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Key Takeaways
- Every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered through Ejari as per the tenancy law in Dubai.
- The landlord is legally responsible for registration within 30 days of signing, but the tenant typically pays the fee (usually stated in the contract).
- Without Ejari, tenants cannot connect to DEWA utilities, apply for UAE residency visas, or raise disputes at the Rental Dispute Centre.
- Online registration costs ~AED 177.75 (via Dubai REST app); in-person at a Trustee Centre costs ~AED 220.
- Documents needed: Signed tenancy contract, tenant + landlord passport/Emirates ID, title deed, recent DEWA bill, and security deposit receipt (trade licence for commercial).
- Ejari does not auto-renew — a new certificate must be issued for every tenancy period, even with the same landlord in the same property.
- Renewal should begin 15–30 days before the current contract expires to avoid gaps in legal status.
- Expired Ejari can trigger fines, visa renewal issues, and utility disruptions — there is no official grace period.
Who is Responsible for Registration?
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Under Dubai rental law, the landlord or property owner is legally responsible for registering the Ejari contract with the DLD within 30 days of signing the tenancy agreement. In practice, landlords often delegate this to their real estate agent or property management company.
While the landlord handles registration, the tenant typically pays the Ejari fee — this is standard practice in Dubai and is often written into the tenancy agreement. If the landlord delegates registration to the tenant, this must be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes.
Both individual (personal) and corporate Ejari registrations are available, catering to different types of tenants. Importantly, registration must happen for every new tenancy period, including renewals — it doesn't carry over automatically.
Documents Required for Ejari Registration
Before starting registration, gather the following documents. Having everything ready speeds up the process significantly.
- Signed tenancy contract (RERA-approved format)
- Tenant's passport copy & Emirates ID
- Landlord's passport copy & Emirates ID
- Property title deed
- Recent DEWA bill (with correct premises number)
- Security deposit receipt (if applicable)
- Trade licence (for commercial properties only)
Tip: Make sure the DEWA premises number on your bill matches the property exactly — this is one of the most common reasons for registration rejections.
How Much Does Ejari Cost?
The total Ejari fee depends on whether you register online through the Dubai REST app, DLD website or in person at a Trustee Centre. Here's how the fees break down that you can add to your cost of renting in Dubai:
Property management companies may charge between AED 220 and 300, sometimes including extras such as document handling. Renewal fees follow a similar structure, typically ranging from AED 220 to 550 depending on the provider. Always verify the latest fees on the official Dubai Land Department website.
How to Register Ejari Online
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The easiest and most affordable way to register is through the Dubai REST app (available on iOS and Android). Both tenants and landlords will need a UAE Pass account for the process.
- Download the Dubai REST app and log in or register using your UAE Pass or Emirates ID.
- Navigate to Services → RERA → Register Ejari Contract within the app.
- Fill in the tenancy details: property information, rent amount, contract duration, and parties involved.
- Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Submit the application. The landlord will receive a notification to approve the request in the app.
- Pay the fee
- Download your Ejari certificate instantly or via email — it will include a unique ID for use with DEWA and visa applications.
Approval typically takes 1–2 business days. You can track your application status directly in the app. If the app is unavailable, the DLD's Ejari portal works in the same way.
How to Renew Ejari
Ejari does not automatically renew. A new certificate must be registered for every tenancy period, even if you're staying in the same property with the same landlord. Start the renewal process 15–30 days before your current contract expires to avoid any disruptions.
The renewal process mirrors the initial registration. You'll need your signed renewal tenancy contract, the previous Ejari certificate, and the same supporting documents. The landlord approves via the app, and the new certificate is issued within 1–2 days.
FAQs
Can a tenant register Ejari without the landlord?
When renting in Dubai, the landlord must approve the registration through the Dubai REST app. However, tenants can initiate and submit the application — the landlord just needs to confirm it. If the landlord delegates full responsibility to the tenant, this should be clearly stated in the tenancy contract.
What happens if my Ejari expires?
An expired Ejari can lead to fines, problems renewing your visa, and issues with utility services. There is no official grace period, so renew as soon as possible. Back-dating is not permitted, but registering promptly restores your legal tenancy status quickly.
Does Ejari need to be renewed every year?
Yes. Ejari must be registered for each new tenancy period, even if you're renewing with the same landlord in the same property. It does not carry over automatically from one year to the next.
Who pays for Ejari — tenant or landlord?
The landlord is legally responsible for registration, but in practice, the tenant almost always pays the fee. This is standard in Dubai and is typically stated in the tenancy agreement. Both parties should agree on this upfront to avoid disputes.
Can I register Ejari for a commercial property?
Yes. The process is the same as for residential properties, with one addition: you'll need to include a valid trade licence for the business operating from the property.
Ejari registration is the legal foundation of every tenancy in Dubai. A valid Ejari protects the rights of tenants and landlords, keeps utilities running, and ensures your visa status remains secure.
If the lease management feels overwhelming, Keyper handles your Ejari from start to finish, from signing your tenancy contract to receiving your certificate.
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