EJARI IN DUBAI – INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS AND TENANTS

Real estate rentals in Dubai are in high demand. Both short-term and long-term rentals attract expats and residents alike. This demand for rental properties presents excellent opportunities for those interested in investing in Dubai real estate. However, leasing properties in the UAE requires following certain mandatory procedures. One such procedure is registering a rental agreement in the Ejari system, which we will discuss in detail below.

WHAT IS EJARI

Ejari is an online platform used for registering and monitoring all rental agreements in Dubai. Registration in this system is essential for both parties involved in the rental transaction. It provides access to court services and utility connections. Moreover, according to Law № 26 of 2007, registering rental agreements is mandatory for all landlords. This requirement covers all types of properties, including villas, townhouses, apartments, and penthouses.

Ejari is vital for the government to regulate the rental property market and protect all parties involved in the transaction. If significant issues or disputes arise between a tenant and a landlord or mediator, the matter is taken to court. However, the court will dismiss the case if the rental agreement is not registered in the Ejari system.

It's important to note that for short-term rentals, the landlord must also obtain the Holiday Home Permit and Unit Permit. A short-term lease is defined as an agreement for a period of less than a year.

REGISTRATION IN EJARI

There are two ways to register a lease agreement: online or at the official center. For online registration, you can use the Dubai Rest website or app.

Documents required for registration:

• Passport or Emirates ID (for UAE residents)

• Copies of Identity Documents

• A Copy of the Property's Title Deed

• Original Rental Agreement

• Power of Attorney, If Applicable

By law, the property landlord must register the agreement, but the tenant can also do so. The registration fee is 220 AED (€60), while online registration is cheaper at 180 AED (€50). Either party can pay the fee.

The entire registration process takes no more than 15 minutes. For online registration, you need to sign up on the Ejari website, enter all necessary details, and upload document scans. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a certificate via email. Registering at a center involves handing over all documents to an employee and then receiving the completed registration. This method may take a bit longer due to possible queues.

TERMINATION

Only one contract can be active for a rented property at any time. Additionally, the tenant can only appear in one Ejari agreement. When the tenant leaves the property, you must revisit the site to apply for contract termination. Only then can a new contract be established.

Only the landlord can terminate the current contract, which involves a quick procedure requiring the following documents:

• Original Rental Agreement

• Latest Utility Bill

• Emirates ID of the Landlord

• No Objection Notice (NOC)

The termination process takes just a few minutes.

ADVANTAGES OF THE EJARI SYSTEM

Ejari is particularly beneficial for renters seeking a new home. Information about all residents and active contracts is stored in the DLD database and can be accessed by anyone. The tenant can view the following details:

• Total Number of Previous Occupants

• Number of Lease Renewals

• Number of Cancelled Contracts

This allows the tenant to verify the landlord's integrity and ensure there will be no issues during their stay.

An Ejari certificate, confirming the tenant's residence, is also necessary for applying for a residence permit, a commercial license, and connecting utilities.