Renting a property in Dubai involves more than just signing a lease, it also requires completing an essential legal step known as Ejari. Managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Ejari is a tenancy registration system designed to ensure that every rental contract in the city is transparent, authentic, and legally binding.
Whether you’re a tenant searching for your next home or a landlord looking to lease a property, understanding how Ejari works is crucial. It protects both parties’ rights, helps prevent disputes, and is often required for setting up utilities or visa renewals.
In this blog, LEOS Developments explains what Ejari is, how it works, and why it’s an essential step for anyone renting a property in Dubai.
What Is Ejari?
The word “Ejari” comes from Arabic, meaning “My Rent.” It’s a system introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to regulate and record all tenancy contracts in the emirate.
Ejari ensures that every rental agreement between a tenant and landlord is officially registered and recognized by the government, creating transparency and legal protection for both parties. By standardizing rental contracts, the Ejari system prevents disputes, fraud, and inconsistencies that could arise in private agreements.
Why Is Ejari Important?
Ejari plays a vital role in maintaining fairness and transparency within Dubai’s real estate market. By registering a tenancy contract through Ejari, both tenants and landlords gain the assurance that their agreement is legally recognized and protected by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Here’s why Ejari is so important:
- Ensures Legal Protection: Every tenancy contract registered under Ejari is officially recognized by the Dubai Land Department, protecting both tenants and landlords under UAE law.
- Promotes Transparency: All details of the tenancy, such as rent amount, payment terms, and duration, are clearly recorded, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or hidden clauses.
- Safeguards Rights: Ejari ensures that both parties’ rights are respected, helping to prevent rental disputes and maintain fairness throughout the agreement.
- Required for Essential Services:
A valid Ejari certificate is necessary to:
- Activate DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) services
- Renew residence visas
- Builds Trust and Security: By keeping all records transparent and traceable, Ejari fosters a secure and trustworthy rental environment for everyone in Dubai’s property market.
How to Register Ejari
Registering your Ejari is a simple process that can be completed either online or in person. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Option 1: Via the Dubai REST App or DLD Website
Steps:
- Log in to the Dubai REST App or Ejari system.
- Select the desired service, “Register Tenancy Contract.”
- Fill in the required information and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the service fees online.
- Once approved, you’ll receive the e-Contract Registration Certificate instantly.
Fees (via App or Website):
- AED 100 for registering a tenancy contract
- AED 10 knowledge fee
- AED 10 innovation fee
- AED 55 service partner fee + AED 2.75 VAT
Total: AED 177.75
Service time: Instant
Option 2: Via Real Estate Services Trustee Centers
Steps:
- Visit the nearest Real Estate Services Trustee Center.
- Submit the required documents ensuring no key document is missing.
- The staff will review and approve the request through the system.
- Pay the fees and receive your e-Contract Registration Certificate.
Fees (at Centers):
- AED 100 registration fee
- AED 10 knowledge fee
- AED 10 innovation fee
- AED 95 service partner fee + VAT
Total: AED 220
Service time: Around 7 minutes (excluding waiting time)
Documents Required for Ejari Registration
To successfully register your tenancy contract with Ejari, you’ll need to prepare a few key documents. Having these ready in advance will make the process quick and hassle-free, whether you register online or in person.
If registering via the Dubai REST App:
You’ll need to upload a copy of your Unified Tenancy Contract. This applies to both individuals and companies.
If registering at a Real Estate Services Trustee Center:
Bring the following original documents with you:
- The Unified Tenancy Contract signed by both tenant and landlord
- A valid Emirates ID of the applicant
- A Power of Attorney ( if the applicant is a representative.)
Important notes:
- If the Power of Attorney was issued in Dubai, simply provide the POA number, no attachment is required.
- If it was issued in another emirate, make sure to attach a copy of the document.
By ensuring all documents are clear, valid, and up to date, your Ejari registration will be processed smoothly and without delays.
Ejari Fees and Validity
Understanding the cost and validity of Ejari registration is important for both tenants and landlords in Dubai. The fees may vary slightly depending on how and where you complete the process.
If registering via the Dubai REST App or DLD Website:
- AED 100 – Registration fee
- AED 10 – Knowledge fee
- AED 10 – Innovation fee
- AED 55 – Service partner fee
- AED 2.75 – VAT
Total: AED 177.75
If registering at a Real Estate Services Trustee Center:
- AED 100 – Registration fee
- AED 10 – Knowledge fee
- AED 10 – Innovation fee
- AED 95 – Service partner fee + VAT
Total: AED 220
Validity Period:
The Ejari certificate remains valid for the duration of your tenancy contract, typically one year. Once your lease is renewed, you’ll need to renew your Ejari as well to keep your records up to date and compliant with Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulations.
How to Cancel or Renew Ejari
Before moving out or renewing your lease, it’s important to update your Ejari to keep your tenancy records accurate and compliant with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Canceling Ejari
If you’re ending your tenancy or moving to a new property, your current Ejari must be canceled before registering a new one for the same unit.
- Ejari Cancellation can be completed online through the Ejari system or in person at an authorized Real Estate Services Trustee Center.
- You’ll need to submit:
- The final DEWA bill (to confirm utilities have been closed)
- The Ejari certificate
- Once processed, you’ll receive confirmation that the Ejari has been successfully canceled.
Proper cancellation ensures your tenancy record remains clean and prevents any issues with future registrations.
Renewing Ejari
When your lease is renewed, your Ejari must also be renewed to reflect the updated tenancy contract. Keeping your Ejari renewed ensures continuous access to DEWA services, residence visa renewals, and full compliance with DLD regulations.
What Is the Difference Between Ejari and a Tenancy Contract?
Although Ejari and a tenancy contract are closely related, they serve different purposes in Dubai’s rental process. Understanding the distinction helps both tenants and landlords stay compliant and protected.
Tenancy Contract
A tenancy contract is the agreement signed between the landlord and tenant.
It outlines all the key terms of the rental relationship, such as:
- Rent amount and payment schedule
- Duration of the lease
- Rights and responsibilities of both parties
This contract is typically drafted and signed before the tenant moves in.
Ejari
Ejari is the official registration of that tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
It ensures the agreement is legally recognized, transparent, and protected under UAE law.
By registering the contract through Ejari, both parties gain government-backed proof of their agreement, preventing disputes, fraud, or misunderstandings.
In short:
- The tenancy contract is the agreement between tenant and landlord.
- Ejari is the government registration that makes that agreement legally valid and enforceable in Dubai.
Keeping your Ejari registration updated is an essential step for anyone renting a property in Dubai. It ensures that every tenancy contract is legally recognized, transparent, and protected under the regulations of the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
With easy registration options available through the Dubai REST App, DLD website, or Real Estate Services Trustee Centers, managing your Ejari is now quicker and more convenient than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ejari mandatory for all rental contracts in Dubai?
Yes. Ejari registration is a legal requirement for every residential and commercial tenancy contract in Dubai. Without it, the contract is not officially recognized by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
How long does Ejari registration take?
Ejari registration is processed instantly, whether completed online via the Dubai REST App or in person at a Trustee Center.
What happens if I don’t register my Ejari?
Without Ejari, tenants cannot:
- Activate DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) services
- Renew residence visas linked to their rental address
Use the tenancy contract for any legal or government purpose
