and looking for long-term accommodation in Dubai, you must familiarise yourself with the terminologies used in real estate matters. One such common term is ‘Ejari’ – a government-run program to regulate all tenancy contracts in Dubai. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide of absolutely everything you need to know about it. Let’s take a look, starting with the basics and progressing into the intricacies.

WHAT IS EJARI?

The word ‘Ejari’ literally translates to ‘My Rent’ in Arabic. 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 both 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 rents agreed on, so landlords cannot indiscriminately increase the rent when it is time to renew the tenancy contract in Dubai. This is the ideal time for tenants to decide whether they are happy with their current arrangement or not.

KEY BENEFITS OF THE EJARI SYSTEM

Besides making sure that all rental transactions in the emirate are clear and transparent, there are several other benefits to having the Ejari system in place:

• As a renter, it can help you do the requisite background check on the landlord and the property by requesting historical data 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.

EJARI REGISTRATION: HOW TO REGISTER FOR EJARI IN DUBAI

The responsibility to register Ejari rests with both the tenant and landlord, but in most cases, it is the tenant or the real estate agent who completes the process.

There are two methods to register. Either you can do it online through the Ejari portal and Dubai rest app or by visiting any of the Ejari-approved centres.

Also, note that family members and co-occupants staying in a house for a month or more must also be registered. As per the DLD, the main tenant needs to add information about all other residents. You can register co-occupants in Dubai via the REST App.

THROUGH REAL ESTATE SERVICE TRUSTEE CENTRES

Here is how you can register your tenancy contract through real estate service trustee centres or typing centres in Dubai.

• Visit one of the centres near you.
• Upload the necessary paperwork.
• Enter the transaction data into the system, which is then checked and approved.
• Pay the fees.
• Receives the contract and the contract registration certificate.

DOCUMENTS 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 license 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 license for commercial properties
• Title deed copy of the rented property

THROUGH THE ONLINE PLATFORMS

To register Ejari online, you can use the following platforms:

• Ejari system (Dubai Land Department’s website)
• Dubai REST App
• Dubai Now App

REGISTRATION VIA THE DUBAI REST APP

Tenants can register their tenancy contracts through the Dubai REST app. The registration process is as below.

• Download the Dubai REST app
• Go to the ‘Services’ section
• Select RERA
• Opt for the ‘Register Ejari Contract’
• Fill out the required fields
• Upload the documents and submit

EJARI REGISTRATION FEES

If you are registering via the app, the total fee is AED 175.

• AED 155 for the registration (excluding VAT)
• AED 10 Knowledge fee
• AED 10 Innovation fee

Whereas, when registering through the real estate services trustees centres it amounts to AED 239.75 in total.

• AED 219.75 (Including VAT)
• AED 10 Knowledge fee
• AED 10 Innovation fee

WHY DO YOU NEED AN EJARI CONTRACT?

Every time you sign a new tenancy contract in Dubai, you must also complete an Ejari registration. This is a mandatory requirement for several other associated formalities, not just by the RERA. Here are a few things you can’t do with a certificate.

• For residence visas, new applications and renewals
• To get a telephone/television/internet connection
• Obtaining a commercial license
• Employing domestic staff
• Acquiring an alcohol licence
• Electricity and water connection

FAQS ABOUT EJARI

Who is responsible for registering Ejari?

The tenants and landlord of a property are responsible for registering once the tenancy contract has been agreed upon. It is, however, usually the agency or the tenants who take care of the registration and bear the associated costs.

How to download an Ejari certificate?

To download an Ejari certificate:

1. Visit dubailand.gov.ae and click on Download Ejari Certificate
2. Add your contact number, then add a ‘DEWA Premise Number’ or ‘Municipality Number.’
3. Click ‘Download PDF’

What is an Ejari Number?

Once the tenancy contract is logged into the system, you are given a unique number – colloquially known as the Ejari Number.

How often should I renew the Ejari and what is the process to do so?

Ejari renewal is required every time you renew the tenancy contract for your apartment or villa for rent in Dubai, which in most cases will 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 if the previous contracts are not registered already. So if you have missed out on registering an earlier tenancy contract with Ejari, you must do that first.

Is it possible for tenants to register the contract by themselves?

Only landlords, their representatives, property management companies and their employees can register for an Ejari account:

• If you are a landlord or estate agent registering for an Ejari account, you will need to undergo a mandatory 1-day training session at RERA.
• After receiving this training certificate, you need to visit the Dubai Land Department and complete registration for an Ejari account.
• After completing the training, your account will be activated by RERA and your username and password will be sent to you via e-mail within 2 working days.

How do I cancel an Ejari contract?

It is important to cancel the Ejari as soon as 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 Ejari has not been cancelled, the next tenant cannot register. Here is how a landlord can cancel Ejari in Dubai.

Is it possible to get Ejari for a hotel apartment in Dubai? 

Yes, it is. As per 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 that you are a tenant of a room at the hotel and specifying the annual rent you will be paying. Aside from this, you will also need to produce your passport and a DEWA bill.

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 among the most popular choices. On the other hand, those looking for a bigger home can consider villas in Arabian Ranches or Mirdif.

That brings an end to our guide on Ejari. If you need information or have any queries, you contact the authorities at +971-800-4488.

It’s important to know about the RERA tenancy laws before you sign your rental agreement in Dubai. Stay tuned for the latest updates on real estate laws, tenancy contracts and rental arrangements in the UAE.