In Dubai, tenancy contracts must be registered through the Ejari system, an initiative by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) designed to regulate rental agreements and protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. Once your tenancy contract is approaching its expiry date, you must go through Ejari renewal to maintain legal residency and avoid penalties. Renewing your Ejari ensures that your lease remains valid, utility services continue without interruption, and your rental relationship is officially recorded in government databases.
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Understanding the Ejari System
Ejari, which means “my rent” in Arabic, is more than a simple database, it is an official platform that enforces transparency and fairness in Dubai’s rental market. By registering your contract, the system prevents disputes, provides legal evidence in case of disagreements, and ensures that landlords cannot impose arbitrary changes to the agreement during its term.
For tenants, keeping Ejari up to date is also a requirement for renewing residency visas, applying for certain services, and maintaining uninterrupted DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) connections.
How Tasheel in Dubai Supports Tenancy Procedures
While Ejari registration and renewal are often handled directly through DLD-authorised typing centers or online portals, some administrative steps—especially for residents who also require employment or sponsorship updates, can be processed through Tasheel in Dubai. Tasheel acts as an integrated government services hub, streamlining paperwork and ensuring that applications meet regulatory requirements. Using Tasheel can be particularly helpful when tenancy renewals are part of broader visa or business licensing updates.
Premium Government Services for Tenants and Landlords
Dubai is known for its efficiency in public administration, with various service centers providing premium government services for both tenants and landlords. These centers offer expedited Ejari renewals, multilingual assistance, and the convenience of processing multiple government-related applications in one visit. Many of these premium centers are authorised by DLD to issue immediate Ejari certificates once the renewal is complete, making the process faster and more convenient than standard channels.
When to Renew Your Ejari
You should start the renewal process at least one to two weeks before your tenancy contract expires. This allows time to resolve any issues, such as pending maintenance disputes or landlord approvals, before the deadline. If you let your Ejari lapse, you may face complications in renewing your residence visa, opening a new utility account, or resolving legal disputes related to your tenancy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ejari Renewal in Dubai
1. Review Your Tenancy Contract
Before renewing Ejari, ensure that your new lease agreement is signed by both you and your landlord. The contract should clearly state the rent amount, payment schedule, and lease duration.
2. Collect Required Documents
You will need:
3. Choose Your Renewal Method
You can renew Ejari either online through the Dubai REST app and DLD’s official website or offline by visiting an authorised typing center.
4. Submit Application and Pay Fees
Once your documents are verified, you will pay the renewal fee (typically AED 219 for typing center services). For online renewals, payments are processed through secure digital gateways.
Online Ejari Renewal Process
Online renewal is especially useful for busy professionals, overseas landlords, or tenants who prefer contactless transactions.
Offline Ejari Renewal Process
For those who prefer in-person assistance or have complex cases, visiting an authorized Ejari typing center remains the most reliable option.
Procedure:
Some premium service centers can process renewals even faster, often while you wait.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Ejari Renewal
Renewal Costs and Fees
The cost for Ejari renewal is generally standardised, but service center charges may vary. As of 2025:
Ejari Renewal for Shared Accommodation
If you live in a shared apartment or villa, Ejari renewal must still be completed for the main tenancy contract. Subtenants should ensure their names are included in the renewal record or have separate agreements registered if applicable.
Link Between Ejari Renewal and Visa Services
For many residents, renewing Ejari is a prerequisite for renewing their residence visa. Immigration authorities require proof of a valid tenancy contract as part of the visa renewal application. Therefore, it is advisable to align your Ejari renewal with your visa renewal timeline to avoid unnecessary delays.
Special Cases: Corporate Leases
For businesses renting office space, Ejari renewal is equally important. Corporate tenants must provide additional documents such as the trade license copy, MOA, and passport copies of authorised signatories. Corporate Ejari renewals are also required when updating trade licenses or applying for new business visas.
Ejari Renewal for Off-Plan Properties
If your property is still under development, Ejari renewal applies only after handover and official registration of the Title Deed. Tenants in off-plan units may need to work closely with developers and DLD to ensure timely registration before lease renewals.
How Landlords Benefit from Timely Ejari Renewals
While the system primarily protects tenants, landlords also benefit from ensuring timely renewals:
The Future of Ejari in Dubai
With the UAE’s commitment to digital transformation, Ejari services are becoming more integrated with other government systems. Expect further automation, integration with smart contracts, and AI-driven verification to make renewals even faster in the coming years.
Renewing your Ejari is more than a procedural task—it is a legal requirement that ensures your tenancy rights remain protected and your access to essential services remains uninterrupted. Whether you choose to handle it online for convenience or in person for reassurance, timely Ejari renewal safeguards both your tenancy and your legal standing in Dubai.
