Ejari

Ejari was introduced under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 and became compulsory for all residential and commercial tenancy contracts in Dubai. When a contract is registered through Ejari, it is assigned a unique reference number that links the tenancy to the DLD's central database, giving the agreement legal standing that an unregistered contract lacks.

Registration can be completed online via the Dubai REST app or the DLD website, or in person at an authorised Ejari typing centre. Required documents typically include the signed tenancy contract, the landlord's title deed, copies of both parties' Emirates IDs, and a copy of the property's DEWA (electricity and water) account. The standard registration fee is AED 220 plus a 5% VAT, though some service centres charge additional handling fees.

An Ejari certificate is time-limited to the duration of the tenancy. When a lease is renewed or a new contract is signed, the old Ejari registration must be cancelled and a new one created. Failure to keep Ejari current can mean a tenant is unable to connect DEWA services, cannot sponsor family visas tied to their residency, and crucially, cannot file a case at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC) — the tribunal that handles all Dubai rental disputes.

For tenants, Ejari provides proof of lawful occupation. For landlords, it ensures that only authorised occupants are tied to the property. The RERA Rental Index — the official tool used to determine whether a proposed rent increase is permissible under Decree No. 43 of 2013 — only operates on registered contracts, so without Ejari, tenants cannot effectively challenge illegal rent hikes.