Key takeaways
- Landlords, tenants, authorised representatives and licensed property management companies can all register Ejari in Dubai.
- The landlord holds the legal responsibility, even when a tenant does the actual registration.
- Anyone acting for someone else needs a valid Power of Attorney.
- Registration can happen online via Dubai REST or in person at a trustee centre.
- Only firms with a valid Trakheesi licence can register contracts for the units they manage.
Landlords carry the legal responsibility
The landlord is legally responsible for making sure the tenancy contract gets registered. If you own the property yourself, you can register directly through your own account. If your property is owned by a company, that company needs proper licensing before it can register any contract.
Many landlords don't register Ejari themselves. They pass this job to whoever manages the property day to day.
Tenants can start or finish the registration
Tenants often do the actual registration work, even though the landlord holds the legal duty. This happens because tenants need the Ejari certificate quickly. Without it, you can't register for DEWA, apply for a visa, or open certain bank accounts.
On the Dubai REST app, a tenant can often begin the process. The landlord's account may then need to approve it before the certificate is issued.
Representatives need a valid power of attorney
Anyone acting on someone else's behalf must hold a valid, official Power of Attorney. Courts or guardianship documents count too, in specific cases. Without this paperwork, a trustee centre will not process the registration. This rule protects both landlords and tenants from unauthorised changes to their contract.
Property management companies handle it for many landlords
Licensed property management and real estate firms can register Ejari for the properties they manage. They need a valid Trakheesi licence to do this legally. Many landlords choose this route because it saves time and avoids paperwork errors.
This is exactly the kind of task a good property manager should handle without being asked. Keyper manages Ejari registration for every landlord on its platform, alongside rent collection and maintenance. Landlords never have to chase a trustee centre appointment or track down missing documents.
How to register Ejari in Dubai
There are two official routes: online or in person. Both lead to the same legally valid certificate. If you want the full walkthrough with screenshots, our Ejari registration guide covers each step in detail.
Registering online through Dubai REST
The Dubai REST app is the fastest option for most people. You upload your tenancy contract and identification documents directly through the app. If a landlord already has full system access, they can register the contract without ever leaving their office.
Registering in person at a trustee centre
You can also visit an approved Real Estate Services Trustee centre. Bring your original documents, since photocopies are often rejected on the spot. This route suits anyone who prefers a person to check their paperwork in real time, or whose documents don't upload cleanly online.
What you need before you register
Every applicant needs a signed tenancy contract, a valid Emirates ID or passport, and the property's title deed or a DEWA premises number. Company landlords also need their trade licence. It's worth knowing what to check before signing a tenancy contract since it is important to register an accurate unified tenancy agreement.
Both residents and non-residents can register, as long as a valid contract exists for a Dubai property.
Software built for landlords who manage several units
Landlords with more than one property often register for full system access themselves. This lets them register, renew, and manage several contracts from one account. Keyper's property management software does this automatically for every unit under its care, alongside its Rent Now, Pay Monthly service. Landlords get one dashboard instead of a folder full of separate certificates.
FAQs
Can a tenant register Ejari without the landlord in Dubai?
A tenant can start the process through the Dubai REST app in many cases. However, the landlord's account often needs to approve it before the certificate is issued. Full independent registration by a tenant alone isn't guaranteed everywhere.
Do I need a power of attorney to register Ejari for someone else?
Yes. Anyone registering on behalf of a landlord or tenant needs a valid, official Power of Attorney. Trustee centres will reject the application without this document. Court or guardianship papers can work instead, in specific situations.
Can a property management company register Ejari on my behalf?
Yes, as long as the company holds a valid Trakheesi licence for leasing or management activities. This is one reason many landlords hand Ejari registration to their property manager. It removes the paperwork from the landlord's side entirely.
If you'd rather not chase certificates and appointments yourself, that's exactly the gap a licensed manager fills. Whether you register it yourself or let someone else handle it, get it done before you move a single box in.
.jpg)
