What is Ejari? How does it work?
It regulates the rental market in Dubai and ensures the rights of both tenant and landlord
Dubai: Ejari essentially translates into ‘My Rent’ in Arabic. It does not get any simpler than that. An initiative by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) to regulate and facilitate the rental market of Dubai, it effectively manages the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai.
With effect from March 2010, all rental/lease contracts for Dubai properties have to ideally be registered through the Ejari online portal.
This system ensures transparency between the landlord and tenant, fully integrates rental contracts into the legal framework and opens up the possibility of being able to revise these contracts seamlessly in the event of disputes.
How does Ejari work?
If you’ve signed a rental contract then you need to follow through on the Ejari process, especially as many other processes are connected to it including:
- Renewal of residence visas for dependents
- Internet, landline and television connection
- Sponsoring domestic staff
So, make haste and do not waste time. Ejari is mandatory every time you sign a tenancy contract.
Registration through Ejari is a simple process requiring little technical knowledge and the basic details of agreements are entered. These include information such as details of the property, the name of the rental company or details of the landlord such as his/her passport copy, and terms of the agreement. Once the agreement is entered into the system and registered it is allocated a unique barcode, which acts as its reference throughout the life of the contract.
What are the documents required for Ejari (this applies to when using either the center or online portal)?
- Your passport and a copy (including residence visa)
- Your Emirates ID
- The tenancy contract
- Copy of title deed of the rented property (landlord will provide)
- Recent Dewa bill (for renewal) or connection deposit receipt (in case of a new contract)
- Landlord’s passport (sometimes they will accompany you with the document or send it via the broker/agent)
- For commercial entities, copy of the trade license is necessary
Who is responsible for registering Ejari?
Both the tenant and landlord of a property are responsible for registering Ejari once the tenancy contract has been signed. But, the process is completed by the tenant, who also bears the cost.
Moosa Bin Ali Diyani, a public relations officer with nearly two decades experience in the processes connected with government departments, explained: "So, you sign the contract, apply for your Dewa (water and electricity connection - the receipt is necessary for Ejari) and then collect the remaining documents and apply for the registration. Ejari is a must for other linked processes such as sponsoring your family, parents, domestic staff, etc. And this is an excellent system set up by the government to authenticate the rental contract."
How to apply for Ejari?
There are two ways to do that – you can visit a center or use the online portal, both of which are equally fast and convenient. Ejari offices are open from Sunday till Thursday, 9am to 5pm.
Here is a link to the list of office locations: https://www.dubailand.gov.ae
You can also call 800-4488 or download the Ejari app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, which will allow a tenant to upload the documents directly. Making the process extremely easy and just a click away.
How much does Ejari cost?
Moosa Bin Ali Diyani explained: "The cost of the Ejari varies by a few dirhams based on where you apply for it. The most you will be charged is Dh210 and it is renewed annually, just like your tenancy contract."