Ejari safeguards the rights of both tenants and landlords. Miss it, and you could face fines, disputes, or headaches you don’t need. Get it right, and you’re protected while things remain simple, legal, and stress-free. This blog breaks down Ejari and everything related to it in plain English with no legal jargon and no confusion.
What is Ejari?
Ejari doesn’t stand for any long name. It’s just a word. Ejari, which means my rent in Arabic, is a mandatory system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) on 14 March 2010 under Law 26 of 2007. It makes it compulsory for all tenancy contracts in Dubai to be registered online in a uniform format.
This process ensures that every rental agreement is legally binding, fair, and transparent for both landlords and tenants. It’s also required for essentials like DEWA, visas, and even enrolling kids in school. By keeping detailed records of each lease, Ejari helps formalise and regulate rental relationships, giving both parties clear legal protection and reducing disputes.
Why is Ejari Mandatory in Dubai?
The Ejari system does more than just meet legal requirements. It helps build a clear and honest relationship between landlords and tenants by setting rules for rental contracts. By safely recording rental prices, Ejari lowers the chance of fraud or changes to documents, protecting both sides.
Ejari acts as solid proof that a tenancy contract is real, which makes everyone more responsible and helps prevent arguments. The system supports fairness and helps create a housing market that people can trust.
Step‑by‑Step Ejari Online Registration
Tenants and landlords in Dubai can register Ejari either online or offline, whichever is more convenient for them. Want to skip the hassle? Contact Roots Heritage Realty for property management in Dubai, so you don’t waste time fixing errors or chasing documents.
1) Sign Tenancy Contract
Sign your tenancy agreement with your landlord, real estate agent, or property management company. It must contain property address, rental amount, and contract dates that are all 100% accurate and must match your Ejari record.
2) Collect Required Documents
Have these scanned and ready to upload:
- Original tenancy contract
- Tenant’s Emirates ID copy (front & back)
- Landlord’s passport copy
- Security deposit receipt
- Title deed copy of the rented property (get this from the landlord or agent)
- Trade license (only if you’re registering a commercial property)
3) Choose Service Channel:
You can register online using any of these official platforms:
- Dubai REST App
- Dubai Now App
- DLD’s Ejari Portal
4) Ejari Account Creation
Where to do it: Open your chosen app from the above three.
- Register your account with your email and mobile number.
- Fill in the required property details:
- Make sure the details exactly match your tenancy contract.
5) Upload Documents
Where to upload: While logged in to your Ejari account on the app or portal, you’ll see clear fields to enter the contract details step by step and attach each scanned document.
6) Pay the Registration Fees
After submitting, you’ll be guided to a secure online payment page. We will talk about the fee in the below sections. You can pay by credit/debit card through the portal or app.
7) Get Ejari Certificate
Once your submission is done, a Dubai Land Department officer will check your documents and approve them. Your official Ejari certificate (PDF) will be emailed directly to the address you used to register. It includes:
- A unique Ejari number
- A barcode for verification
How to Use Your Ejari Certificate
Your certificate is mandatory for:
- Connecting DEWA which requires an Ejari number to open an account in your name.
- Applying for or renewing your residency visa. Immigration requests it as proof of residence.
- Setting up internet and phone services. Providers ask for Ejari as a valid tenancy proof.
- Business tenants use it for trade license renewals or approvals.
Step‑by‑Step Ejari Offline Registration
Many people prefer in-person help if they’re new to Dubai, unsure about document details, or want expert assistance.
1) Sign Tenancy Contract
Just like online, make sure you have a clear, signed tenancy agreement from your landlord or builder.
2) Prepare Documents
Bring printed copies of the documents below:
- Tenancy contract
- Emirates ID
- Landlord’s passport
- Title deed
- Security deposit receipt
- Trade license (for commercial properties)
3) Visit Trustee Centre
Find an approved real estate services trustee centre near you. Go during working hours with your documents. A representative will help you fill out the application.
4) Pay the Registration Fee
You’ll pay the fee directly at the centre, somewhere between AED 220 to AED 400 depending on the property type.
5) Get Your Certificate
Once verified, you’ll receive your Ejari certificate immediately or by email shortly after. It will include your unique Ejari number and barcode.
Avoid paperwork headaches and waiting in queues. Roots Heritage works with all Trustee Centres in Dubai and can handle the entire offline process for you.
Benefits of Ejari Registration in Dubai
Avoiding hefty fines is one of the biggest benefits of Ejari registration in Dubai. Here’s a list of more Ejari benefits.
1) Legal Protection
When your tenancy is registered through Ejari, your contract is legally recognised, so if any dispute reaches court, you have official proof that stands up in court.
2) Fair Agreements
Ejari keeps rental prices transparent and fair by recording them with the Dubai Land Department, so landlords can’t raise rent unexpectedly and tenants always pay the right market rate.
3) Utility Connections
Water, electricity (DEWA), internet, or other such services come along with an Ejari certificate. Your Ejari certificate is your key to connect these must-have utilities without delays.
4) Visa and Government Tasks
An active Ejari is often needed to get residency visas approved or renewed and without it, many tenants face unnecessary headaches. Your Ejari certificate is often needed to show you legally live where you say you do.
