What Is Ejari in Dubai: How to Register and Key Benefits

Ejari is an advanced system established by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to streamline and regulate rental agreements across the Emirate of Dubai. The system provides an official framework for registering rental agreements, legally binding both parties of the contract. Through Ejari, the government maintains a comprehensive database of rental contracts to monitor the rental market and resolve disputes efficiently.

The purpose of Ejari

The primary purpose of Ejari is to create a fair, transparent, and standardized way of managing rental agreements in the Dubai. It allows for all tenancy contracts to be registered and legally compliant, ensuring that the rights of both tenants and landlords are clearly defined and legally protected. Ejari also serves as a tool for the government to monitor the rental market, prevent fraud, and resolve disputes efficiently. By supporting and managing a centralized rental contract database, Ejari promotes trust and fairness in the real estate sector.

Key features of the Ejari system

• Legal Validation. Ejari transforms tenancy agreements into legally binding documents by registering them with the Dubai Land Department.
• Centralized database. All registered contracts are stored in a secure and accessible government database, ensuring transparency and easy retrieval.
• Digital Integration. The system offers online registration and management through platforms like the Dubai REST app, simplifying processes for users. Most operations, including registration, renewal, and cancellation, are encouraged to be performed in a digital format.
• Government Compliance. Ejari ensures compliance with Dubai rental laws, protecting both landlords and tenants from potential disputes or fraud.
• Utility integration. Registration with Ejari is mandatory for setting up utilities such as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) connections.
• Dispute resolution support. Ejari serves as evidence in resolving legal disputes, offering a clear record of the tenancy agreement terms.

Is registering for Ejari mandatory in the UAE?

Yes, registering for Ejari is mandatory for all rental properties in the Emirate of Dubai, as required by the Dubai Land Department. This applies to commercial, residential, and industrial properties. Not having Ejari registration deprives tenants and landlords of accessing certain essential services, from visa renewals or utility connections to legal protection in case of disputes. The requirement serves as a guarantee that rental transactions comply with Dubai regulations and promotes transparency in the real estate market within the Emirate.

Ejari legal requirements

As already mentioned, Ejari registration is a legal obligation under Dubai's regulatory framework, as mandated by the Dubai Land Department. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for registering their mutual rental contract in the Ejari system, as the legal framework aims to standardize such agreements, prevent unauthorized changes, and provide both parties with official documentation of their contract. Non-compliance with this requirement may cause penalties, restrictions on accessing public services, or complications in resolving disputes.

Consequences of not registering for Ejari

Failure to register for Ejari can lead to several issues for both tenants and landlords:

• Utility restrictions: tenants may face complications in setting up or renewing utility connections such as DEWA services.
• Visa renewal challenges: tenants may be unable to renew their visas without a valid Ejari certificate.
• Legal conflicts: in the absence of an officially certified tenancy contract, handling and resolving landlord/tenant disputes becomes significantly more challenging. The lack of registration may lead to a refusal to consider a dispute by RERA in favor of the party that failed to fulfill the registration requirement.
• Fines and penalties: Failure to comply with registration requirements may result in the inability to obtain or renew a visa, connect services, or legal complications during dispute resolution.
• Lack of legal protection: unregistered contracts are not recognized for interaction with government authorities (such as DEWA, visa procedures, or RERA), leaving both parties vulnerable to potential fraud or disputes.

How to register Ejari online and offline

While digital channels are the preferred method for most operations, offline options remain available for those who do not use digital services.

Steps to register online:

1. Access the Dubai REST app or the DLD portal using your UAE Pass credentials.
2. Log in with your existing credentials or create a new account.
3. Select the “Register Tenancy Contract” service.
4. Upload the required documents in the specified formats.
5. Fill in the necessary details of the tenancy contract, including tenant, landlord, and property data.
6. Pay the registration fee through the online payment gateway.
7. Receive the Ejari certificate via email or the portal.

Steps to register offline:

1. Visit an authorized Ejari typing center or trustee office in Dubai.
2. Provide hard copies of the required documents to the staff.
3. Fill out the necessary forms with the assistance of the center’s representatives.
4. Pay the registration fee at the counter.
5. Collect the Ejari certificate immediately after the process is completed.

