Ejari Registration

When renting a property in Dubai, registering your tenancy agreement through the Ejari system is not just a formalityâ??itâ??s a legal requirement that protects the rights of both tenants and landlords. The Ejari registration process ensures that all rental contracts are legally binding and recognised by the Dubai Land Department, providing a solid foundation for transparency and dispute resolution. In this article, we will explore the details and the various aspects and benefits of registering your tenancy agreement through the Ejari system in Dubai.

What is Ejari?

Ejari, which means "my rent" in Arabic, is a regulatory system developed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to manage and oversee rental contracts in Dubai. It is essential for all lease agreements to be documented and registered through Ejari, ensuring they are legally binding and serve as evidence in disputes. This is what Ejari means and why it is crucial for every rental agreement in Dubai.

Ejari Dubai operates through an electronic system that maintains a central database of lease agreements. This standardisation prevents unauthorised modifications and provides a comprehensive history of each agreement, ensuring compliance and transparency in rental dealings. By registering a tenancy contract through Ejari online, both parties secure their legal rights and have a reliable reference for resolving disputes.

By registering a tenancy contract through Ejari, both parties can secure their legal rights and have a reliable reference in case of disputes.

Who Needs Ejari Registration in Dubai?

Ejari registration is essential for various stakeholders in Dubai's real estate sector, including landlords, tenants, real estate agents, and businesses leasing commercial properties. This system is crucial for ensuring legal compliance, maintaining transparency, and validating tenancy agreements within the emirate.

Ejari Registration for Businesses in Dubai

For businesses, registering commercial leases through Ejari is mandatory to meet legal requirements and to obtain a business license. Once registered, an Ejari number and a unique barcode are issued, confirming the legal acknowledgement of the rental agreement.

• For mainland business registration in Dubai, the DED plays a pivotal regulatory role, necessitating the provision of an Ejari for commercial offices.
• Conversely, businesses in free zones are governed by the specific regulations of the respective free zone authority, which may not require an Ejari for company registrations.

Significance of the Ejari Certificate in Dubai

The Ejari certificate holds paramount importance in the realm of Dubai's rental market, serving multiple critical functions:

• Legal Validity: Ejari registration legitimises your tenancy contract, making it legally binding and enforceable in Dubai. This official recognition is crucial for safeguarding the rights of both landlords and tenants, especially in legal disputes.
• Utility Activation: An Ejari certificate is mandatory for activating essential services such as water and electricity (DEWA). Without this certificate, tenants cannot access these necessary utilities.
• Visa and Residency Procedures: For expatriates living in Dubai, the Ejari certificate is often a prerequisite for visa and residency applications. It serves as proof of residence, which is essential for processing these applications for both the tenant and their family members.
• Dispute Resolution: In instances of disagreements between landlords and tenants, the Ejari certificate provides a reliable reference that helps resolve issues equitably. It contains details of the rental agreement that can be crucial for mediation and legal processes.
• Tenant Rights: Ejari plays a key role in protecting tenant rights. Ensuring that all rental agreements are registered and standardised helps prevent unfair rental practices and arbitrary rent increases, thereby maintaining a fair and transparent rental market.

Ejari Registration Requirements

Here are the Requirements for Ejari Registration:

• Authorised Representative: The person registering Ejari on behalf of the landlord or tenant cannot be employed by a real estate company unless they have the appropriate authorisation.
• Submission by Concerned Parties: The Ejari application must be submitted by the relevant party, such as the property owner, tenant, Public Relations Officer (PRO), or an individual holding an official Power of Attorney (PoA). A first-degree relative with supporting proof or a person with a valid PoA can also apply on behalf of the concerned person.
• Company Delegate: If the applicant is a company delegate, they must be listed in the companyâ??s trade license.
• Company Representative: In the case of a company representative, they must present a valid representative card issued in the name of the respective company.
• Employee Delegation: If the applicant is an employee of the company, they need to provide a delegation letter on the companyâ??s official letterhead, signed and stamped by the company. Additionally, the employee must submit a copy of their passport, visa page, and original Emirates ID, proving their association with the company.

Documents Required for Ejari Registration

Whether you choose to register Ejari online or offline, the following documents required for Ejari registration are essential:

• Original and signed Ejari contract (tenancy contract)
• Tenantâ??s Emirates ID.
• Tenantâ??s passport copy (required for non-GCC nationals).
• Tenantâ??s UAE visa (applicable to non-GCC nationals).
• Landlordâ??s passport copy.
• Trade license (for commercial properties).
• Copy of Power of Attorney (PoA) if the agreement is signed by a representative.
• Copy of the property's title deed.
• Security deposit receipt.
• Paid DEWA bill and previous Ejari certificate (necessary for Ejari renewals).

