Understanding Ejari and Its Role in Dubai’s Rental Market
Ejari (the Arabic word for “my rent”) is the official tenancy registration system in Dubai. Managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), it ensures that every rental contract in the emirate is legally recorded, transparent, and enforceable.
Whether you’re a tenant signing your first lease or a landlord renting out property, Ejari registration is not optional, it’s a legal requirement. It standardizes tenancy agreements, safeguards the rights of both parties, and provides a trusted record of the contract’s terms.
Why Ejari Was Introduced
Before Ejari’s launch in 2010, rental agreements were often handwritten or informal, creating disputes over deposits, maintenance, and renewals. RERA introduced Ejari to bring structure, security, and accountability to the rental market.
Today, all tenancy contracts must be uploaded to the Ejari portal or mobile app, where they receive a unique barcode and registration number. This record is stored in the DLD database, forming the legal proof of your tenancy.
For landlords, this means greater control and protection against misuse. For tenants, it guarantees that their lease is recognized and can be enforced in case of disputes.
Who Needs to Register with Ejari
Ejari applies to all rental properties in Dubai, including:
- Residential apartments and villas
- Commercial offices and warehouses
- Staff accommodation and short-term rentals (if leased longer than six months)
The party responsible for registration is typically the landlord or the property management company, though tenants can also complete the process if authorized.
Without Ejari, tenants cannot access many essential services, such as connecting DEWA (electricity and water), applying for a residence visa, or renewing existing contracts legally.
How to Register an Ejari Contract
Ejari registration can be completed through:
- The official Ejari online portal (ejari.gov.ae)
- The Dubai REST mobile app
- Approved real estate service centers or typing offices
To complete the registration, the following documents are required:
- Signed tenancy contract
- Title deed or Oqood certificate (for off-plan properties)
- Emirates ID and passport copies of tenant and landlord
- Trade license (if rented by a company)
- Previous Ejari cancellation certificate (if applicable)
Once submitted, the contract is reviewed, verified, and registered in the system. The tenant and landlord then receive an official Ejari certificate, confirming the lease’s validity.
Benefits of Having an Ejari-Registered Contract
For Tenants:
- Legal recognition of tenancy under RERA law
- Protection against unlawful rent increases or eviction
- Access to government services (DEWA, visas, family sponsorship)
- Eligibility for dispute resolution through RERA
For Landlords:
- Transparent proof of rental income and terms
- Legal standing in case of tenant default
- Simplified renewal and documentation tracking
- Protection against unauthorized subleasing
In short, Ejari ensures that both sides operate within a regulated, fair system.
Ejari, RERA, and Tenancy Law
Ejari is part of RERA’s broader framework for managing Dubai’s rental sector.
Under Law No. 26 of 2007, every lease must be registered through Ejari to be enforceable. Unregistered contracts hold no legal weight and cannot be used in court.
The data collected through Ejari also feeds into RERA’s rental index, which determines how much landlords can increase rent annually. This helps prevent price manipulation and stabilizes the market for both tenants and property owners.
For an overview of how RERA regulates Dubai’s property market, see All You Need to Know About RERA.
Ejari Renewals and Cancellations
When a tenancy contract expires, it must be renewed or canceled through Ejari before a new lease can be registered.
- Renewal: Done when the same tenant continues occupancy under a new term.
- Cancellation: Required when a tenant vacates the property.
This ensures the DLD database remains accurate and helps prevent disputes over double leasing or contract validity.
How Broker in Dubai Helps
At Broker in Dubai, we ensure every rental transaction fully complies with RERA and Ejari requirements. Our team assists both landlords and tenants with:
- Registering and renewing Ejari contracts
- Reviewing tenancy terms for legal compliance
- Coordinating DEWA connections and move-in approvals
- Managing renewals, cancellations, and documentation
Whether you’re renting an apartment in Dubai Marina or a villa in Dubai Hills Estate, our licensed brokers make the process transparent and secure.
