The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Dubai has taken an advanced step to ease tenancy contract registration by introducing the Ejari system. The tenancy contract has always been taken seriously in Dubai because of the increasing demand for expat residences. Therefore, the Ejari system was introduced to ensure legal protection and transparency for both parties.
The Ejari system provides a standardized way to register and manage tenancy contracts, making it uncomplicated for the government to keep track of and administer rental transactions. The system is quite straightforward, though it requires meticulous attention while entering the details and submitting the documents.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the intricacies of Ejari registration, including the registration process, required documents, the renewal process, and step-by-step instructions. We will also discuss the costs associated with Ejari registration and ensure that you have a clear understanding of navigating the Ejari system in compliance with Dubai’s rental regulations.
What is Ejari in UAE?
To regulate and facilitate Dubai's rental market, RERA has introduced an initiative, Ejari, an Arabic term meaning “my rent,” that offers mandatory tenant-related services. This online registration app was introduced in 2007 by RERA to ensure the legal registration and regulation of rental contracts in Dubai, setting a standardized system for tenants and landlords alike.
Moreover, it formalizes the rental contract, easing the process of relocating to a new residential or commercial location and protecting the rights of both parties.
1. Purpose of Ejari Dubai
The Ejari system primarily creates a secure and transparent rental market by documenting all tenancy contracts. The system also aids in resolving rental disputes and maintains a detailed database of all rental agreements.
Ejari’s protection services for the rights of landlords and tenants is an additional purpose of the system, which makes it easier for authorities to keep an eye on rental transactions while ensuring compliance with the regulations.
2. Who can Register for Ejari?
Registering with Ejari is a mandatory process in Dubai and a requirement for all tenants, landlords, and property management companies. The landlord is responsible for registering the tenancy agreement and assigning it to the property agent. The practical process requires the tenant’s presence for the additional details and payment of the process.
Note: In the Ejari contract, make sure to state all the requisites, such as rental amount, contract duration, and deposits, to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
How to Register Ejari?
The registration process with Ejari is very simple and user-oriented, and it is suitable for landlords, property brokers, and tenants. Designed to help individuals find assistance with the whole process, the Real Estate Services Trustee Centers are one of the few avenues available to navigate the given process, and most recently, online applications. Here is a complete, step-by-step guide on how to register with Ejari:
1. Complete 1-Day Training
It starts with required programming for real estate brokers and landlords. Specified participants are required to attend a one-day training session by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). This training helps you learn about the Ejari registration process, procedures, and legal requirements behind registering your tenancy contract.
2. Obtain the Ejari Certificate
After the training, an Ejari Certificate will be issued. It is important to note that this document needs to be in place for the Ejari registration process. Besides validating the participant's capability to use the system, the certificate becomes proof of compliance with RERA regulations.
3. Go to Dubai Land Department (DLD)
A landlord or an authorized representative should visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) once they have received the property Ejari Certificate. This visit is required to conclude the Ejari registration. For this step, the landlord or broker must submit the necessary paperwork, such as:
- The tenant’s Emirates ID
- A copy of the tenancy contract
- Property ownership documents.
The DLD and the registration will examine the documents for further proceedings.
4. Wait for Account Activation
The Ejari account will be activated within two working days upon submission and approval of the registration from RERA. A registration confirmation with account activation and login credentials will be sent to your email inbox. This enables landlords and brokers to access the Ejari system and handle tenancy contracts online.
This entire process aims to increase transparency in the Dubai real estate sector and ensure that tenancy contracts are registered as per the law. This step-by-step guide makes the process simple and ensures that you follow RERA regulations.
Ejari Registration Online
The registration of the Ejari app is necessary as well and involves the following steps:
- Ejari Website: Install the official Ejari website. However, keep in mind that only landlords, real estate agents, and property management companies are authorized to register on the Ejari application, not tenants.
- Provide Required Documents: Landlords and real estate agents are required to upload the necessary documents for scanning. Make sure that the documents follow the specific formats (jpeg, jpg, doc, pdf, tiff, and gif) and cannot exceed 3MB.
