A Complete Guide to Ejari and Tenancy Contract Registration in Dubai

Monday, 28 April 2025

Dubai is a popular destination for expats from across the globe. If you’re planning to rent a property for the long term, it’s essential to understand key real estate terms—one of the most important being Ejari. Ejari is a government-regulated system designed to oversee and standardize all tenancy contracts in Dubai. To help you navigate the process, we’ve put together this complete guide explaining everything you need to know about Ejari registration in 2024.

Table of Contents

• What is Ejari?
• How to Register Ejari in Dubai
• Ejari Online Registration
• Ejari Registration via Dubai REST App
• Ejari Registration at Real Estate Service Trustee Centres (Typing Centres)
• Documents Required for Ejari Registration in Dubai
• Where to Find Ejari Offices in Dubai?
• What is the Cost of Ejari Registration in Dubai?
• How to Download an Ejari Certificate in Dubai
• How to Cancel Your Ejari Contract in Dubai
• What Are the Key Benefits of the Ejari System in Dubai?
• Frequently asked questions

What is Ejari?

Ejari is an online registration system introduced by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) under Law No. 26 of 2007 in Dubai. It is mandatory for all rental contracts in the city to be registered through the official Ejari portal. This system was developed to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants by ensuring transparency and legal structure in tenancy agreements.

By registering a tenancy contract through Ejari, it becomes a legally binding document formatted according to government standards. One of the key benefits of Ejari is that it records the agreed rental amount, preventing landlords from arbitrarily increasing rent upon contract renewal. This makes the renewal period an ideal opportunity for tenants to evaluate their current living arrangements and consider whether to continue or move.

How to Register Ejari in Dubai

Ejari, meaning “my rent” in Arabic, is a mandatory system in Dubai that ensures all rental agreements are legally registered. While both the tenant and landlord are responsible for registering the tenancy contract, it is usually completed by the tenant or their real estate agent.

You can register Ejari either online or in-person. Here’s a detailed look at both methods:

Ejari Online Registration

There are three official platforms through which you can register Ejari online:

• Ejari Portal on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website
• Dubai REST App
• Dubai Now App

Ejari Registration via Dubai REST App

You can conveniently register your tenancy contract through the Dubai REST app. Here’s how:

• Download the Dubai REST app from your app store
• Go to the ‘Services’ section
• Select RERA
• Choose ‘Register Contract’
• Fill in the required details
• Upload all necessary documents
• Submit your application

Ejari Registration at Real Estate Service Trustee Centres (Typing Centres)

If you prefer registering in person, you can visit any authorized Ejari Typing Centre or Real Estate Service Trustee Office in Dubai.

Steps to register in person:

• Visit your nearest Ejari Service Centre
• Submit the required documents
• The staff will enter the contract details into the system
• The application will be verified and approved
• Pay the required fees
• Receive your contract registration certificate

Documents Required for Ejari Registration in Dubai

Whether you’re registering Ejari online or through an approved service center, you must submit specific documents to complete the process. These documents help verify the authenticity of the tenancy and ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

Here’s a checklist of the required documents:

• Tenancy Contract – A valid and signed rental agreement between the tenant and landlord.
• Tenant’s Identification Documents
  • Copy of Emirates ID
  • Passport and residence visa
  • If applicable, commercial license or power of attorney (if someone else is acting on the tenant’s behalf)
• Landlord’s Passport Copy – Required for individual landlords to verify ownership and identity.
• Meter Number Letter (if applicable) – A letter from the landlord specifying the electricity meter number, especially if electricity is shared in the building.
• Undertaking Form (if applicable) – A declaration of data accuracy required when registering through Real Estate Service Trustee Centres.
• Security Deposit Receipt – Proof of the security deposit paid by the tenant to the landlord.
• Trade Licence (for commercial properties) – Needed when registering Ejari for offices, shops, or other commercial spaces.
• Title Deed of the Rented Property – A copy of the title deed to verify property ownership.