Ejari Registration Fees
The cost of registering Ejari depends on whether you choose to do it online or offline. For online registration through the Dubai REST app or DLD portal, the fee is AED 100 plus AED 10 Knowledge fee and AED 10 Innovation fee, totaling AED 120. For offline registration at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, expect to pay about AED 215 to 220, which covers the registration fee, typing service charges, VAT, and the Knowledge and Innovation fees.
How to Renew Ejari Registration?
You must renew your Ejari whenever you extend your lease to maintain legal validity and ensure uninterrupted access to DEWA, visas, and other services. This can be done online via the Dubai REST App or DLD portal for around AED 120 to 175, or in person at Trustee or typing centres for about AED 215 to 220 that also includes VAT and service fees. Landlords or their property leasing in Dubai agents usually handle the renewal, but tenants should stay informed to prevent disruptions or fines.
How to Cancel Ejari Registration?
Cancelling an Ejari is essential when a tenancy ends early or you choose not to renew. RERA rules allow only one active Ejari per property, so landlords must cancel the existing registration once a tenant vacates. Failing to do so can delay the next tenant’s Ejari registration and create unnecessary admin issues.
Who Cancels Ejari Registration?
It’s the landlord’s responsibility to start the cancellation process promptly. If you’re a tenant, you should coordinate with your landlord or agent to ensure it’s done on time.
How to Cancel Ejari
1) Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) The landlord needs a signed NOC or termination letter confirming that the tenancy has officially ended.
2) Gather Required Documents You’ll need:
- Original Ejari certificate
- Original tenancy contract
- Emirates ID & passport of landlord and tenant
- Final DEWA bill marked Final & Paid
- NOC or termination letter signed by the landlord
- Title deed & owner’s ID (if the property changed hands during the tenancy)
- Trade license & IDs (for commercial units)
- Power of Attorney (if a third party cancels on your behalf)
3) Choose a Cancellation Method
- Offline: Visit any approved Real Estate Services Trustee Centre in Dubai. Complete a cancellation form there. Processing usually takes about 4 working hours and costs around AED 40 + VAT.
- Online: Some landlords can cancel Ejari via the Dubai REST App or DLD portal. There’s usually a fee of AED 220 including government & typing charges. Online cancellations are processed in 24 to 48 hours.
- Note: Cancellations through the REST app are sometimes free if processed directly by the landlord.
4) Get Confirmation once submitted and approved, your Ejari status will update to Cancelled. This clears the way for registering a new tenant. Always keep a copy of the cancelled Ejari certificate for your records.
If there’s a dispute or missing paperwork, RERA may require you to visit a Trustee Centre in person to resolve it before the cancellation can be finalised.
Our experts at Roots Heritage can handle the entire Ejari cancellation for you. No queues, no mistakes, no delays. Contact us today to cancel your Ejari quickly.
Final Words
To skip hidden costs and last-minute stress, tenants and landlords should register Ejari on time, check documents carefully, ask about any extra fees, keep a copy of the certificate, and renew it when renewing the lease. If you can’t manage Ejari personally, you can either give someone a Power of Attorney or let Roots Heritage take care of it for you. Our team will handle all the paperwork, submit documents, and complete the process on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about anything.
FAQs
Who Needs to Register Ejari?
In Dubai, both the landlord and tenant must make sure Ejari is registered. Usually, the landlord does it, but if not, the tenant can register it instead. Many people let a real estate agent or property manager handle it to save time and hassle.
What’s the difference between a tenancy contract and Ejari?
A tenancy contract is your rental agreement. Ejari is the official system that registers it with the Dubai Land Department, making it legally recognised and protecting both parties.
Is Ejari only for tenants?
No. Ejari protects both landlords and tenants. Tenants need it for DEWA, visas, or car registration. Landlords need it to keep their property legally compliant and resolve disputes easily.
Is my lease valid without Ejari?
No. A lease in Dubai is not valid if it’s longer than one month and hasn’t been registered with Ejari. Ejari is required by law in Dubai to register all rental contracts. If not, the contract won’t be legally binding or protected.
How long does it take to get an Ejari certificate?
Online registrations are usually approved within a few hours. Offline applications at Trustee Centres can take 1 to 2 working days.
Can I register Ejari myself or do I need an agent?
You can do it yourself online or at a Trustee Centre but many people use a real estate agent to avoid paperwork hassles and errors.
What happens if I don’t register Ejari?
Without Ejari, you can’t connect DEWA, renew visas, or protect your rights in disputes. You may also face fines for non-compliance.
Do I need a new Ejari every year?
Yes. It’s because your Ejari registration is tied to the validity of your rental contract. Your rental contract needs to be renewed annually that’s why you need to renew your Ejari registration.
Can I transfer my Ejari to someone else?
No. Each contract and tenant must have their own Ejari. If you move out, the landlord must cancel the old Ejari before a new one is issued.
Is Ejari required for commercial properties too?
Yes. Offices, shops, warehouses. All must be registered through Ejari, just like residential units.
Where can I check my Ejari status?
You can view and download your Ejari certificate whenever you want on the Dubai REST app or by visiting the DLD website
