Ejari in Dubai: Registration, Costs, Renewal & Cancellation

If you're renting a property in Dubai, you'll probably hear the word Ejari several times during the rental process.

Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts. It creates an official record of your rental agreement and is an important part of renting a property in Dubai.

For most tenants, the process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things worth understanding before you sign a contract. You need to know who can register the contract, what documents are required, how much it costs, how renewal works, and what happens when you move out.

This guide explains how Ejari works in Dubai, how to register it, what you need, how much it costs, and how to renew or cancel it.

This Guide Is For

1. First-time renters in Dubai
2. Expats moving into a new apartment or villa
3. Tenants signing a new rental contract
4. Existing residents renewing their tenancy
5. Anyone moving out of a rented property
6. Renters who want to understand Ejari before signing a contract

If you're still looking for a property, our complete guide to renting in Dubai covers the wider rental process from finding a property to moving in.

Quick Answer

Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts with the Dubai Land Department.

When you rent a property, your tenancy contract should be registered through Ejari.

For individual tenants, registration can be completed through:

1. The Dubai REST app
2. The Dubai Land Department Ejari system
3. A Real Estate Services Trustee Centre

The online registration fee is currently AED 177.75, while registration through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre currently costs AED 220.

For an individual registration through the app, you generally need a copy of the Unified Tenancy Contract. Trustee Centre registrations require the original contract and the applicant's Emirates ID, with additional documentation if someone is acting on your behalf.

Ejari can also be renewed through the same channels.

When you move out, the existing Ejari should be cancelled so that the property is ready for the next tenancy registration.

What Is Ejari?

Ejari means "my rent" in Arabic.

In Dubai, it refers to the official system used to register tenancy contracts with the Dubai Land Department.

Instead of having your rental agreement exist only as a private contract between you and the landlord, Ejari creates an official record of the tenancy.

The system records important information about the rental, including the property, landlord, tenant, rental period and agreed rent.

Dubai Land Department provides a standard Unified Tenancy Contract for Ejari registration.

Once your contract has been registered and approved, you receive an e-Contract Registration Certificate.

Why Is Ejari Important?

Ejari gives your tenancy an official registration record with the Dubai Land Department.

It can also be important for other parts of setting up your life in a rental property.

For example, DEWA's move-in process is connected with Ejari. Once the tenancy is registered, DEWA can use the Ejari information as part of the process of creating the electricity and water account.

Ejari also provides an official record of the agreed rental terms, which can be important if a disagreement develops between the tenant and landlord.

Having a registered tenancy contract therefore gives both sides an official record of the rental arrangement.

Who Registers Ejari?

Both the landlord and tenant have responsibilities relating to tenancy registration.

In many cases, however, the tenant or real estate agent completes the process.

Depending on the property and arrangement, registration can therefore be handled by:

1. The tenant
2. The landlord
3. A real estate agent
4. A property management company

If you're renting through an agent, ask them whether they will complete the Ejari registration for you or whether you need to do it yourself.

How Do You Register Ejari?

There are several ways to register a tenancy.

Registering Through Dubai REST

For many individual renters, the Dubai REST app is the easiest option.

The process generally involves:

1. Log in to Dubai REST.
2. Select the Ejari registration service.
3. Enter the required tenancy information.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Submit the application.
6. Pay the applicable fees.
7. Wait for the application to be reviewed.
8. Receive the e-Contract Registration Certificate once approved.

Registering Through a Trustee Centre

You can also visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.

The process generally involves:

1. Visit a Trustee Centre.
2. Submit the required documents.
3. The employee checks the information.
4. The tenancy is entered into the system.
5. Pay the applicable fee.
6. Receive the registration receipt and Ejari documentation.

This can be useful if you prefer having someone complete the registration rather than handling the process yourself.

Registration Through the Ejari System

Owners, authorised property companies and authorised representatives can also register contracts through the Ejari system.

This is more relevant to landlords, property managers and real estate companies that regularly register rental contracts.

What Documents Do You Need for Ejari?

The documents depend on how the registration is completed.

Through Dubai REST

For individuals, you generally need:

A copy of the Unified Tenancy Contract.

