Dubai Tenancy Or Ajari Verification

Your First-Time, Stress-Free Guide to the Dubai Tenancy Contract (Ejari)

Welcome! Navigating a new country's rental process can be daunting, but think of your tenancy contract and its verification (called **Ejari**) as your key to unlocking essential services like electricity, water, internet, and your residency visa. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from handshake to handover.

#### **Understanding the Key Terms First**

*   **Tenancy Contract:** The legal agreement between you (the tenant) and the landlord. It outlines the terms, rent, duration, and responsibilities of both parties.
*   **Ejari:** This is the Arabic word for "my rent." It is the **official system** for registering and verifying your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). **An unregistered contract is not legally recognized** for most official purposes.

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### **Phase 1: How to Apply For and Sign a Tenancy Contract**

This phase happens with your landlord or real estate agent.

**Step 1: Agreement & Initial Paperwork**
After you find a property and negotiate the terms (rent, number of cheques, start date, etc.), the agent will prepare a **Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)** or a **Letter of Intent**. You will need to provide copies of your passport and visa (if you have it) and pay a **security deposit** (usually 5% of the annual rent) to take the property off the market.

**Step 2: Contract Drafting**
The agent or landlord will draft the official tenancy contract. **READ IT CAREFULLY.** Ensure every agreed term is included:
*   Exact rental price and payment schedule (post-dated cheque dates and amounts).
*   Chiller (AC) fees: Who pays? (Often separate from DEWA)
*   Maintenance responsibilities: What is the landlord responsible for? What are you responsible for?
*   Contract start and end date.
*   Renewal terms and notice period.

**Step 3: Signing and Payment**
Once you are happy with the contract:
1.  Sign the contract.
2.  Provide your **post-dated rent cheques** for the year to the landlord or agent.
3.  The landlord will then countersign the contract.
4.  You will receive a copy of the signed contract. **Keep this safe!** You will need it for everything next.

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### **Phase 2: How to Verify Your Contract (The Ejari Process)**

This is the most important part that *you* will often handle. Ejari registration can be done online or in person.

#### **What You Need to Prepare (Checklist):**

1.  **Signed Tenancy Contract:** The original copy you received.
2.  **Passport & Visa Copy:** Copy of your passport and your residency visa page (if you have it). If you are on a family visa, you may need the head of the family's passport and visa copy.
3.  **Emirates ID:** Your original Emirates ID (if you have it) or the application copy if it's being processed.
4.  **Landlord Details:** The landlord's name and personal details should be on the contract. You might also need their Emirates ID number or company trade license number.
5.  **DEWA Premise Number:** This is the unique number for your property's electricity and water account. Your real estate agent or landlord can provide this. It often starts with a "sh" or "wh".
6.  **Ejari Registration Fee:** Approximately **AED 220** (subject to change).

#### **Method 1: Online Ejari Registration (Easiest & Recommended)**

This is done through the **Dubai REST** app or the **Dubai Land Department (DLD)** website.

1.  **Download the App:** Search for "Dubai REST" on the Apple App Store or Google Play. (Alternatively, visit the DLD website: **dubailand.gov.ae**).
2.  **Create an Account:** Register using your UAE Pass (strongly recommended) or your Emirates ID.
3.  **Find the Ejari Service:** Navigate to the services section and select "Ejari Registration" or "Initial Tenancy Contract Registration."
4.  **Fill in the Digital Form:** You will need to enter all the details from your documents:
    *   Your personal information.
    *   Landlord's information.
    *   Property details (including the DEWA premise number).
    *   Tenancy contract details (start/end date, rent amount).
5.  **Upload Documents:** Clearly scan or take photos of all the required documents listed above and upload them.
6.  **Pay the Fee:** Pay the AED 220 fee using a credit/debit card.
7.  **Submission:** Submit t Dubai Tenancy Or Ajari Verification