Ejari is the Arabic word for rent and is compulsory if you are planning to move to a new apartment or commercial establishment. If you are in the process of completing the formalities to rent an apartment in Dubai and have questions about the Ejari registration process, we've got you covered. Whether you're unsure about what Ejari is or the requirements for registering your tenancy contract, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

What is Ejari?

Ejari was introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to regulate and facilitate Dubai's rental market. It is an online registration system that protects the rights of both tenants and landlords and ensures transparency and fairness by integrating rental contracts into the legal system. It also allows for easy contract revisions in case of disagreements and protects the rights of both parties involved in case of conflicts.

Why do I need to register for Ejari?

There are several reasons why registering Ejari is essential:

1. It is a record of your tenancy contract, and as a result, cannot be altered.
2. The Ejari certificate is required to activate your water and electricity services with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) when moving into your new apartment or villa.
3. Building and community management companies require an Ejari certificate before providing any services.
4. Having your Ejari certificate protects your rights in case of conflicts with your landlord.
5. It is necessary for renewing children's residency, as the number of bedrooms in your apartment must be sufficient.
6. To issue or renew a trade license for commercial use.

How do I register my Ejari?

If you are leasing from Wasl, we will handle the Ejari process on your behalf after you finalize or renew your lease through our eServices and pay the required fees. For individual registration, follow these steps:

1. The landlord or property management authorized by RERA will provide you with an Ejari contract for your lease or renewal.
2. Use the Dubai REST app, the official government app for real estate, to register the contract online if you are an individual tenant.
3. Visit one of the five Ejari offices in Dubai without an appointment, and present the relevant documents provided by your real estate agent or landlord. You will receive your Ejari certificate immediately. Remember, it is crucial to obtain your Ejari certificate as soon as your tenancy contract is signed

Required documents for Ejari registration

To complete the Ejari registration process, you will need to prepare the following documents:

1. Original signed tenancy contract.
2. Tenant's Emirates ID and copies of their passport and visa.
3. Copy of the landlord's passport (with a visible signature).
4. Copy of the title deed provided by the landlord.

The registration fee for Ejari is AED 206 plus VAT. If you are renewing Ejari, you will also need a recent DEWA "green bill."

Registration tips for a smooth process

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Ejari registration:

1. Ejari must be under one tenant's name. If you are sharing the rent, choose a lead tenant to register the contract.
2. If the landlord is unable to sign in person, provide high-quality scans of the necessary documents.
3. Avoid overlapping between the end date of the existing contract and the start date of the new one.
4. Locate the DEWA premise number, which can be found outside the front door or adjacent to the garage in the case of villas.

How do I cancel my Ejari?

At the end of your tenancy period, the Ejari should be canceled. This must be done by the landlord, as each property should have only one active Ejari at a time. Ensure that your landlord terminates the existing Ejari before attempting to register a new one. At Wasl, we will assist you in canceling your Ejari after your lease contract ends. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the Ejari registration process smoothly and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.

FAQs

1. Do I need to get an Ejari when I rent an apartment in Dubai?
   Yes, Ejari registration is mandatory in Dubai whether you are renting a residential or commercial property. It is unsafe to rent a property in Dubai without an Ejari as it formalizes the relationship between the tenant and landlord. This means that in the event of any disputes, you can legally address matters in a court of law.
2. Why do I need to have an Ejari?
   The Ejari legalises the relationship between the tenant and the landlord. It provides a historical record of all contracts in Dubai and is required to activate public utility services, like water and electricity in Dubai. Ejari also helps tenants get new residency visas for their family members, and is required in case of any disputes or malpractices by the landlord.
3. As a tenant, what does an Ejari safeguard me against?
   As a tenant, the Ejari offers an immutable record of your rental contract with the landlord, and guarantees peace of mind for both parties. It safeguards against any disputes between the tenant and landlord, such as a sudden rent hike or illegal modifications to the property by the tenant.
4. Do I have to process the Ejari myself?
   If you are leasing from Wasl, we will handle the Ejari process on your behalf. For those opting for individual registration, they would need to register their Ejari contract provided by the landlord or property management company online via the Dubai REST app. You will then need to visit one of the five Ejari offices in Dubai and present the relevant documents to receive your Ejari certificate immediately.
5. How long does it take to complete the Ejari registration in Dubai?
   It takes approximately 1 to 2 days to activate your Ejari account and generate an Ejari number. 
6. What documents do I need for my Ejari registration?
   You will need the following documents to complete your Ejari registration:
   1. Original signed tenancy contract.
   2. Tenant’s Emirates ID and copies of their passport and visa.
   3. Copy of the landlord’s passport (with a visible signature).
   4. Copy of the title deed provided by the landlord. 
7. How much does the Ejari registration cost?
   The registration fee for Ejari is AED 206, plus VAT. If you are renewing Ejari, you will also need a recent DEWA “green bill.”
8. Can I register my Ejari via my mobile phone?
   Yes, you can download the Dubai REST app and visit the ‘Services’ section. Then, select “RERA” and choose ‘Register Ejari Contract’. Simply fill in the required fields and upload the documents and then click ‘Submit’. 
9. When do I need to renew my Ejari?
   You will need to renew your Ejari whenever your rental contract is up for renewal, generally once a year, by submitting the same documents. It is the responsibility of the landlord to register the Ejari with RERA, however if the landlord fails to do so, the tenant must complete the process. If you are leasing from Wasl, we will handle the Ejari process on your behalf. 
10. Is Ejari necessary for renewing my children's residency?
    Yes, Ejari is required for renewing your children’s residency as the number of bedrooms in your apartment must meet the required guidelines. It is also mandatory when applying for a residence visa for family members.

References

• https://dubailand.gov.ae/media/051bem5a/tenancyguideen.pdf