Navigating the rental market in Dubai can be challenging for both renters and landlords. To streamline the process, understanding Ejari is crucial. This complete and comprehensive guide to ejari will walk you through everything you need to know. From registration to renewal, we’ll cover the essentials and provide tips for both renters and landlords. By mastering Ejari, you can ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience in Dubai.
What is Ejari?
Ejari is an online registration system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to streamline and regulate Dubai’s rental market. This system protects the rights of both tenants and landlords, ensuring transparency and fairness. Ejari integrates rental contracts into the legal system and facilitates easy contract revisions if needed. It also safeguards the rights of both parties in case of disputes.
Why Register for Ejari?
Registering for Ejari is crucial for several reasons:
Immutable Record: Ejari provides a permanent, unalterable record of your tenancy contract.
Utility Activation: You need an Ejari certificate to activate water and electricity services with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Service Access: Building and community management companies require an Ejari certificate to provide their services.
Conflict Protection: Ejari helps protect your rights in disputes with your landlord.
Residency Renewal: Ejari is necessary for renewing children’s residency visas, as it verifies the number of bedrooms in your property.
Trade Licenses: It is required to issue or renew a commercial trade license.
How to Register for Ejari
If you’re leasing, we handle the Ejari registration for you after you finalize or renew your lease through our eServices and pay the required fees. For individual registration, follow these steps:
Obtain the Ejari Contract: Your landlord or authorized property management will provide the Ejari contract.
Online Registration: Use the Dubai REST app to register your contract online if you are an individual tenant.
Visit Ejari Office: Go to one of the five Ejari offices in Dubai with the necessary documents to receive your Ejari certificate immediately.
Required Documents for Ejari Registration
To complete your Ejari registration, you need:
Original Tenancy Contract: Signed by both parties.
Tenant’s Identification: Emirates ID, passport, and visa copies.
Landlord’s Identification: Passport copy with a visible signature.
Title Deed: Copy provided by the landlord.
Registration Fee: AED 206 plus VAT. For renewal, you’ll also need a recent DEWA “green bill.”
Registration Tips for a Smooth Process
Single Tenant Registration: Ejari must be under one tenant’s name; if sharing rent, choose a lead tenant.
Document Quality: Provide high-quality scans if the landlord cannot sign in person.
Avoid Overlaps: Ensure there’s no overlap between the end of your old contract and the start of the new one.
DEWA Premise Number: Locate this number on your property for accurate registration.
How to Cancel Ejari
At the end of your tenancy, Ejari must be canceled. This should be done by the landlord since only one active Ejari is allowed per property.
FAQs
Is Ejari Required for Renting in Dubai? Yes, Ejari is mandatory for all rental agreements in Dubai, whether residential or commercial. It formalizes the tenant-landlord relationship and is crucial for legal matters.
Why Do I Need Ejari? Ejari legalizes your rental agreement, activates utility services, helps with residency visas, and provides a record for dispute resolution.
What Does Ejari Protect Against? Ejari offers protection against disputes, unauthorized rent hikes, and illegal modifications to the rental property.
Do I Process Ejari Myself? For individual registration, you’ll need to register online via the Dubai REST app and visit an Ejari office with the required documents.
How Long Does Ejari Registration Take? It typically takes 1 to 2 days to activate and generate your Ejari number.
What Documents Are Needed for Ejari? You need the original signed tenancy contract, tenant’s Emirates ID and copies of passport and visa, landlord’s passport copy, and title deed.
What Is the Cost of Ejari Registration? The registration fee is AED 206 plus VAT. Renewals require a recent DEWA “green bill.”
Can I Register Ejari via Mobile? Yes, use the Dubai REST app to fill out the registration form and upload necessary documents.
When to Renew Ejari? Renew Ejari when your rental contract is up for renewal, typically annually. If the landlord fails to do so, you must complete the process yourself.
Is Ejari Required for Children’s Residency? Yes, Ejari is necessary for renewing children’s residency visas and ensuring the property meets bedroom requirements.
