Dubai is home to a vast community of expats from all over the world. If you are new to the emirate and are looking for long-term property in Dubai, you should become acquainted with the terminology used in real estate transactions. ‘Ejari,’ for example, is a government-run program that regulates all rental contracts in Dubai. We’ve compiled a detailed guide that covers all you need to know about it. Let’s take a look, beginning with the fundamentals and working our way up to the complexities.
WHAT EXACTLY IS EJARI?
‘Ejari’ simply means ‘My Rent’ in Arabic. The Ejari system in Dubai is an RERA program mandated by Law No. 26 of 2007. According to the law, all rental contracts for properties in Dubai must be filed online via the official site, a cutting-edge system designed to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants in the city.
Renting a property in Dubai requires that tenancy contracts be drafted into a legally enforceable document formatted in a government-approved manner.
This mechanism also formally records the agreed-upon rents, so landlords cannot arbitrarily raise the rent when it comes time to renew the rental contract in Dubai. This is an excellent opportunity for tenants to assess if they are satisfied with their current arrangement.
THE EJARI SYSTEM’S KEY BENEFITS
Aside from ensuring that all rental transactions in the emirate are clear and transparent, having the Ejari system in place has several other advantages:
- As a tenant, it can assist you in conducting the necessary background check on the landlord and the property by asking historical data to better understand the arrangements you are entering into.
- There is no room for deception or tampering with records by either the landlord or the renter, which explains any future disputes.
- It aids in the suppression of illegal housing and unfair exploitation in the real estate industry.
- The method ensures that landlords and tenants have a good connection.
EJARI REGISTRATION: HOW TO REGISTER IN DUBAI FOR EJARI
Both the tenant and the landlord are responsible for registering Ejari, however in most situations, the tenant or the real estate agency completes the process.
There are two ways to sign up. You can do it either online using the Ejari portal and the Dubai rest app, or in person at any of the Ejari-approved centers.
Also, family members and co-occupants who are staying in a house for a month or more must be registered. According to a recent DLD notification, the main tenant must include information about all other residents. The REST App in Dubai allows you to register co-occupants.
TRUSTEE CENTRES FOR REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Here’s how to register your tenancy contract in Dubai using real estate service trustee centers or typing centers.
- Visit one of the centers in your area.
- Upload any required documentation.
- Enter the transaction data into the system, and it will be examined and approved.
- Pay the charges.
- Receives the contract and the certificate of contract registration.
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
You must supply the following documentation when applying through any of the centers:
- A tenancy agreement
- A copy of the tenant’s Emirates ID, passport, commercial license, or power of attorney (if applicable).
- The landlord’s letter revealing the meter number (if there are shared electricity meters)
- A form of data validity undertaking (if registered through real estate services trustees)
- Receipt of security deposit
- Commercial property trade license
AVAILABLE ON ONLINE PLATFORMS
You can use the following platforms to register Ejari online:
- The Ejari system (the website of the Dubai Land Department)
- REST App for Dubai
- The Dubai Now App
APPLICATION FOR THE DUBAI REST APP
Tenants can use the Dubai REST app to register their tenancy agreement. The registration procedure is outlined below.
- Install the Dubai REST app.
- Navigate to the ‘Services’ area.
- Choose RERA.
- Select the ‘Register Ejari Contract’ option.
- Complete the required fields.
- Upload and submit the papers
REGISTRATION FEES FOR EJARI
The total charge for registering through the app is AED 175.
- The registration fee is AED 155. (excluding VAT)
- AED 10 for knowledge
- AED 10 for the innovation charge
When registering through the real estate services trustees centres, the entire cost is AED 239.75.
- AED 219.75 (Including VAT) (Including VAT)
- AED 10 for knowledge
- AED 10 for the innovation charge
WHY IS AN EJARI CONTRACT REQUIRED?
When you sign a new tenancy contract in Dubai, you must also register with Ejari. This is a prerequisite for a number of other related requirements, not simply the RERA. Here are a few things a certificate cannot do.
- For new applications and renewals of resident permits
- Obtaining a phone/TV/internet connection
- Obtaining a business license
- Using domestic workers
- Obtaining an alcohol license
- Connection to electricity and water
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The DEWA disconnect process: all you need to know
What you need to know about renting in Dubai, step-by-step
