Have you found your perfect place to rent? First on the agenda is registering your Ejari to mutually protect and legalise the relationship between yourself and the landlord. The word ‘Ejari’ actually translates to ‘My Rent’ in Arabic.
But how does Ejari work and how do you register for it?
What is Ejari?
Launched in 2007 by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), Ejari is a mandatory online registration system for all tenancy contracts within Dubai.
Ejari:
- Ensures that all private rental contracts are drafted legally and structured in a government-approved format.
- Officially records the agreed rental price
- Is an essential first step in setting up your DEWA account for water and electricity.
What are the benefits of the Ejari system?
The Ejari system ensures a smooth relationship between landlords and tenants. As the rental price is recorded, it eliminates fraud or tampering with documents by either the landlord or the tenant. Additionally, it is evidence of the validity of a tenancy contract, clamps down on illegal housing and creates transparency in the event of a dispute.
Who is responsible for Ejari registration?
Although registering the Ejari is primarily the landlord’s responsibility, in practice, it is the tenant’s obligation. Or, if the property is managed, the agency must complete the process.
How can tenants access the Ejari system and register the contract?
Tenants can either register Ejari by going to a trustee centre or they can register using the Dubai REST (Dubai Real Estate Self Transaction) application. This digital platform manages real estate activities by owners, tenants and other service providers.
Is there a fee for registering an Ejari account?
There is a fee to register your Ejari in Dubai in 2023. The exact fee depends on whether you choose to register through the application, or by going to a trustee centre.
If you register through the Dubai REST application, the fees are:
- AED 155 for the registration of Ejari contracts (excluding VAT)
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
Through Real Estate Services Trustees Centres, the costs are:
- Total AED 219.75 (Including VAT)
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
How long does it take to get Ejari?
Once the registration is complete, you will receive the official Ejari contract with all the terms and conditions and a unique Ejari ID within one to two working days if you apply through the website and instantly through the Dubai REST application.
You will then receive a text message to set up your DEWA connection.
How do you register for Ejari?
To register Ejari online through the application, tenants need to:
- Download the Dubai REST application
- Open the ‘Services’ tab and select ‘RERA.’
- Click on ‘Register Ejari Contract’
- Fill out the application correctly and attach the required documents
- Submit application
- The owner/landlord must approve the tenant’s registration request through Dubai REST
- Once approved, pay the Ejari registration fee through the app.
- The Ejari contract will be issued immediately on the Dubai REST app
What documents are required?
To register your Ejari, you will require the following documents:
- Original signed tenancy contract
- Security deposit receipt
- Tenant’s passport (for non-GCC countries nationals)
- Tenant’s UAE Visa (for non-GCC countries nationals)
- Tenant’s Emirates ID
- Copies of landlord’s passport (if individual)
- Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if a PoA has signed the contract). PoA documents must be renewed every year to remain valid.
- Copy of title deed of the rented property
- 9-digit DEWA Premises Number (or copies of recent DEWA bills/Green bill accepted)
- DEWA bill and previous Ejari if you are renewing
- Trade licence (in the case of commercial properties)
If the tenant renews their tenancy contract, does Ejari need to be renewed for the same property?
Ejari renewal is required every time you renew the tenancy contract for your rental property in Dubai. This can be done online by submitting all the necessary Ejari renewal documents
What transactions mandate an Ejari contract?
- Residence visas, new applications, and renewals
- Electricity, water, telephone/television/Internet connections
- Procurement of a commercial licence
- Employment of domestic staff
- Procurement of an alcohol licence
When should the Ejari be cancelled?
It is the responsibility of the landlord to cancel the Ejari as soon as the tenant moves out, as there should only be one Ejari registration against a property. If the previous Ejari is not cancelled, the new tenant may have issues with registration.
What is the procedure for cancellation?
Once the landlord has the NOC (No-Objection Certificate) or cancellation letter, they can either visit any of the Ejari offices in Dubai or download the cancellation form online and fill in the necessary details. The cost for cancellation is AED 30 and is usually completed within an hour of submitting all the required documents.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact us by email at customercare@bhomes.com or by phone on +971 600 52 2233. We’re available to help seven days a week!