What is Ejari?
Ejari (Arabic for “my rent”) is Dubai’s mandatory online system for registering tenancy contracts. Launched by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Ejari creates a legal record of every rental agreement in the emirate, protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants and providing the government with accurate rental market data.
How Ejari Works in the UAE
Every residential and commercial tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered on Ejari. The registration process requires:
- Title Deed (or proof of owner authorization)
- Landlord’s passport and Emirates ID
- Tenant’s passport and Emirates ID
- Signed tenancy contract
- DEWA premise number
Registration can be done online through the Dubai REST app, at RERA customer service centers, or through authorized typing centers. The fee is approximately AED 220 including knowledge and innovation fees. The Ejari certificate is valid for the tenancy period and must be renewed with each contract renewal.
Practical Example
You lease your studio in Business Bay to a tenant for AED 55,000 per year. After both parties sign the tenancy contract, you register it on Ejari through the Dubai REST app. The system generates an Ejari certificate with a unique contract number. Your tenant needs this certificate to set up a DEWA account, apply for a residence visa, and register their vehicle. Without Ejari registration, the tenant cannot access these essential government services.
Why Ejari Matters for Investors
Ejari registration is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Failure to register can result in fines and complications during rental disputes. For landlords, Ejari provides an official record of the tenancy terms, rental amount, and contract duration, which serves as evidence in case of disputes at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. At UAE-Prop, we assist property owners with Ejari registration for every lease we manage, ensuring full legal compliance and hassle-free tenancy management.
