What Is Ejari? How To Register And Cancel Ejari Online
As with any other location around the world, the UAE and, in particular, Dubai is seeing an increase in the number of residents and expats looking for rental accommodation. Ejari translates to "My rent" in Arabic, but in Dubai, it is also the name of a government-run program that regulates all tenancy agreements.
What Is Ejari?
In Dubai, the Ejari system is an initiative run by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This isn't an optional agreement – Ejari is mandatory, and the law requires that both landlord and tenant comply with the directive.
Ejari reduces the risk of disputes between tenants and landlords and provides legal protection to both parties. It applies to residential and commercial tenancies and is done online through a dedicated portal. Both landlord and tenant have to register for the Ejari system, and an agreement should be completed once the contract has been completed by the public notary.
Why is Ejari important?
Other than being a legal requirement, there are several reasons why Ejari is important for tenants. It ensures complete transparency between the landlord and the tenant and that all rental agreements are legally binding.
Its primary job is to provide quick and easy resolutions if there is a dispute between the two parties. Because it is a mandatory requirement, it also ensures that the use of fake documents is prevented, which would otherwise leave the tenant in a very vulnerable position.
Ejari also ensures that illegal activity in the property sector is prevented and that a balanced, amiable relationship between tenants and landlords is maintained.
You will also need it to sign up for cable or phone services and utilities such as electricity and water supplies.
How do you register for Ejari?
You can ask an agency to take care of the registration process (which may be advisable if you are an ex-pat and unfamiliar with the system) or register yourself. You can do this through approved Ejari registration centres or via the Dubai REST app, which the Dubai Land Department has set up.
Ejari registration centres are run in Dubai by the DLD and are an easy way to register as a tenant. You will need to pay a fee for your registration which includes:
- Ejari Registration Fee – AED 155 (+VAT)
- Knowledge Fee – AED 10
- Innovation Fee – AED 10
- Service Center Fee (including VAT) – AED 219.75
The fees are set, and you won't have to pay any additional fees.
To register, you will need to bring certain documents with you. These include:
- Your tenancy Contract
- A copy of Emirates ID (this must be valid – you cannot register without it)
- Your passport
- Power of Attorney
- Letter from the Owner or landlord agency confirming your tenancy
- Electricity meter number (in the case of shared electrical connection such as in a multi-occupancy building)
- Commercial License (on a required basis)
A quicker way to register is via the Dubai REST mobile app. This costs just AED 175, and all you have to do is download the app, select RERA in 'Services', click on 'Register Ejari' and fill in your details. You can also pay the fee online.Registration via the portal is only available to landlords and real estate agencies or companies involved in a property development project.
Can you renew your Ejari contract online?
Yes, you can. It's the easiest way to do it, and all you have to do is select 'Ejari Renewal'. The landlord or their agents usually carry out the renewal process.
Can you cancel an Ejari contract?
Yes, but you will need to physically cancel it if you don't want to renew your contract; it will not automatically lapse at the end of the agreement. If the agreement isn't cancelled, it may be difficult or even impossible for the landlord to lease the property to a new tenant or for the original tenant to rent another property. Legally, only one Ejari registration should be assigned to a property. As soon as the tenant moves out, it is up to the landlord to cancel the Ejari.
How do you find your Ejari number?
