What documents are needed to rent a property in Dubai?

Documenting your tenancy contract

The first step to renting a house in Dubai, once you have found your chosen property, is to sign a tenancy agreement. The tenancy contract is a vital, legally binding document that outlines terms of the lease and the expectations and requirements of both the landlord and the tenant. 

When renting a property through an experienced real estate agency, they will guide you through the agreement and signing process, but you should first understand what documents you need to rent a house so that you are prepared. 

When renting a house in Dubai, you will require the following documents: 

• Emirates ID

• Copy of passport

• Copy of valid residence visa

• A cheque for security deposit

• A cheque for agency fee

At present, paying in cash or via direct debit is not common for rentals in Dubai. For the most part, the deposit, agency fee and ongoing rental payments for properties in Dubai are made using cheques. 

This means that it is generally a requirement to have a UAE bank account in order to rent a property. 

Ejari registration in Dubai

Once you and the landlord have signed the tenancy contract, the next step is Ejari registration. Ejari means “my rent” in Arabic and is an online registration system created by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to regulate the rental market in Dubai. 

Tenancy laws

It is a legal requirement to have your tenancy agreement registered with Ejari. 

In Dubai, there are a number of laws in place to protect both tenants and landlords throughout the process of renting a property. But, in the event of any disputes between the tenant and landlord, the tenancy agreement will only be valid, and therefore all laws must be followed, if there is a valid Ejari in place. This system ensures that all tenancy contracts are transparent and legally binding.

Ejari registration methods

The easiest way to register your Ejari is online using the Dubai REST application using the following process:

• Download the Dubai REST app

• Go to the 'Services' tab

• Select 'RERA,' followed by 'Register Ejari Contract.' 

• Fill out the application and attach the required documents

• Wait for the landlord to approve the application through the app 

• Pay the registration fee 

Alternatively, tenants and landlords have the option to visit an Ejari typing center in Dubai. The document requirements will be the same, and there are similar costs, but this option could take longer than completing the process online. 

Essential documents required for Ejari Registration

When considering what documents do you need to rent a house, it's crucial to not just consider the tenancy contract, but also what you will need to complete the Ejari registration. In this section we look at the essential documents required for Ejari registration, from the perspective of the tenant, landlord and other involved parties. 

Property Owners / Landlords

• Passport copy

• Copy of property’s title deed

• 9-digit DEWA Premises Number

• Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if relevant)

Tenants

• Original signed tenancy contract

• Security deposit receipt

• Emirates ID

• Passport (for non-GCC nationals)

• UAE Visa (for non-GCC nationals)

• Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if relevant)

Company / Business

• 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 

Agents applying on behalf of landlords

• 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 

Renewal of Ejari

The documents required for the renewal of an Ejari are very similar to those for an Ejari registration, but these additional documents will be required:

• Original tenancy agreement

• Recent DEWA bill

• Copy of previous Ejari

DEWA connection

If you’re thinking about the essential documents to rent a house in Dubai, then the final crucial element is activating your DEWA connection. DEWA provides electricity and water to commercial properties in Dubai. 

When you rent a property in Dubai, the DEWA will not be activated automatically, meaning that you need to apply for its connection prior to getting electricity and water in the home. 

To set up a DEWA connection, you will need the following documents: 

• A copy of the Ejari certificate

• Passport and Emirates ID copies

• Tenancy contract copy

• DEWA application form

Applying for a DEWA connection can be done online through the DEWA website or you can do it at one of their customer service centers.

Once set up, DEWA will issue a monthly bill which includes your Dubai Housing Fee.