Through a Trustee Centre

You generally need:

1. Original Unified Tenancy Contract
2. Applicant's Emirates ID
3. Official Power of Attorney if someone is acting as a representative

If the Power of Attorney was issued in Dubai, its number can be entered without attaching the document. If it was issued in another emirate, the document must be attached.

The exact documents can vary depending on who is applying and the type of tenancy.

How Much Does Ejari Cost?

Ejari registration currently has different fees depending on how you register.

Dubai REST App or DLD Website

The current listed fees are:

AED 100 registration fee

AED 10 knowledge fee

AED 10 innovation fee

AED 55 service partner fee

AED 2.75 VAT on the service partner fee

Total: AED 177.75

Real Estate Services Trustee Centre

The current total is:

AED 220

The exact fees can change, so it is worth checking the current DLD fee schedule when you register.

How Long Does Ejari Registration Take?

The service time for registration through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre is approximately 25 minutes, excluding waiting time.

Online applications are submitted electronically and reviewed before the registration certificate is issued.

The actual time can therefore depend on whether the application and documents are complete and whether any approval is required.

Can You Register Ejari Before Moving In?

Yes.

Ejari registration is part of the rental process and does not require you to already be living in the property.

Once the tenancy contract has been signed and the required information is available, the contract can be submitted for registration.

This is particularly important because your registered tenancy information can then be used for related services such as setting up DEWA.

Can You Register Ejari Without an Emirates ID?

For standard individual tenancy registration, Dubai Land Department states that contract registration is done using a national identity and cannot normally be completed using only a passport, with exceptions for embassies and consulates.

If you're a new arrival in Dubai and do not yet have an Emirates ID, your exact options can depend on your circumstances and how the tenancy is being registered.

If you're in this situation, confirm the requirements with the landlord, property manager or Dubai Land Department before signing a contract.

How Does Ejari Renewal Work?

When you renew your tenancy contract, the Ejari registration also needs to be renewed.

Ejari renewals can be completed through:

1. Dubai REST
2. DLD's Ejari system
3. Real Estate Services Trustee Centres

The process is similar to registering a new tenancy.

You submit the renewed tenancy information, provide the required documentation, pay the applicable fee and receive the updated registration certificate once approved.

You can also renew an Ejari contract before the existing contract expires.

How Much Does Ejari Renewal Cost?

The current online fees for renewal are the same listed fees as registration:

AED 177.75 through Dubai REST or the DLD website.

At a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, the current total is:

AED 220.

The exact amount should always be checked when completing the renewal because government service fees can change.

What Happens If You Don't Renew Ejari?

Your tenancy contract and its official registration should reflect your current rental agreement.

If you've renewed your lease, make sure the Ejari registration is also updated rather than assuming the old registration automatically covers the new tenancy period.

This can also matter for services that rely on your tenancy information.

If you're renewing with the same landlord, ask who will handle the new Ejari and when it will be completed.

How Do You Cancel Ejari?

When you move out, the existing Ejari should be cancelled.

Cancellation is important because if the previous tenancy remains registered, the next tenant may not be able to create their account and register a new Ejari for the property.

Cancellation can be completed through:

1. Dubai REST
2. The Ejari system
3. A Real Estate Services Trustee Centre

The exact process depends on whether the tenancy has already expired and who is submitting the cancellation.

What Documents Are Needed to Cancel Ejari?

For cancellation through a Trustee Centre, you generally need:

1. Original Unified Tenancy Contract
2. Applicant's Emirates ID
3. Official Power of Attorney if someone is acting as a representative
4. A letter from the property owner requesting cancellation if the contract is still active

For online cancellation, you log into Dubai REST or the Ejari system, select the cancellation service, submit the request and wait for approval.

How Much Does Ejari Cancellation Cost?

Cancellation through the Dubai REST app or Ejari system is currently free.

If you cancel through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, the current service partner fee is AED 40 plus VAT.

So if you're able to complete the cancellation online, there is currently no government service fee for the cancellation itself.

Can You Cancel Ejari Before the Contract Ends?

This depends on whether the tenancy is still active.

A residential tenancy can be cancelled during the contract period when both landlord and tenant agree.

The rental contract itself is binding, so cancelling Ejari does not automatically mean that a tenant can simply terminate the rental agreement without consequences.

