Who is Responsible for Ejari Registration in 2023? The Entire Process Explained

The rental market in Dubai is regulated by a system known as Ejari. This Arabic word translates to “my rent.” Introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in 2007, Ejari is an online system that registers tenancy contracts, ensuring a transparent rental process and protecting the rights of landlords and tenants alike. With the importance of this system, who is responsible for Ejari registration, and how does the process work? In this blog post, we will comprehensively delve into Ejari registration.

Who is Responsible for Ejari Registration?

In Dubai, landlords and tenants, including their representatives or property management companies, can apply for Ejari. However, it is the landlord’s legal responsibility to ensure that the tenancy contract is registered with Ejari. Typically, the real estate agent assigned by the landlord will complete the process and cover the associated fees. The tenancy contract, complete with precise details of deposits, contract duration, and rent amounts, is submitted either at the Ejari trustee centres or via the Ejari app.

The Ejari Registration Process

Ejari is a system developed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to make registering rental/lease agreements easy and accessible to Owners and Real Estate Management Companies of various categories. The Ejari system provides a complete portfolio of services beyond registering the initial lease agreement at the start of the rental period. That includes processes for renewals of lease agreements and termination of the contract at the end of the rental period. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Ejari registration process:

1. Preparation of Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for the Ejari registration process. These typically include:

• • The original signed tenancy contract
  • A copy of the tenant’s passport (with visa for non-GCC nationals)
  • A copy of the tenant’s Emirates ID
  • A copy of the landlord’s passport (if the landlord is an individual)
  • A copy of the title deed of the rented property
  • Security deposit receipt
  • Tenant’s UAE Visa (for non-GCC nationals)
  • A valid power of attorney document (if a PoA has signed the contract)
  • A trade license (in the case of commercial properties)

1. Submission of Documents: You can register for Ejari online or at one of the approved Ejari typing centres. If you prefer to register in person, you must complete a registration form at the centre and submit the required documents. If you register online, you can do so through the Dubai REST or Dubai Now apps.
2. Online Registration Process:

• • Download the Dubai REST App or Dubai Now App.
  • Register using your Emirates ID, passport, and visa copy.
  • Upload the required documents for Registration.

1. Ejari Approval: After the submission, your landlord or property management company will need to approve the documents you’ve uploaded on the app. Once they’ve done this, an Ejari certificate will be issued within 1-2 business days.
2. Receipt of Ejari Certificate: After your application is approved, you’ll receive an Ejari number and a unique barcode. You can now download and print your Ejari certificate through the official website. The Ejari certificate is essential as it allows you to enjoy other services within the emirate.

Remember, it’s essential to register your tenancy contract with Ejari as soon as possible. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also offers protection as a tenant or landlord, ensuring all your information is accurately recorded and stored by the relevant authorities.

Renewing and Cancelling Ejari

Renewing Ejari

1. Prepare Documents: Before renewal, ensure you have all the necessary documents. These will be similar to the ones you provided for the initial Registration, along with a few more: an updated tenancy contract, a recent Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill, and the previous Ejari certificate.
2. Online Renewal: Log into the Ejari system through the website or the app.
3. Contract Selection and Document Upload: Choose the contract you wish to renew in your account, then upload the required documents.
4. Pay the Ejari Renewal Fee: After uploading the documents, you’ll be asked to pay the Ejari renewal fee online.
5. Receive Confirmation: Once your payment is processed, a new registration number will be generated, and your renewed Ejari certificate will be ready for download.

Cancelling Ejari

The cancellation process can be done through Ejari’s official online platforms or in person at Ejari Trustee Centers. Please note the required documents for both methods vary slightly:

Offline Cancellation You’ll need to present the following:

• Emirates IDs for both the landlord and tenant
• The Ejari Certificate
• Termination letter from the property owner
• Tenant’s passport
• The original copy of the unified tenancy contract
• The latest DEWA bill
• A No Objection Certificate by the property owner

Online Cancellation You’ll need to provide the following:

• The original copy of the unified tenancy contract

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, cancelling an Ejari contract is crucial when a tenancy period ends or is terminated earlier than the expiration date. It is also important to note that Ejari certificates must be cancelled by the former tenant, the landlord, the real estate agency, or the property management company and do not automatically cancel upon the expiration of the tenancy period.

Please cancel your Ejari to avoid difficulties in registering a new contract or getting an Ejari certificate for a new property. Therefore, it’s crucial to cancel your previous Ejari contract before starting a new tenancy arrangement.

How Much Is the Cost of Ejari’s Registration?

The cost of registering your tenancy contract with Ejari in Dubai varies based on whether you are applying online or offline:

Online Registration, The cost of registering an Ejari contract online is AED 155, excluding VAT. Additional fees include:

• AED 10 Knowledge fee
• AED 10 Innovation fee

The total cost for online Registration would be AED 175, not including VAT.

Offline Registration, The cost of registering an Ejari contract through the real estate services trustees centres is AED 219.75, including VAT.

When Should You Renew Ejari?

Your Ejari registration should be renewed under two primary circumstances:

1. Lease Renewal: When your lease or tenancy agreement is about to end, and you’re renewing your contract with the same landlord for the same property, you need to renew your Ejari. It ensures that your tenancy details remain updated and valid in the Ejari system.
2. Change of Property: If you are moving to a different rental property in Dubai, you must renew your Ejari with the new tenancy contract details. That helps in keeping your tenancy record updated in the system.

The renewal process typically involves providing updated documents, such as the new tenancy contract and a recent DEWA bill. It’s important to note that you can only renew your Ejari if your previous agreements have been submitted to the system. As such, all previous tenancy contracts should be registered first as per the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) regulations.

Lastly, remember that the Ejari tenancy contract renewal fee is typically the same as the registration cost. Depending on your preference, this process can be done online or through the trustees’ centres in Dubai.

Final Thoughts

The Ejari system has revolutionized the rental market in Dubai, providing a transparent and secure process that protects the rights of landlords and tenants. While the responsibility for Ejari registration lies primarily with the landlord, understanding the process benefits all parties involved in the rental contract. So whether you’re a tenant or landlord, having a clear understanding of Ejari registration can make your rental experience in Dubai more seamless.

For any inquiries or further assistance, you can contact the Dubai Land Department at 800 4488 or via email at info@eres.ae.