Where to Find Ejari Offices in Dubai?

Ejari registration can be done at Real Estate Service Trustee Centres, which are conveniently located throughout Dubai. These authorized centres are approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and offer in-person assistance for Ejari-related services.

Here are some of the trusted locations where you can register your Ejari:

What is the Cost of Ejari Registration in Dubai?

The cost of registering Ejari in Dubai depends on the method you choose—either online via official apps or in-person through Real Estate Service Trustee Centres. Here’s a breakdown of the fees for both options:

Ejari Registration via Mobile App (Dubai REST or Dubai Now)

If you register your tenancy contract through one of the official apps, the total cost is AED 120.

Cost breakdown:

• AED 100 – Ejari registration fee (excluding VAT)
• AED 10 – Knowledge fee
• AED 10 – Innovation fee

Ejari Registration via Real Estate Service Trustee Centres

For in-person registration at an authorized service center, the total cost is approximately AED 215 + VAT.

Cost breakdown:

• AED 100 – Ejari registration fee (excluding VAT)
• AED 10 – Knowledge fee
• AED 10 – Innovation fee
• AED 95 – Service partner’s fee (excluding VAT)

How to Download an Ejari Certificate in Dubai

Once your Ejari registration is complete, you can easily download the Ejari certificate online through the Dubai Land Department’s official website. This certificate is proof that your tenancy contract is officially registered and is often required for setting up DEWA services or visa-related processes.

Follow these simple steps to download your Ejari certificate:

• Visit the official website: dubailand.gov.ae
• Click on ‘Download Ejari Certificate’ from the available options
• Enter your registered mobile number
• Provide your DEWA Premise Number or Municipality Number
• Click on ‘Download PDF’ to get your certificate instantly

How to Cancel Your Ejari Contract in Dubai

Cancelling an Ejari contract is a crucial step that landlords must complete when a tenant vacates a property. According to RERA regulations, only one active Ejari registration can exist per property at a time. Therefore, if a previous contract hasn’t been cancelled, a new tenant won’t be able to register their tenancy.

When Should You Cancel an Ejari Contract?

Ejari cancellation may be required in the following scenarios:

• End of Lease: When the tenant and landlord choose not to renew the contract.
• Early Termination: If the rental agreement is terminated before its official end date.

Documents Required for Ejari Cancellation

To cancel the Ejari, the following documents must be submitted:

• Emirates ID of both landlord and tenant
• Ejari certificate
• Tenant’s passport copy
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord
• Last DEWA bill issued to the tenant
• Original unified tenancy contract
• Termination letter from the property owner

Where and How to Cancel Ejari

You can cancel your Ejari contract using any of the following methods:

• Online via DLD Website
• Through the Dubai REST App
• By visiting a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre

Fees:

• Online cancellation is free of charge
• In-person cancellation at a service centre costs AED 40

What Are the Key Benefits of the Ejari System in Dubai?

The Ejari system, introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), plays a vital role in regulating rental agreements and ensuring transparency in Dubai’s real estate market. Beyond simply registering tenancy contracts, Ejari offers several essential benefits for both landlords and tenants.

Major Benefits of the Ejari System:

• Transparency in Rental Transactions: All rental agreements are documented in a standardized, government-approved format, ensuring full transparency between tenants and landlords.
• Access to Property and Landlord History: Tenants can request historical data about the property and landlord, helping them make informed decisions before signing a lease.
• Protection from Fraud and Tampering: Since all records are digitized and verified, there’s little to no chance of falsifying tenancy agreements—protecting both parties from future disputes.
• Prevention of Illegal Housing Practices: The system helps authorities detect and eliminate unauthorized subletting and exploitation, promoting a fair housing market.
• Improved Landlord-Tenant Relations: With clear documentation and legal backing, Ejari reduces misunderstandings and ensures smoother interactions between landlords and tenants.