If you want to leave before the agreed end date, check the early termination provisions in your tenancy contract and agree the terms with your landlord.

What Happens If the Landlord Does Not Approve the Ejari Request?

For tenant-submitted Ejari requests, landlord approval may be required.

If the landlord does not approve a tenant's Ejari request within 5 days, the request is automatically cancelled.

If this happens, you may need to contact the landlord or property manager and submit the request again.

What If the Previous Tenant's Ejari Wasn't Cancelled?

This is an important issue when moving into a property.

If the previous tenant's Ejari has not been cancelled, the new tenant may be unable to create an account and register a new Ejari for the property.

If you are trying to register your new tenancy and the system indicates that another tenancy is still active, contact the landlord or property manager and ask them to resolve the previous Ejari.

This is one reason why cancelling Ejari should be part of the move-out process rather than something that gets forgotten after handing over the keys.

Do You Need Ejari to Set Up DEWA?

Ejari and DEWA are closely connected.

Once the Ejari contract is registered, the tenant's DEWA account can be created using the Ejari information.

This means getting your Ejari completed can be an important step before setting up electricity and water at your new home.

If you're moving into a new apartment, it is therefore useful to make sure the Ejari registration is completed correctly rather than leaving it until later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ejari in Dubai?

Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts with the Dubai Land Department. It creates an official record of the rental agreement.

Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?

Tenancy contracts in Dubai are registered through the Ejari system as part of the official rental registration process. Registration is also important for related services such as DEWA.

How much does Ejari cost?

Online registration through Dubai REST or the DLD website currently costs AED 177.75. Registration through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre currently costs AED 220.

Who is responsible for registering Ejari?

Both the landlord and tenant have responsibility for Ejari registration, although the tenant or real estate agent commonly completes the process.

What documents do I need for Ejari?

For online individual registration, you generally need a copy of the Unified Tenancy Contract. Trustee Centre registration requires the original contract and the applicant's Emirates ID, plus a Power of Attorney where applicable.

Can I renew Ejari before it expires?

Yes. A tenancy contract can be renewed before the existing contract expires.

How do I cancel Ejari when I move out?

You can cancel it through Dubai REST, the Ejari system or a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. Online cancellation is currently free, while Trustee Centre cancellation has a service partner fee of AED 40 plus VAT.

Do I need to cancel Ejari when I move out?

Yes. Cancellation is important because an uncleared previous tenancy can prevent a new tenant from registering an Ejari for the property.

Can I cancel Ejari before my tenancy ends?

A residential tenancy can be cancelled during the contract period when both landlord and tenant agree. However, cancelling Ejari does not by itself remove your obligations under the tenancy contract.

Can I register Ejari with a passport?

Generally, no. Dubai Land Department states that tenancy contract registration is done using national identity, with exceptions for embassies and consulates.

How long does Ejari registration take?

Dubai Land Department lists approximately 25 minutes excluding waiting time for registration through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. Online applications depend on the review and approval process.

Final Thoughts

Ejari is an important part of renting a property in Dubai.

The process itself is relatively straightforward: your tenancy contract is registered with Dubai Land Department, you pay the applicable registration fee, and you receive an official e-Contract Registration Certificate.

For most individual renters, the easiest option is likely to be Dubai REST, while Trustee Centres remain available if you prefer to complete the process in person.

The most important things to remember are:

1. Make sure your tenancy is properly registered
2. Confirm who is handling the registration
3. Keep your Ejari certificate
4. Renew the registration when you renew your tenancy
5. Cancel the Ejari when you move out
6. Make sure a previous tenant's Ejari has been cancelled before registering a new tenancy

Getting Ejari right can also make other parts of moving into and out of a Dubai rental property much easier.

Ready to find your next home in Dubai? Explore apartments, villas, and townhouses on HopInHome and discover rental properties across Dubai's most popular communities.

Sources

1. Dubai Land Department: Register / Renew Tenancy Contract
2. Dubai Land Department: Cancel Tenancy Contract
3. Dubai Land Department: Frequently Asked Questions
4. Dubai Land Department: Ejari Services Campaign
5. Dubai Land Department: Ejari Templates
6. DEWA: Ejari FAQ