What is Ejari and How to Register it in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide

In order to mutually protect the relationship between landlords and tenants, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) of Dubai introduced the concept of Ejari registration back in 2007. No matter whether you are renting an apartment, a house, or a commercial building in Dubai, you need to first register yourself with Ejari.

However, when you move to Dubai for the first time, you can overlook this important thing which can lead to several issues down the line. In this article, we will share with you everything you need to know about EJARI and try to clear all your confusion so stay with us till the end.

Here is what we will be looking at in this article

• What is Ejari?
• The Importance and Benefits of the Ejari System
• Steps to Register Ejari Online
• Documents Required for Registration
• Fee for Registering an Ejari Account
• Situations Where Ejari Contract is Often Required
• Cancellation of Ejari 

What is Ejari?

Launched in 2007, Ejari is an online registration system initiated by RERA and its main goal is to keep a record of all rental or lease contracts in Dubai on a single portal.

Since March 2014, RERA has made it mandatory for all property owners to enter information like details of their rental property, terms of the tenancy agreement, and lease details into Ejari.

This was done to make the rental sector more transparent and reduce malpractice. With the help of Ejari, landlords and tenants can ensure that the rental contracts are legally drafted and structured in a format that is approved by the government.  

The Importance and Benefits of the Ejari System

Ejari registration has many benefits for the tenants as well as landlords. It records information regarding rental price which eliminates the risk of tempering and fraud.

Ejari certificate gives you the right to go to court whenever you notice some breach of the contract. Having this registration urges the court to look closely into your case and decide faster.

Ejari organizes and protects your rental information and history. Moreover, you also need this certificate to register yourself with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

Before you can apply for and get any service in your building, you will have to show the relevant authorities your Ejari registration certificate which shows how important it is.

Steps to Register Ejari Online

Landlords, tenants, or their representatives like a property management company in Dubai can apply for Ejari in Dubai. As a landlord, you can do it yourself or you can hire a real estate agent to do that for you.

Just make sure to add accurate information regarding deposits, rent amount, and contract duration when creating the account. You can either visit an Ejari Trustee Center in Dubai or use the online Ejari app to apply for registration.

Here are a few steps that you need to follow to register Ejari online

• First of all, download and install the Dubai REST application.
• Go to the services icon and click on “RERA”.
• Then click on ‘Register Ejari Contract’.
• Fill the required sections and attach the documents.
• Submit the application and soon the landlord will approve it through the REST app.
• After approval, you can pay the Ejari fee through the app.
• Finally, you will soon get the Ejari contract on the Dubai REST App.

After completing the registration process, in one or two days you will get your official Ejari contract with a unique Ejari ID and all the terms and conditions clearly stated. After that, you will be informed via a text message to set up your DEWA connection and other basic services.

Documents Required for Registration

The following is the list of documents required for registering with Ejari

• Singed tenancy contract
• Tangents Passport and Visa (for non-GCC Country Nationals)
• Emirates ID of the tenant
• Security Deposit Number
• Previous Ejari in Case of Renewal and DEWA Bills
• Copy of the title deed of the property in discussion
• 9-digit DEWA premises number
• Copy of the passport of the landlord
• Copy of an updated and valid power of attorney document
• If the property is commercial then its Trade License

Fee for Registering an Ejari Account

There is also a fee for registering with Ejari which depends on how you create your account. If you are registering Via the REST application, then you will be charged AED 155 for the registration, not including the VAT. You will also be charged 10 AED each for the knowledge and Innovation fee.

If you choose to visit a Real Estate Services Trustees center, then you will be charged AED 219.75 including the VAT costs. Moreover, you will also have to pay AED 10 both for knowledge and innovation fees.

Situations Where Ejari Contract is Often Required

Following are a few transactions that mandate an Ejari account

• Applying for a New Commercial License
• Hiring of Domestic Staff
• Getting an Alcohol License
• Applying for residence visas, renewals, and new applications
• Setting up water, electricity, TV, internet, and telephone connections.

Cancellation of Ejari

As there can only be one Ejari registration for a single property, this means a landlord must cancel it as soon as the tenant moves out of the property. Without the cancellation of the previous Ejari, new tenants cannot get registered to the property.

To cancel the Ejari, after getting the no objection certificate (NOC) or cancellation letter, you can either download the cancellation form online or visit your local Ejari office.

You have to pay AED 30 for the cancellation and the process is finished in an hour following the submission of the request.

Conclusion

The registration of a tenancy contract with Ejari should be your top priority both as a tenant and landlord. Tenants and landlords can either do it themselves or they can seek help from a property management company to avoid making any mistakes.

Remember that if your tenancy contract is not registered with Ejari, it will not be protected by any regulatory authority in Dubai. So, to make sure your every right as a tenant and landlord is protected and the rental contract you agreed to is fulfilled, it is extremely important to get an Ejari account beforehand.
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