Ejari and Tenancy Contracts
Everything You Need to Know About Ejari and Rental Agreements in Dubai
Tenancy Contracts In Dubai
In 2017, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced a standardized tenancy contract format mandatory for all annual leases, with the exception of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This contract must be signed for residential, commercial, and industrial property leases, and can be downloaded from the EJARI website. The contract is designed to minimize disputes between landlords and tenants while safeguarding their rights. It also permits the addition of extra clauses, provided they comply with Dubai’s Tenancy Law and property regulations.
Tenant's Rights And Obligations According To The Tenancy Contract
Under the Tenancy Contract, tenants are entitled to:
- Receive the property in a good and habitable condition.
- Utilize facilities and services related to the property.
- Get a refund of their security deposit at the end of the lease term, and file a complaint with the rental dispute committee if the deposit is withheld. The committee will then investigate and decide on the matter.
Tenants must:
Pay rent on time and inform the landlord of any delays in advance to avoid conflicts.
Seek permission from the landlord before making any changes to the property and return it in its original condition.
Landlord's Responsibilities According To The Tenancy Contract
Landlords are responsible for:
- Maintenance and repair of property damages and defects.
It is recommended that landlords and tenants agree on which maintenance tasks are their responsibilities and document these in the contract to avoid future disputes.
Any additional clauses may be added to the tenancy contract.
Ejari System
'Ejari,' meaning 'My Rent' in Arabic, was introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) on March 14, 2010. This system facilitates the registration of rental and lease agreements for property owners and real estate management companies, enhancing regulation and transparency in Dubai’s rental market. Registration with Ejari is mandatory and ensures transparency between landlords and tenants. Ejari integrates rental contracts into the legal framework, providing protection and a basis for resolving disputes. It also supports services like renewals, cancellations, transfers, and terminations.
What services
we can offer you
The Ejari certificate serves several crucial purposes
1. DEWA Account
It's necessary for setting up your account with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), ensuring that your water and electricity services are operational when you move into your apartment or villa.
2. Service Providers
Building and community management companies typically require an Ejari certificate before providing any services related to your property.
3. Legal Protection
In the event of a dispute between you and your landlord, having your tenancy contract registered with Ejari ensures that your rights are legally guaranteed and protected.
4. Children's Residency
Renewing children's residency in Dubai often requires that the number of bedrooms in your apartment matches the legal requirements, and this information is recorded through Ejari.
5. Trade License
For those running commercial operations, an Ejari certificate is essential for issuing or renewing a trade license.
Tenancy Contracts In Dubai
In 2017, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced a standardized tenancy contract format mandatory for all annual leases, with the exception of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This contract must be signed for residential, commercial, and industrial property leases, and can be downloaded from the EJARI website. The contract is designed to minimize disputes between landlords and tenants while safeguarding their rights. It also permits the addition of extra clauses, provided they comply with Dubai’s Tenancy Law and property regulations.
Tenant's Rights And Obligations According To The Tenancy Contract
Under the Tenancy Contract, tenants are entitled to:
- Receive the property in a good and habitable condition.
- Utilize facilities and services related to the property.
- Get a refund of their security deposit at the end of the lease term, and file a complaint with the rental dispute committee if the deposit is withheld. The committee will then investigate and decide on the matter.
Tenants must:
Pay rent on time and inform the landlord of any delays in advance to avoid conflicts.
Seek permission from the landlord before making any changes to the property and return it in its original condition.
Landlord's Responsibilities According To The Tenancy Contract
Landlords are responsible for:
- Maintenance and repair of property damages and defects.
It is recommended that landlords and tenants agree on which maintenance tasks are their responsibilities and document these in the contract to avoid future disputes.
Any additional clauses may be added to the tenancy contract.
Importance Of Ejari
The implementation of Ejari registration helps the authorities get a full and accurate picture of the rental market of Dubai. This helps them plan for the future and be able to influence factors such as the supply of property to the market and prices.
Benefits Of Ejari
The system of Ejari makes sure that rental agreements are completely transparent and fair to the landlord as well as the tenant. Both the parties remain fully protected under this system and full importance is given to their terms and conditions.
With uniformity of approach, Ejari also helps standardise the rental contracts and makes the process easy as it saves time which used to previously get wasted for the production of documents and receipts for tenancy agreements.
Ejari System
Required Documents For The Ejari Process
An original signed tenancy contract.
The tenant’s Emirates ID and copies of their passport and visa.
A copy of the landlord’s passport with a visible signature.
A copy of the title deed from the landlord.
The registration fee, typically AED 206 plus VAT.
For renewals, a recent DEWA “green bill” is also needed.
Registration Tips
Ejari should be registered under one tenant’s name.
Avoid overlap between the end date of the existing contract and the start date of the new one.
Locate the DEWA premise number, usually found outside the front door or near the garage for villas.
How To Cancel Ejari
At the end of your tenancy, it’s essential to cancel the Ejari certificate. Typically, the landlord is responsible for this task, as each property should have only one active Ejari at a time. Confirm that your landlord has terminated the existing Ejari before attempting to register a new one.
We’re here to assist with all your inquiries.
Contact us for expert advice and support . Our team is ready to provide the insights and help you need.