Ensure all documents are current and valid to facilitate a smooth registration process.

Ejari Registration Process

The UAE government has streamlined the Ejari registration process, making it straightforward for both tenants and landlords. Ejari registration can be conducted through two main methods: offline at Ejari typing centres and online via the Dubai Land Department website or mobile apps.

Offline Ejari Registration

Visit any Ejari typing centre or Real Estate Trustee centre across Dubai to complete your Ejari registration. The process involves:

• Filling out a registration form with details of the Ejari contract and new address
• Uploading necessary documents required for Ejari
• Entering transaction data for verification
• Paying the applicable Ejari cost
• Receiving the Ejari certificate within two working days

Online Ejari Registration

For quicker and more convenient registration, the online option is available through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website and apps.

To simplify the registration and renewal processes, the government has introduced multiple service channels. Below is a list of platforms through which you can apply for Ejari online:

• Dubai REST App - A mobile application for real estate services.
• Dubai Now App - An all-in-one app for various city services, including Ejari.
• Dubai Land Departmentâ??s Website - Direct access to the Ejari system for online registration.
• Real Estate Service Trustees Centers - Physical centres that provide assistance with Ejari and other real estate services.

Procedure for Online Ejari Registration in Dubai

Online registration for Ejari simplifies the legalisation of tenancy agreements in Dubai. Hereâ??s a step-by-step guide to completing your Ejari registration online:

• Visit the Ejari Online Portal: Access the official Ejari online portal, typically managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai. Begin the process by visiting the official RERA website.
• Create an Account: For new users, the portal requires account creation. Enter your email address, set a secure password, and provide basic personal information to establish your profile.
• Login to Your Account: Once your account is set up, log in with your credentials to access your personalised dashboard.
• Initiate a New Ejari Registration: In your dashboard, find and select the option to start a new registration. Specify your role (landlord, tenant, or real estate agent).
• Enter Property and Contract Details: Provide comprehensive details about the property, including:
• Location: Exact location from the tenancy contract, such as building name, street, and unit number.
• Type of Property: Determine whether the property is residential or commercial.
• Rental Amount: Include the monthly or annual rent and any additional fees.
• Lease Duration: Mention the start and end dates, along with any renewal or notice periods.
• Special Conditions: Note any specific terms like maintenance responsibilities or usage restrictions.
• Additional Pertinent Details: Include clauses on utilities, maintenance, or other significant factors.

Ensure that all information provided aligns precisely with the details in the tenancy contract.

• Upload documents needed for Ejari registration: Gather and upload the necessary documents to validate the tenancy agreement.
• Pay the Ejari cost online: Fees vary depending on the property type and lease duration. Complete the payment using the available online methods. Ensure all details and documents are accurate to avoid delays.
• Review and Submit: Before submitting, review all entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy. Corrections at this stage can prevent processing delays.
• Wait for Approval: Post-submission, the application undergoes a review process, which typically takes a few business days. Monitor updates on your dashboard regarding the application status.
• Receive Ejari Certificate: Upon approval, you will receive your Ejari certificate electronically. This document confirms the registration of your tenancy agreement and is crucial for various administrative and legal activities.

How to Download Your Ejari Certificate?

Once your Ejari registration is successfully completed, you can easily access and download your Ejari certificate online. To download the Ejari certificate, log in to the Ejari system using your credentials and navigate to the â??Registered Contractsâ?? section. From there, you can view and download the certificate in PDF format. This document serves as official proof of your registered tenancy contract and is essential for various administrative purposes, such as setting up utilities or applying for a residence visa.

How to Renew Your Ejari Certificate?

Ejari renewal must be completed annually. If both the landlord and tenant agree to renew the lease, follow the same steps as the initial registration process. Be sure to select the â??Contract Renewalâ? option when applying for the renewal certificate. Additionally, you need to provide the most recent DEWA bill, issued in the tenantâ??s name, and ensure it is not older than two months.

Ejari Cancellation Process

You can cancel your Ejari contract, whether as a tenant or landlord, through the trustees' centres or the designated app. Termination can be initiated before the tenancy period ends or upon its expiry, depending on your preference. The required documents for cancellation differ depending on whether you opt for the offline or online method.

Important Note: Ensure that the previous Ejari is cancelled before initiating a new registration. The Ejari certificate is not automatically cancelled upon lease expiration and must be officially terminated by the previous tenant, landlord, real estate agency, or property management company. Failure to cancel the existing Ejari can delay or prevent the issuance of a new Ejari certificate for another property.

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