Understanding Ejari in UAE Real Estate

Ejari, which translates to "my rent" in Arabic, is a mandatory online registration system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under Dubai Land Department in 2010. This comprehensive system governs all rental agreements in Dubai, establishing legal framework and transparency between landlords and tenants.​

What Makes Ejari Essential

The Ejari system operates under Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai. It requires all tenancy contracts to be registered in a standardized, government-approved format, ensuring they become legally binding documents. This registration transforms a simple rental agreement into an officially recognized contract that protects both parties' rights and responsibilities.​

Core Benefits and Legal Protection

The system establishes complete transparency in Dubai's rental market by officially recording agreed rental prices and contract terms. This documentation reduces fraud risks and prevents document tampering, creating a secure foundation for rental relationships. The Ejari certificate serves as tangible evidence of a tenancy contract's validity, significantly reducing the likelihood of disputes and enhancing accountability between parties.​

For tenants, the certificate is crucial for accessing essential services. Without it, you cannot activate DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) connections, set up telephone and internet services, or process residency visa renewals and family sponsorship applications. For landlords, it provides government recognition of their rental properties and legal protection under Dubai's rental laws.​

Registration Process and Requirements

The registration process is straightforward and can be completed through multiple channels. Tenants can register online via the Dubai REST app, the Dubai Now app, or the Dubai Land Department website. Alternatively, they can visit any of the five designated Ejari offices or authorized typing centers across Dubai.​

The required documents include the original signed tenancy contract, tenant's Emirates ID and passport copies, landlord's passport copy with visible signature, property title deed copy, and DEWA premises number or recent DEWA bill. For renewals, a recent DEWA "green bill" is also required.​

The registration fee is AED 175 for online registration (including AED 155 registration fee, AED 10 knowledge fee, and AED 10 innovation fee), rising to approximately AED 239.75 when registering through real estate services trustee centers. Upon approval, the Ejari certificate is issued within two working days, though online registrations through the Dubai REST app can receive immediate issuance after landlord approval.​

Practical Applications

The Ejari certificate serves multiple practical purposes beyond legal compliance. It's mandatory for obtaining commercial licenses for mainland businesses, as the Department of Economic Development requires Ejari documentation for business registration. The certificate includes critical information such as property details, tenancy agreement terms, landlord and tenant information, and a unique Ejari registration number issued by Dubai Land Department.​

While primarily the landlord's responsibility, tenants often complete the registration to expedite the process. Property management companies typically handle this when managing rental properties. The system requires renewal annually when tenancy contracts are renewed, ensuring continuous legal validity throughout the rental period.​

This comprehensive registration system has fundamentally transformed Dubai's rental market, creating a transparent, regulated environment that protects all stakeholders while facilitating efficient property transactions across the emirate.