Ejari and Tenancy
Navigating Ejari and Tenancy Regulations in Dubai
Your Guide to Ejari and Tenancy Contracts in Dubai
Navigating tenancy agreements and Ejari registration is essential for renting property in Dubai. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth leasing process.
Understanding Tenancy Contracts in Dubai
In 2017, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced a mandatory standard tenancy contract for all annual leases, excluding properties in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This contract applies to residential, commercial, and industrial leases and is available for download from the Ejari platform. The standardized contract helps minimize disputes between landlords and tenants, protecting both parties' rights. Additional clauses may be included as long as they comply with Dubai’s Tenancy Law and local property regulations.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
As a tenant, the tenancy contract guarantees you several rights:
- You are entitled to receive the property in good, livable condition.
- You have access to any services and facilities associated with the property.
- Upon lease termination, you should receive a refund of your security deposit, provided the property is returned in its original condition. If there’s a dispute over the deposit, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Committee, which will investigate and resolve the issue.
Your obligations as a tenant include:
- Paying rent on time. Inform your landlord promptly if delays are expected to avoid conflicts.
- Getting permission before making any modifications to the property. Ensure the property is returned in its original state at the end of your lease.
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are required to maintain and repair the property to ensure it remains functional for tenants. It’s advised that both parties agree on which repairs are their responsibility and document this within the tenancy contract to prevent future disagreements. Landlords can also include additional clauses in the contract, provided they comply with the law.
Understanding the Ejari System
Ejari, meaning "My Rent" in Arabic, is an online platform launched by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in 2010 to manage the registration of lease agreements. Ejari registration is mandatory for all rental contracts in Dubai and ensures transparency, legal protection, and easier resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords.
Ejari also supports key services like contract renewals, cancellations, transfers, and terminations, integrating rental agreements into Dubai’s legal framework.
Why Register with Ejari?
01
Setting up Utilities
You’ll need an Ejari certificate to establish a Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) account, ensuring you have access to utilities when moving into your new home.
02
Service Access
Building and community management teams often require Ejari before offering their services.
03
Legal Protection
Ejari registration ensures your tenancy contract is legally recognized, offering protection if a dispute arises.
04
Legal Protection
When renewing residency for children, Ejari registration helps confirm that your property meets Dubai’s bedroom requirements.
05
Trade License Renewal
For commercial tenants, an Ejari certificate is required to issue or renew your trade license.
Benefits of Ejari
Ejari’s transparent system ensures rental agreements are fair and legally binding, benefiting both landlords and tenants. The platform standardizes rental contracts, streamlines documentation, and saves time by offering an organized record-keeping process.
Ejari also gives authorities a complete overview of the rental market in Dubai, allowing better planning for future real estate developments and influencing market conditions like property supply and pricing.
How to Register for Ejari
You can register for Ejari through:
Your Landlord
Many landlords or property managers can handle Ejari registration.
Online
Tenants can register themselves using the Dubai REST app, the official real estate platform.
In-Person
You can visit one of five Ejari offices in Dubai with the required documents to receive your certificate instantly.
Documents Needed for Ejari Registration
Original signed tenancy contract
Tenant’s Emirates ID, passport, and visa copies
Landlord’s passport copy
Copy of the property’s title deed
Sell your home
We sell your home at the best market price.
Sell your home
We sell your home at the best market price.
Ejari Registration Tips
- Ensure the Ejari registration is done under one tenant’s name.
- Avoid any overlap between the end of your current contract and the start of the new one.
- Locate your DEWA premise number, usually found near the front door or garage for villas.
How to Cancel Ejari
Once your tenancy ends, it’s important to cancel the Ejari certificate. This task typically falls to the landlord since only one active Ejari can exist for each property. Ensure your landlord has canceled the existing Ejari before registering a new one.
Ejari registration is an essential step in Dubai’s rental process. At Executive Realty, we’re here to help you with every step of your rental journey, ensuring you are fully protected and informed throughout your tenancy.
Request A Free Consultation
Our experts are ready to share their insights and support you today.