As an expat seeking long-term accommodation in Dubai, it’s essential to understand key real estate terminology. One crucial term is Ejari, which is the government system that officially registers and regulates all rental agreements in the emirate. This guide explains everything you need to know about it.
Ejari is a RERA initiative established under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007. This law mandates that all rental property contracts in the city must be registered online via the official portal. The system’s primary goal is to provide a state-of-the-art framework that protects the legal rights of both landlords and tenants by ensuring all tenancy agreements are drafted into a legally binding, government-approved format.
Ejari establishes a formal record of the rent, which stops landlords from arbitrarily increasing the price upon tenancy contract renewal. This system creates the perfect window for tenants to decide if they want to continue the lease.
While the tenant and the landlord share the responsibility for registering Ejari (which means “my rent” in Arabic), the process is typically completed by the tenant or the real estate agent.
You have two options for registration: online or in-person. The online method is available via the DLD website’s Ejari portal or the Dubai REST app. Alternatively, you can complete the registration by visiting any of the approved typing centers.
Steps for Online Ejari Registration
Online Ejari registration can be completed using one of these three official platforms:
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) website Ejari portal
The Dubai REST App
The Dubai Now App
To see the process step-by-step on the DLD site, refer to our detailed guide on registering Ejari online.
Completing Ejari Registration via Dubai REST
Tenants can register their tenancy contracts digitally using the Dubai REST app. Note that the landlord must also be registered on the app for this process to work.
The simple online registration steps are:
Download the Dubai REST app.
Navigate to the ‘Services’ section.
Select RERA.
Choose the ‘Register Contract’ option.
Fill out the required fields.
Upload all necessary documents and submit the application.
In-Person Registration at Service Centres
You can also register your tenancy contract by visiting any authorized Real Estate Service Trustee Centres (or typing centres) in Dubai.
The steps for in-person registration are:
Visit a certified typing or service centre near you.
Submit all necessary physical paperwork.
The staff will enter the transaction data into the system for verification and approval.
Pay the required fees.
You will receive the final contract and the Ejari registration certificate.
Once your application and payment are processed, you should receive your official registration certificate within 1 to 2 days.
Required Documents
When applying through any of the centers or online portals, you must have the following documents ready:
Tenancy contract
Tenant’s identity documents: A copy of the Emirates ID, passport, visa, commercial licence, or power of attorney (if applicable).
Landlord’s identity documents: A copy of the landlord’s passport (for individuals).
Property Title Deed copy.
Security deposit receipt.
Trade license (if the property is commercial).
Letter from the landlord stating the meter number (required if there are shared electricity meters).
Undertaking form of data validity (required only if registering through Real Estate Services Trustees).
You can easily find Real Estate Service Trustee Centres conveniently located throughout the emirate. We have compiled a list of some of these centers here:
Al Twar Center, Al Nahda Road | +971-4-263-6622 |
1st floor, Al Barhsa Mall, Al Barsha 2 | +971-4-263-6622 |
Dubai Municipality, Manara Center | +971-4-333-6767 |
Dubai Municipality Center, Al Nahda Road, Altwar 1st | +971-4-333-6767 |
Office 1, Ground Floor, Emaar Business Park 3, The Greens, Sheikh Zayed Road | +971-4-457-1111 |
Ground Floor, Mazaya Center, Sheikh Zayed Road | +971-4-447-7918 |
Business Park Building A2, Dubai World Central, Dubai South | +971-4-884-4444 |
Business Venue Building, Oud Metha | +971-4-404-0404 |
The standard operating hours for Ejari registration offices and other Real Estate Service Trustee Centres are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday). On Fridays, they close for a mid-day prayer break, opening from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
What are the steps required to cancel my registered Ejari contract?
As the landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the prompt cancellation of the Ejari contract when a tenant vacates the property. This is a mandatory requirement under RERA law, which permits only one active Ejari registration per unit. Cancellation is essential because a new tenant cannot register their contract until the previous one is officially closed.
Ejari contracts can be cancelled in the following situations:
The early termination of a rental agreement.
The mutual decision by both parties not to renew the contract at the end of the lease term.
To cancel your Ejari contract, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
Original unified tenancy contract
Ejari Certificate
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) or termination letter from the property owner.
The tenant’s last DEWA bill.
Emirates IDs of both the landlord and the tenant.
The tenant’s passport copy.
You have three options for processing the cancellation:
Online (DLD Website or Dubai REST App): This method is free of charge.
In-Person (Real Estate Services Trustee Centres): This service costs approximately .
What positive outcomes can we expect from putting this system in place?
In addition to ensuring clarity and transparency in all Dubai rental transactions, implementing the Ejari system offers several key advantages:
Prevents Fraud and Tampering: The system minimizes the risk of fraud or document tampering by either the landlord or the tenant, providing a clean record that is essential for resolving future disputes.
Facilitates Tenant Due Diligence: Renters can access historical data, allowing them to perform necessary background checks on the landlord and the property before finalizing the rental agreement.
Combats Illegal Housing: Ejari helps the authorities monitor and clamp down on illegal housing and unfair exploitation within the real estate market.
Ensures Smooth Relationships: By officially recording and formalizing the lease agreement, the system helps maintain a smooth and balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.
Why Ejari is Mandatory in Dubai: The Legal Requirements & Purpose
Registering your tenancy contract with Ejari is a mandatory step that must be completed immediately after signing a new lease in Dubai, ensuring compliance with RERA regulations. The Ejari certificate is essential because it acts as the legal gateway for several other critical government and utility services, including:
Setting up electricity and water (DEWA) connections.
Applying for or renewing residence visas.
Obtaining connections for telephone, television, or internet.
Processing applications for a commercial licence.
The legal employment of domestic staff.
Who is officially responsible for Ejari registration?
While both the landlord and the tenant are technically responsible for ensuring the tenancy contract is registered, in practice, the tenant or the real estate agency typically handles the registration process and bears the associated fees.
The Ejari Number: Your Unique Dubai Lease Registration ID
The Ejari Number is a unique identification code issued once your tenancy contract has been successfully registered and processed within the official Ejari system.
Ejari Renewal and Key System Information
Ejari Renewal Process
Requirement: Renewal is mandatory every time the tenancy contract for a rented property is extended (typically once a year).
RERA Rule: You must register any missed or previous tenancy contracts before you can renew the current one, as tenancy contract registration is compulsory.
Who Can Register: The registration can be done by landlords, tenants, their appointed representatives, or property management companies.
System Purpose: The primary goal of the Ejari system is to ensure the rights of all parties involved (landlords and tenants) are legally protected.
Renewal Channels
You can renew your Ejari through the following channels:
Dubai Land Department (DLD) website
Dubai REST app (Mobile Application)
Ejari typing centres in Dubai
Real Estate Services Trustee offices
Required Documents for Renewal
You must submit the following documents for renewal:
The original unified tenancy contract (renewed).
Emirates ID card (of the applicant).
Copy of the previous Ejari certificate.
Copy of a valid Power of Attorney document (if an agent is applying).
Trade license (required only for commercial properties).
Ejari Renewal Cost
The cost varies based on the channel:
Online Registration (DLD Website/App):
In-Person (Trustee Centres):
Ejari for Hotel Apartments
Eligibility: Yes, it is possible to get Ejari for a hotel apartment in Dubai.
Registration Authority: Documents must be submitted to the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) instead of the DLD.
Additional Documents: You will need a letter from the hotel confirming you are a tenant and stating the annual rent, in addition to your passport and a DEWA bill.
Additional Resources
DLD Toll-Free Number: (for queries).
Related Tools: Use the RERA Dubai calculator to estimate any expected rent increase.
