Back

Buyers' Guide

How to Register an Ejari

5 October 2023 Written by Arpan

If you are renting a home in Dubai, then Ejari is a term you need to be very familiar with. Ejari, an Arabic phrase meaning ‘my rent’, is a registration system that creates a legal record of your rental contract. It is a mandatory registration - if your tenancy contract is not on the Ejari system, it is considered invalid and can result in heavy fines for both tenants and landlords.

Why Ejari?

The Ejari system exists to create an official and impartial record of your tenancy contract, one that cannot be altered by the landlord or the tenant in any way. It is designed to create transparency between both parties, and to help regulate contract disputes easily and efficiently. Being registered with Ejari gives you the right to take any dispute to court, should matters go that far. Without an Ejari registration, your case will automatically be dismissed.

When registering your contract with Ejari, every detail of the contract must be laid out, including the total rental amount, deposit amounts, rental duration, and any other clauses. Should any dispute arise in the future, such as a sudden rent hike by the landlord or unauthorised modifications to the property by the tenant, the official Ejari record will help to resolve the issue.

For both landlords and tenants, Ejari ensures peace of mind and security.

How Do I Register an Ejari?

How Do I Register an Ejari?

Registering your Ejari is a straightforward process, and there are a few different options available to you. Previously, your real estate broker could complete the process on your behalf, but that is no longer the case. Here are the 3 different ways you can get your tenancy contract registered on the Ejari system.

1. At an Ejari Centre
2. Through the Dubai REST app
3. By email

Visiting an Ejari Centre

Visiting an Ejari Centre

This is the most preferable option, as you will be involved in each step of the process, and any issues that come up can be dealt with promptly. You can visit Ejari typing centres in Al Manara Centre, Al Barsha Mall, Oud Metha, Port Saeed or Zabeel. The centres are typically open from 8 am to 8 pm Sunday to Thursday and 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.

The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes (not counting waiting time). Make sure you have all of your relevant documents, including the Ejari fees (AED 220) and your Emirates ID. Once all of your paperwork has been checked and approved at the front desk, you will be directed to a counter where the Ejari certificate is produced. It is essential that you get the certificate stamped before you leave, otherwise it will not be considered valid.

As an additional note, dress conservatively when going to the Ejari centre. No shorts, flip flops, or the like or you may be denied entry.

Dubai REST App

Dubai REST App

If you are wary of leaving the house and would prefer to get the registration done without any in-person contact, the REST app is a good way to do it.

Simply download the app onto your mobile device and register using your Emirates ID, passport and a visa copy. Upload all of the required documents and make sure that your landlord is also registered on the app. The certificate should be issued in one or two working days.

It costs a bit less to register using the app (AED 172), and if you are tech-savvy that makes it all the more convenient. However, you need to wait a few days for the certificate to come through, and if you run into any problems with your internet connection, that could end up delaying you further.

Registering by email

Registering by email

Another alternative is to register via email. The steps are basically the same - attach all of the relevant documents to the email, along with an NOC, and a checklist that the tenant must fill out. Pay the Ejari fee (the full amount of AED 220) by bank transfer. It should ideally take one or two business days to issue the certificate.

This is perhaps the most time-intensive way - there are a couple of additional documents, and there are bank processing times to account for. If there are any issues in your documentation or any delays from the bank, your Ejari registration could be held up by a few days.

documents do I need to register?

What documents do I need to register?

In order to register an Ejari, you will need:

1. The original signed tenancy contract, or a good colour copy
2. Security deposit receipt
3. The title deed
4. Passport copy of the property owner/landlord
5. Passport copy of the tenant
6. Copy of the tenant’s visa page
7. Copy of the tenant's Emirates ID (front and back)
8. Ejari fee(AED 220 in person and by email, AED 172 through the REST app)
9. Original Emirates ID of the tenant (required when registering at an Ejari centre)
10. 9-digit DEWA Premises number (or the copy of a recent DEWA bill, if applicable)
11. Valid trade license (for a commercial property)

If you are new to Dubai, you can begin the process of drawing up a tenancy contract with a copy of your residence visa application, but an Emirates ID will be necessary for Ejari registration.

With the Ejari registration complete, your contract will essentially be set in stone, and cannot be changed without the consent of both parties and government approval (at which point a new Ejari will need to be registered).

 

How often does Ejari need to be renewed?

How often does Ejari need to be renewed?

You will need a new Ejari whenever you move to a new property. In the landlord’s case, this would be whenever they get a new tenant. In the event that you are renewing your current tenancy contract, you will need to renew the Ejari as well for the new contract duration.

If you have any questions about Ejari or the process involved, please contact our Private Client Advisory team, who will be glad to assist you.