If you live in Dubai, you WILL deal with Ejari.
It’s one of the most important administrative steps for every tenant whether you’re renting a studio, a villa, or a room.
Ejari is essential for:
• Activating DEWA
• Sponsoring family visas
• Proving your address
• Renewing your residence
• Resolving disputes
This 2025 guide explains what Ejari is, how rental contracts work, how to renew them, your rights as a tenant, and the most important RERA laws to know.
1. What Is Ejari?
Ejari is the official Dubai government system that registers and protects rental contracts.
Why it exists:
• To regulate the rental market
• To protect both tenants and landlords
• To prevent illegal contracts
• To track rental prices and increases
What Ejari provides:
• An official Ejari certificate
• A unique registration number
• Proof of residency address
2. How to Register Ejari (2025 Process)
You can register Ejari in 3 ways:
Dubai REST App (most common) – Fast & convenient.
Real Estate Service Centers – Located across Dubai.
Typing centers – For tenants who prefer in‑person help.
Required documents:
• Tenancy contract
• Passport copy
• Visa / Emirates ID
• DEWA premise number
• Title deed copy from landlord
• Deposit receipt
Cost:
220 AED (average)
3. Understanding the Dubai Tenancy Contract
A rental contract must follow RERA rules.
Most use the standard RERA Tenancy Contract template.
Key elements:
• Tenant & landlord details
• Rent amount
• Number of cheques
• Security deposit
• Contract duration (usually 12 months)
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Termination rules
Always check that the landlord name matches the title deed.
4. Security Deposit Rules (2025)
Deposits in Dubai are:
• 5% of annual rent (unfurnished)
• 10% of annual rent (furnished)
Important:
• Deposit must be refundable
• Landlord must provide a receipt
• Deduction is allowed ONLY for actual damages — not normal wear
5. RERA Laws for Rent Increases
A landlord cannot increase rent freely.
Rent increases follow the RERA Rental Index.
Rules:
• Landlord must give 90 days notice
• Increase must follow RERA calculator
• No increase if current rent is aligned with market
Check rent increase eligibility:
Dubai REST App → RERA Rental Calculator
6. Ejari Renewal (Yearly)
You must renew Ejari every 12 months when the rental contract is renewed.
Renewal documents:
• New contract
• Previous Ejari
• DEWA number
• ID documents
Cost: Around 220 AED
7. Breaking the Lease Early
Dubai law does NOT automatically allow early exit.
It depends on the contract.
Standard penalties:
• 2 months’ rent
• 1 month’s rent
• Or mutually agreed terms
Always negotiate early‑exit terms BEFORE signing.
8. Eviction Rules (Very Important)
A landlord can evict a tenant ONLY with legal notice:
Valid eviction reasons:
• Landlord wants to sell the property
• Landlord wants to move in
• Major renovation
• Major maintenance required
Notice period:
12 months written notice sent via:
• Notary Public
or
• Registered courier
Verbal notice is NOT valid.
9. Maintenance Responsibilities
Tenant pays for:
• Minor repairs under 500 AED
• AC filter cleaning
• Light bulbs
• Daily wear and tear
Landlord pays for:
• Major repairs
• AC system issues
• Plumbing bursts
• Electrical failures
Always refer to your contract.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Signing without checking title deed
• Paying deposit without receipt
• Not checking chiller fees
• Not reading exit penalties
• Renting from unlicensed agents
• Forgetting 90‑day rule for rent increases
Conclusion
Ejari protects you — it is your legal proof of residence and ensures your rental contract follows Dubai law.
Once you understand how Ejari and rental contracts work, renting in Dubai becomes simple and secure.
Find real estate agents, property managers, inspection services, and relocation experts on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for expat life in Dubai.
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