Required documents for Ejari registration

Typically, the following set of documents is required to register for Ejari:

• Tenancy agreement: a duly signed rental contract outlining the terms and conditions agreed upon by both the tenant and the landlord.
• Tenant’s passport: a clear copy of the tenant’s passport, including the visa page, serving as identification and residency verification.
• Emirates ID: a copy of the tenant’s Emirates ID, confirming their legal status within the UAE.
• Landlord’s passport: a copy of the landlord’s passport or Trade License (if the landlord is a legal entity).
• Title deed: an official document proving property ownership (or Oqood for off-plan properties), ensuring the legitimacy of the rental transaction.
• DEWA bill or connection receipt: a recent Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill or confirmation of utility activation, verifying the property’s active service connection.
• Power of Attorney (if applicable): if the landlord appoints a representative, a valid power of attorney document must be submitted as proof of authorization.

Ejari registration costs and fees

The costs associated with registering Ejari are straightforward and typically include:

1. Registration fee: AED 220 is the standard fee for Ejari registration, whether completed online or offline.
2. Typing center service fee: if registering at an authorized Ejari typing center, an additional service fee of AED 30–50 may apply.
3. Additional charges: depending on the specific typing center or trustee office, minor administrative fees may be included.

These fees cover the issuance of the Ejari certificate, which serves as the formalized proof of the registered tenancy agreement.

When to renew your Ejari

Ejari must be renewed each time a tenancy contract is renewed. The renewal process typically coincides with the expiration date of the previous Ejari certificate, prolonging the tenancy agreement’s uninterrupted validity and compliance with the Emirates’ regulations. Tenants are responsible for initiating the renewal promptly to avoid disruptions in services such as utilities, visa renewals, or access to government facilities. Landlords are also encouraged to ensure the Ejari record is updated to reflect the current rental agreement.

Steps to renew Ejari:

1. Access the Dubai REST app or the DLD portal. Use your UAE Pass credentials.
2. Select the “Renew Tenancy Contract” service.
3. Upload the updated documents. Provide the renewed tenancy contract and any required updated documents, such as a recent DEWA bill.
4. Review the details. Verify that all tenant, landlord, and property information is accurate.
5. Make the payment. Pay the renewal fee via the online payment gateway or at the typing center if renewing offline.
6. Receive the new certificate. The reissued Ejari certificate will be sent to you via email or can be collected from the typing center.

How to cancel Ejari online and offline

Below you’ll find a detailed guide for both online and offline cancellation of your registration with Ejari.

Steps to cancel Ejari online:

1. Log in to the Dubai REST app or the DLD portal using your UAE Pass credentials.

2. Select the “Cancel Tenancy Contract” option from the services menu.

3. Upload the required documents, including:

• Original Ejari certificate.
• A termination letter signed by both tenant and landlord.
• Proof of final utility bill payment (if applicable).

4. Submit the cancellation request and pay the applicable fee.

5. Receive confirmation of the cancellation via email or the portal.

Steps to cancel Ejari offline:

1. Visit an authorized Ejari typing center or trustee office.

2. Provide the required documents:

• Original Ejari certificate.
• A signed termination letter from both parties.
• Proof of any final utility bill settlements.

3. Fill out the cancellation form with assistance from the center staff.

4. Pay the cancellation fee at the counter.

5. Receive immediate confirmation that your Ejari registration has been canceled.

Benefits of the Ejari system

For tenants

• Legal protection: makes tenancy agreements mutually legally binding and protects tenant rights in disputes.
• Access to government services: necessary for utility setup, visa renewals, and other official processes.
• Transparency: provides a clear record of rental terms, preventing unauthorized changes or disputes.

For landlords

• Regulatory compliance: ensures rental agreements meet Dubai Land Department standards.
• Dispute resolution: acts as an official reference in case of disagreements with tenants.
• Market monitoring: helps track rental income and market trends through standardized agreements.

Legal advantages

• Official documentation: Creates a recognized legal framework for tenancy agreements.
• Fraud prevention: Reduces the risk of unauthorized agreements or misrepresentation.
• Efficiency in disputes: Simplifies legal proceedings by providing verified records.

Ejari typing centers and trustee offices

How to find typing centers nearby

Effectively, accredited Ejari trustee offices and typing centers can be found all throughout the Dubai Emirate. They are responsible for assisting clients in registering with Ejari, as well as renewing and canceling the registration. To find the nearest center:

• Use the Dubai REST app or Ejari portal to locate authorized typing centers by entering your area or address.
• Search for "Ejari typing center near me" in popular mapping services like Google Maps.

Working hours of Ejari centers

Typically, the majority of Ejari typing centers operate during standard business hours, which is from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday. Some centers may offer extended hours or services on Fridays. It’s advisable to confirm the working hours of the specific center before visiting.