How do you renew Ejari online in Dubai? Process, fees & more

Understanding the Ejari renewal process

While residents in Dubai must register for Ejari as soon as they lease an apartment, their registration is only valid for a year. Thereby, it is imperative that the Ejari renewal happens annually, in accordance with the person’s rental contract. Ejari contract renewal is required to be completed by landlords, tenants, brokers, and even property managers, according to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Dubai. 

Ejari renewal is not only a legal mandate, but can also offer significant advantages for tenants. 

As Ejari is a regulatory body, registering for it and renewing it awards tenants legal recognition and validity of their rental agreement, rights, and obligations. In rental disputes with landlords, a valid Ejari is required if the tenant wishes to pursue legal proceedings. The online system also facilitates the registration for other essential services that tenants avail such as water, gas, and electricity connections. 

There are several ways a party can approach Ejari renewal, as the authorities have provided several channels to increase convenience: 

• Going to an Ejari typing centres across Dubai

• Going to a real estate services trustee offices 

• Going online directly on the DLD website 

• Using the Dubai REST app 

In the digital age, many parties choose to renew their Ejari registration online - however, any mode of renewal is effective as long as it is completed properly. 

Documents required for Ejari renewal

Being prepared before one’s Ejari renewal is important - which includes having all required documents in hand before renewal. The Ejari renewal documents will differ depending on the party (tenant/landlord/broker/company). Here is a list of Ejari renewal documents: 

For landlords 

• Passport copy (if the landlord is an expat) 

• A copy of their Emirates ID card 

• A copy of property ownership documents (title deed)

For tenants 

• Original lease agreement 

• Emirates ID card 

• Power of attorney (if the tenant applies through an agent) 

• A recent DEWA bill with the meter number - if the electric meter is shared (if applicable)

• Renewal through Real Estate Services Trustee will require the submission of an undertaking form 

• The tenant’s UAE visa and passport copy 

• Title deed 

• Copy of previous Ejari (if applicable) 

Companies/Commercial Enterprise

• A trade license copy 

• A copy of property ownership documents 

• A copy of Emirates ID card and passport copy (if the person is an expat) of the company’s official representative 

• A company authorization letter with the names of employees using the Ejari system - along with their passport copies and Emirates ID cards 

Agent applying on a landlord’s behalf

• Power of attorney copy or a legal guardianship order copy 

• The landlord’s passport copy and Emirates ID card (if they are an expat) 

• The agent’s passport copy and Emirates ID card 

Step-by-step Ejari renewal at Real Estate Trustee Centers

Anyone going for their Ejari renewal may approach one of the many Real Estate Trustee Centers in Dubai. These centers are approved and registered by the DLD, provide professional real estate registration and renewal services, and manage property-related transactions (e.g. sale/mortgage), amongst other services. 

While Ejari renewal at a real estate trustee center is a straightforward process, here are the correct steps to follow for a hassle-free renewal experience:

1. Visit any one of the service centers 

2. Submit all the required documents and verify that nothing is amiss 

3. A service center employee will enter the transaction details into their system; which will then be audited and approved 

4. The next step is paying the fees and collecting the receipt for future purposes 

5. Collect a contract registration certificate and the rental contract 

Ejari renewal via online platforms

How to renew Ejari online? Using the online facility for Ejari renewal is as simple as going to the center. Here are the steps one can take when renewing their Ejari online:

1. People using the online platform or the Dubai REST app for the first time will have to create an account. Registered users can log in and select the “Ejari Renewal” tab 

2. Users will have to fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents 

3. After uploading and verifying all the details, users can pay the application fees online - this can be done by credit/debit card 

4. The application will be received and reviewed 

5. Upon approval, users will receive a contract registration certificate through email 

Ejari Renewal Centers in Dubai

There are several Ejari renewal centers in Dubai that people can visit depending on their location. Authority-approved Ejari centers are located in:

• Al Barsha Mall 

• Al Manara Center 

• Oud Metha 

• Port Saeed 

• Zabeel 

Each office operates on different timings and it is advisable to confirm their timings before planning a visit. 

Here is a list of Ejari Renewal Centers in Dubai:

• Altabu Real Estate Services Trustee: Al Twar Center, AlNahda Road, next to AlQusais Metro Station (First Floor)

• Takhlees Government Services: Creek Tower Behind Dubai Land Department, Banyias Road – Al Bateen

• Fixit Real Estate Services Trustee: Building 3, behind DEWA – Dubai Healthcare City

• Tasheel Government Services LC: Business Venue Building – Oud Metha

• Al Ameen Al Agaree: Business Village, near Economic Department – Port Saeed

• Tamleek Real Estate Registration Trustee (Tamleek Cube): Office 006/007 –Business Park Building A2 Dubai South

• Altaresh Real Estate Services LLC: 

• Dubai Municipality, Alkifaf – Za’abeel

• Dubai Municipality – Manara Center, next to Al Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station – Al Manara

• Dubai Municipality Center, Al Nahda Road, Alwar 1st

Ejari renewal fees

Ejari renewal fees depend on several factors, such as where the applicant completes their Ejari renewal and how they choose to complete the process. 

Here is a breakdown of the Ejari renewal fees: 

Through the DLD website/Dubai REST app

• AED 100 for registering a rental contract - consider this a base fee 

• AED 10 knowledge fee 

• AED 10 innovation fee

Through Real Estate Services Trustee Centers

• AED 120 as a base fee for Ejari renewal when completed through the Real Estate Services Trustee Centers 

• AED 95 + VAT for service partner’s fees 

What happens if the Ejari is not renewed? 

Skipping Ejari renewal can be a costly mistake. As a legal mandate, all residents in Dubai must renew their Ejari annually. 

It is important to note that if someone has not submitted their previous Ejari contracts to the system before, they will not be allowed to renew their current contract. Ensuring that all previous Ejari contracts are uploaded within the regulatory system is a key step in the Ejari renewal process. 

An unrenewed Ejari will also mean that the person will not be able to avail of government processes and services such as receiving a residency visa, setting up utilities, etc. They won’t have a leg to stand on during legal proceedings, and may even be fined up to AED 50,000 by the Dubai government. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, renewing Ejari online in Dubai is a simple, straightforward process, but an extremely crucial one for maintaining the legal standing of rental agreements. By ensuring timely renewal, and abiding by the rules, tenants and landlords can protect their rights and access essential services smoothly.