How to Register, Renew, or Cancel Ejari in Dubai (2025 Guide)

The UAE has always been on the vanguard of digitizing governmental services and providing user-friendly platforms that regulate various sectors in its economy. Given that the real estate rental sector in Dubai is a very dynamic and prosperous one and to better regulate the relationship between homeowners and tenants, RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, developed Ejari.

Let’s delve into this system to discover in detail the role it plays in tenancy contracts.

What is Ejari?

Literally translated from Arabic, Ejari means “my rent”. It is a registration system launched by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to regulate and facilitate the rental market in Dubai. All rental or lease contracts, whether residential or commercial, must be registered on Ejari to ensure legal compliance with RERA laws and protect both parties to the contract - the tenant and the homeowner.

Ejari System

Ejari is a registration system, introduced by Dubai Land Department (DLD) in 2007 with the aim of better regulating the rental market in Dubai. Any tenancy contract must be registered in Ejari to become legally binding. Registration can be done online, on the Ejari app or website; or offline at designated typing centers. Once registered, the records of your contracts are preserved at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) allowing you to benefit from the various services provided by the UAE government.

Ejari Certificate

An Ejari Certificate is the official document issued upon registering your tenancy contract in the Ejari System. This Certificate is required for several property-related services; and comprises information such as:

• Property address, type, and size.
• Tenancy agreement start and end dates.
• Annual rent amount and payment terms.
• Landlord and tenant names, Emirates ID numbers, and contact details.
• Ejari registration number issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Ejari Registration Procedure

Ejari registration can be done both online or offline at designated typing offices. The parties authorized to apply for Ejari in Dubai include the landlords, tenants (and/or their representatives), and property management companies. The responsibility of registering the tenancy contract with Ejari falls on the landlord, who can entrust it to the real estate agent. In practice, the tenant usually completes the process and pays the required fees.

Documents Required for Ejari Registration

1. Security deposit receipt
2. Original tenancy contract signed
3. Tenant’s passport for non-GCC nationals
4. UAE residence Visa for non-GCC nationals
5. Tenant’s Emirates ID
6. Landlord’s passport copies for individuals
7. Power of Attorney (PoA) if applicable
8. Copy of the property title deed
9. Trade license for commercial properties

Steps for Ejari Online Registration

• Step 1: Download the Dubai REST app.
• Step 2: Go to the ‘Services’ tab, then choose ‘RERA.’
• Step 3: Select ‘Register Ejari Contract.’
• Step 4: Fill the application form with the details.
• Step 5: Upload any required documents.
• Step 6: Submit your application.
• Step 7: The landlord must approve the tenant’s registration request on the Dubai REST app.
• Step 8: Once approved, pay the Ejari registration fee in the app.
• Step 9: Instantly access the Ejari contract.

You can also go to www.ejari.ae, and register on the Ejari system.

Steps for Ejari Offline Registration

1. Gather the required documents.
2. Visit an Ejari typing centre
3. Complete the application.
4. Submit any required documents.
5. Pay the Ejari fee.
6. Receive the Ejari Certificate which you will receive within a few working days.

Here’s a list of Ejari service typing centers in Dubai which you can visit for offline registration:

• Al Tabu Real Estate Trustee Services on Al Nahda Road, Al Qusais 2
• Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee in Dubai Municipality, Al Kifaf Center
• Takhlees Government Services in Creek Tower, Baniyas Road, Deira
• Al Manara Real Estate Registration Trustee in Al Manara Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa

Ejari Registration Fees

The landlord or their assigned real estate agent are typically responsible for the process of registering the Ejari tenancy contract as well as paying the associated fees. In some instances, the tenant may pay these registration fees.

The fees for registering your tenancy contract will differ if you decide to register your contract online or offline.

Online registration Fees:

• AED 155 excluding VAT Ejari registration fee
• AED 10 Knowledge fee
• AED 10 Innovation fee

Offline Registration Fees:

• AED 219.75 including VAT

Why Should You Register Your Tenancy Contract with Ejari?

Registering your contract in Ejari provides both the tenant and the landlord with many benefits.

• Protect parties: Ejari contracts are legally binding and recognized by the UAE government; they protect the tenant from any unauthorized rent increases and sudden evictions.They also constitute the framework based on which disputes are resolved mainly through official channels such as the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).
• Utility Connections: An Ejari Certificate which is issued following the registration of the contract is mandatory for activating DEWA and other utility services, as well as applying for or renewing residency visas for family members.
• Transparency: An Ejari contract clearly sets the rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord which reduces conflicts.
• Enhanced Trust: These contracts are overseen by RERA and DLD, giving both parties a sense of trust.

Ejari Renewal Procedure

Ejari registration is valid for one year. The process of renewing an Ejari contract is as simple as registration and can be equally done online and offline. Tenants should renew their Ejari contract when they leave a rental property and move to a new one. They would also need to renew their contract upon its expiry. As for landlords, the contract needs to be renewed when they have a new tenant.

Documents Required for Ejari Renewal

1. Original signed tenancy contract
2. Tenant’s Emirates ID, along with copies of their passport and visa
3. Copy of the landlord’s passport
4. Copy of the title deed
5. Recent DEWA "green bill"

Steps for Ejari Online Renewal

1. Visit the Ejari website (www.ejari.ae).
2. Log in to your account.
3. Select the contract you want to renew.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the Ejari renewal fee online.

Steps for Ejari Offline Renewal

1. Gather all the documents from the previous Ejari.
2. Visit a Real Estate Services Trustees Centre.
3. Inform the staff that you wish to renew your Ejari.
4. Submit your documents and pay the fee.

Ejari Cancellation Procedure

An Ejari contract can be cancelled by the tenant or landlord, through the trustees’ centers or online. Keep in mind that the documents required for the online procedure differ from those requested at the Real Estate Services Trustees Centre.

When to Cancel Ejari?

An Ejari contract should be cancelled when you decide to end the tenancy agreement. You can cancel your Ejari contract before the tenancy period ends or upon its expiry.

Steps for Ejari Online Cancellation

1. Log in to the Dubai REST app.
2. Input all the required details.
3. Upload the required documents.
4. Submit the application.
5. Wait for the review. Once your request is approved you will receive an email.

Documents required:

• A copy of the unified tenancy contract

Steps for Ejari Offline Cancellation

1. Visit the Real Estate Services Trustee Centres (real estate service trustee centres/Ejari cancellation centres).
2. Submit the required documents.
3. Wait for the verification and approval of the transaction data.
4. Pay the fee and get a payment receipt.

Documents required:

• Landlord and tenant’s Emirates ID
• Ejari certificate
• A letter of termination from the property owner
• Tenant’s passport
• Original copy of the tenancy contract
• Last DEWA bill
• No Objection Certificate from the property owner

Ejari Contact Information

For any queries related to Ejari, you can contact the official authorities at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) using the following details:

• Contact: +971-800-4488
• Email: info@eres.ae
• Office Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 07:30 am – 02:30 pm

Conclusion

The Ejari system has proven to be a very reliable and trustworthy tool that regulates the rental market in Dubai. It has streamlined the process of registering rental agreements; adding a layer of trust and transparency for both landlords and tenants. For additional convenience, you can register, cancel, or renew your contract on DLD’s website, Dubai REST app, or even at designated physical centers.