- Approval of Documents: After the verification of the required documents from the RERA, an Ejari Certificate will be released within two days.
- Ejari ID Number: A unique Ejari barcode will be issued, which can be used for further purposes, such as registering for DEWA, commercial licenses, and internet and telephone services.
Documents Required for Ejari
The documents that are required to complete the whole registration process include;
- Tenancy Agreement
- Emirates ID of the Tenant
- Title Deed of the Property
- Visa and Passport copy of the tenant
- DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bills or premises number
- Passport copy of the landlord.
- Security Deposit Slip.
- Previous Ejari Certificate (in case of renewal)
- Trade License (in case of commercial property contract)
How to Renew Ejari Online
As Ejari remains valid for only one year, its renewal is mandatory on an annual basis. To properly renew your Ejari registration, follow the given steps;
- Log in to Ejari Account: Access your Ejari account by visiting the Dubai REST App or the official Ejari portal.
- Select Renewal Option: A “renewing the contract” option will appear on the screen. Click on it to renew your Ejari Certificate.
- Upload the Required Details: Ejari renewal registration requires you to upload scanned copies of the documents. All the documents listed in the above section must be re-uploaded alongside the additional documents.
- Submit the Renewal Fee: Payment of renewal fee is mandatory and estimated to be around AED 170.
- Submit the Application: Submit the renewal application after reviewing whether the information is accurately inserted or not.
- New Registration Number and Ejari Certificate: After the approval of the application, RERA will release a new Ejari barcode and Ejari certificate via email.
1. Documents Required for Ejari Renewal
You will need the following documents in case you want to renew your Ejari Certificate:
- All the documents that are listed in the above section.
- A New Tenancy Contract was signed between the tenant and the landlord.
- Previous Ejari Certificate.
- Updated DEWA Bill
How Much is Ejari Fee in Dubai?
The Ejari cost in Dubai for online registration is approximately AED 155, exclusive of VAT. Moreover, the cost typically varies around AED 220 if Ejari is registered through offline service centers. Are you considering Ejari's renewal fee? The fee for renewing Ejari is around AED 170.
However, the payments are subject to slight differences, so you can also check the latest fee plan by visiting the registration center or the official Ejari website. It's different depending on the method you are using:
- Dubai REST App: The fee is AED 155, excluding VAT.
- Trustee Centers: The fee is AED 219.75, including fees and VAT.
Ejari Registration Centers in Dubai
Besides the online registration services, there are numerous registrations, or in other words, Ejari Trustees Centers, fulfilling the responsibility of Ejari's appropriate registration. You can find well-reputable Ejari centers in Dubai’s prominent areas;
- Zabeel
- Al Barsha Mall
- Oud Metha
- Port Saeed
- Al Manara Center
1. Ejari Registration Centers’ Operational Hours
Ejari registration centers operate all weekdays except Saturday and provide streamlined services, ensuring transparency and convenience.
Sunday to Friday: 8am – 8 pm.
Business hours may differ slightly by location, so confirm the timings before heading to the office. Also, keep in mind the break hours on Fridays, which usually start at 12 pm and end at 4 pm.
How to Cancel Ejari?
Here is a step-by-step guide for canceling your Ejari:
- Visit a Typing Center: Visiting an Ejari registration center in person is mandatory to cancel the tenancy contract.
- Provide the Documents: Submit the required documentation, including a tenancy agreement, Ejari Certificate, and a cancellation request letter signed by both the landlord and the tenant.
- Pay the Cancellation Fee: The cancellation process also requires a certain amount of charges (approximately AED 30).
- Receive the Cancellation Approval: After the cancellation is processed, individuals will receive a confirmation letter from the specified Ejari registration center.
