Ejari in Dubai: How to Register Your Tenancy Contract

Ejari, Arabic for “my rent”, is the Dubai Land Department system for registering tenancy contracts. Registration is mandatory, and without it a tenancy is hard to enforce and many everyday services cannot be set up.

Why Ejari matters

• Legal protection: a registered contract is the basis for any case at the Rental Dispute Centre.
• Utilities: DEWA connection for tenants relies on the Ejari.
• Residency and family visas: proof of address is usually the Ejari certificate.
• Rent increases: the registered contract is the reference point for RERA’s rent rules.

Who registers it

Either the landlord, the tenant or the managing agent can register. In practice the agent or landlord often does it, but the tenant should always get a copy of the certificate.

Documents usually needed

• Signed tenancy contract
• Title deed of the property (or Oqood for some cases)
• Emirates ID or passport copies of tenant and landlord
• Tenant’s visa, where applicable
• DEWA premise number
• For companies, the trade licence

Fees

Published guidance puts registration through the Dubai REST app at AED 177.75, while registering through a trustee or typing centre costs around AED 220. Fees can change, so check current amounts on Dubai Land Department channels.

How to register

1. Log in to Dubai REST (or visit a real estate services trustee centre).
2. Enter the contract details and upload the documents.
3. Pay the fee.
4. Download the Ejari certificate.

Renewals need a fresh registration, and a tenancy should be cancelled on Ejari when it ends so the property can be registered for the next tenant.

Common problems

• Ejari still registered to the old tenant: the previous contract must be cancelled first.
• Mismatched details between the contract and the title deed.
• Missing DEWA premise number, which is found on DEWA bills.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?

Yes. Tenancy contracts in Dubai must be registered on Ejari with the Dubai Land Department.

How much does Ejari cost?

Published guidance puts it at about AED 177.75 through the Dubai REST app and around AED 220 at a trustee centre.

Who pays for Ejari, landlord or tenant?

Either can pay. It is agreed between the parties; in practice tenants or agents often handle it.

Do I need Ejari to connect DEWA?

Yes. Tenants usually need the Ejari to open a DEWA account for the property.

Talk to VVS Estate

Our property management team handles Ejari, renewals and tenant moves for landlords. Contact VVS Estate to find out more.