If you are planning to rent an apartment or commercial premises in Dubai, registration of a lease agreement in the Ejari system is a mandatory procedure. This provides legal protection for both the tenant and the landlord, and is also necessary to connect utilities and meet other administrative requirements.

What is Ejari?

Ejari (translated from Arabic as “my rental agreement”) is an online system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to regulate the rental market in Dubai. The system ensures transparency and fairness by integrating lease agreements into the legal system, and protects the rights of both parties in case of disputes.
Why do I need to register in the Ejari system?

Registration in the Ejari system is necessary for several reasons:

1. Legal protection: A registered lease ensures your rights in the event of a dispute with the landlord.
2. Connecting Utilities: An Ejari certificate is required to activate water and electricity through the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
3. Requirements of management companies: Many management companies require an Ejari certificate before providing their services.
4. Renewal of the family members’ visa: to extend the family members’ visa, it is necessary to confirm a sufficient number of bedrooms in the accommodation, which is reflected in the Ejari certificate.
5. Registration or renewal of a commercial license: a valid Ejari certificate is required for commercial use of the premises.
   How do I register a lease agreement in the Ejari system?
   There are several ways to register a lease agreement in the Ejari system:
6. Through Wasl: If you rent a property from a Wasl company, they can take over the registration process after completing or extending the lease through their electronic services and paying the appropriate fees.
7. Through the Dubai REST app: The official Dubai Government real estate management app.
8. Through the official DLD website: Registration is possible through the official website of the Dubai Department of Land Resources.
9. In person at the Ejari Center: You can visit one of the Ejari centers in Dubai to complete all the formalities.

Required documents for registration

To successfully register a lease agreement in the Ejari system, you will need the following documents:

• A copy of the signed lease agreement.
• Emirates Tenant’s ID.
• A copy of the tenant’s passport.
• A copy of the tenant’s visa.
• A copy of the landlord’s passport (with a visible signature).
• A copy of the title deed provided by the landlord.
  Note: If you are renewing your registration with the Ejari system, you will also need to provide a recent utility bill from DEWA.
  Tips for successful registration
• One main tenant: registration must be made for one main tenant, even if the apartment is rented jointly.
• Landlord’s documents: If the landlord cannot sign the documents personally, provide high-quality scans of the required documents.
• Duration of contracts: avoid overlapping deadlines between the end of the current contract and the start of a new one.
  Registration fee
• Registration fee in the Ejari system: 120 dirhams UAE.
• Additional fees: Additional fees are possible depending on the chosen registration method and the services provided.
  Registering a rental agreement in the Ejari system is an important step to ensure your rights and access to the necessary services in Dubai. By following these recommendations and preparing all the necessary documents, you will be able to successfully complete the registration process.