1. Additional Tips
a) Retain Copies
Retaining copies of all documents submitted and received during the cancellation process are essential. These documents will include the tenancy agreement, Ejari Certificate, the cancellation request letter, and the confirmation letter.
b) Notify Relevant Parties
Once you have cancelled your Ejari, you can notify any relevant parties, such as utilities and your landlord.
c) Clear Pending Obligations
To prevent complications, clear all pending payments (such as utility bills or maintenance fees) before cancelling your Ejari.
Completing these steps will help you cancel your Ejari registration successfully and ensure that all the required procedures are completed. However, if you have a question or need assistance at any time, most of the staff at the Typing Center are there to help you through the process.
2. Canceling Ejari through the Online Portal
Besides the offline option, RERA has also regulated the cancellation option on Ejari online platforms. You can simply log in to the Ejari official website or Dubai REST App and access the “cancel Ejari” option. Afterward, the app will demand the upload of certain documents and will immediately process your cancellation request once the cancellation fee is submitted.
Note: The cancellation typically gets approved within one hour. However, certain legalities may delay the process.
Ejari Certificate
The Ejari Certificate is a formalized document containing the validation for the tenancy agreement in Dubai. The document is crucial as it comprises essential information, including the names of the landlord and tenants, the duration of the lease, and the rental amount fixed between both parties.
The certificate is released after the complete processing of Ejari registration. However, the validity remains up to one year and requires renewal annually.
1. Significance of Ejari Certificate
Ejari Certificate serves multiple significant purposes related to tenancy, such as;
- Legal Requirement: In order to ensure adequate regulation and transparency, RERA launched the Ejari system, which mandates the registration of all tenant agreements.
- Proof of Tenancy: One of the elementary importance of the Ejari certificate is that it is an official record of the tenancy contract and confirms the lawful residency of tenants in the rental property.
- Dispute Resolution: In case of any disputes between the landlord and tenant, the Ejari Certificate acts as proof of the agreed-upon terms and conditions. Moreover, the Ejari certificate also enables the parties to resolve the conflict through legal channels.
- Visa Applications: Keeping a registered Ejari Certificate is essential for expatriates as it helps in visa application and renewal procedures for families by verifying the residency address in Dubai.
- Utility Services: The essential services in Dubai will not be activated unless the tenant does not acquire the Ejari Certificate. Service providers, including internet, water, and electricity centers, require the Ejari number to process requests.
- Cancellations and Renewals: The Ejari Certificate streamlines the process of all tenant-related services by easily allowing tenants to cancel and renew their contracts.
- Safeguard Rights: The Ejari certificate is also crucial in safeguarding landlords’ and tenants’ rights by avoiding irrational increases in the rental amount and ensuring balanced rental practices.
Tips for a Smooth Ejari Registration Process
We are here to ensure you a hassle-free registration of Ejari, so follow these tips to avoid any ambiguities;
- Transfer to a Specific Tenant: In the event of a shared rental property, select a lead tenant and create the tenancy contract under that tenant’s name.
- High-Quality Scan: In the absence of the landlord’s personal presence, submit a premium-quality scan of your required documents.
- Avoid Overlapping of Contract’s Date: Be mindful of the overlapping of the existing agreement’s end date and the renewed contract’s start date.
- Accurately Locate DEWA Premises Number: Tenants and landlords usually confuse the DEWA Premises number, which can lead to uncertainties in the future. Therefore, properly locate the DEWA premises number, which is usually given at the entrance of residences.
Closing In
Apparently, you have navigated the entire Ejari registration process. This is just a little reminder that RERA Dubai regulates the Ejari system, and thereby, compliance with the city’s rental regulations is quite necessary.
This guide outlines all the necessary information and promises to make your tenancy journey convenient and successful, from understanding how to apply for Ejari and what it actually is to the cancellation and renewal process with complete step-wise details.
Attention to detail should also be considered as key while applying for Ejari registration, so it is advisable to keep all the necessary documents prepared to avoid complications.
Overall, Ejari in Dubai takes 1 to 2 days to verify and provide an Ejari number after which you can apply for other services like internet, Dubai electricity and water, and visa services.
Explore More...
