Tenants and landlords can register, renew and cancel Ejari contracts in DubaiNow, with the certificate issued on approval and the DEWA deposit paid in the app.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) said on Monday that tenants and landlords can now create, register, renew and cancel Ejari tenancy contracts in the DubaiNow app, with the certificate issued immediately after contract approval.
The upgraded service brings the main tenancy steps into one government platform, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Creating and registering a contract now runs as a single process. Renewals and cancellations go through a digital process that links landlord and tenant through UAE PASS.
The same journey also lets customers pay their security deposit to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which enables them to activate electricity and water services for the property.
DLD described the change as part of its cooperation with DEWA and of the Dubai Government’s ‘Services 360’ policy, which groups related services into single digital journeys.
Dr Moza Suwaidan, Executive Director of the Digital Applications and Platforms Sector at the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, said success is measured by the effect on people’s lives, including “fewer steps, greater time savings and a smoother overall experience”.
Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at DEWA, said the integration lets customers pay the deposit and switch on services in one journey, “saving time and effort”.
Mohammed Ali Al Badwawi, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, said the department continues to simplify procedures with its partners by bringing the tenancy journey together on one government platform.
DLD’s published guidance on Ejari, which refers to its Dubai REST app for these tasks, sets out rules that sit behind the digital steps.
- A tenant can start the registration, but the landlord’s approval is needed to complete it.
- A tenant who requests cancellation through the app triggers an approval request to the owner. A tenant cancelling at a service centre needs a no-objection certificate from the owner.
- The maximum tenancy period that can be registered in Ejari is 10 years.
- Individuals can hold up to three residential Ejari contracts. There is no limit for commercial leasing.
- Ejari is required for the DEWA Move-in service.
DLD also says an Ejari should be cancelled once a tenant moves out. If the final invoice for the existing tenant is not cancelled, the new tenant’s account cannot be created and the new tenant cannot register in the Ejari system.
Anyone changing terms or rent at renewal must notify the other party at least 90 days before the contract expires, unless both sides agree otherwise.
DLD’s frequently asked questions also cover its rental increase calculator on the DLD website. Entering the Ejari contract data shows the percentage change in rent.
Registration is not limited to the app. Real estate services trustee centres can register Ejari contracts if an owner or tenant, or a representative holding an official power of attorney, is present.
Owners who are outside the UAE can appoint a representative from a management company to contract on their behalf. DLD says the Ejari certificate can be downloaded from the Dubai REST app or from the DLD website.
DLD has not said whether the Dubai REST app’s Ejari functions change with the DubaiNow launch. Questions can go to the department’s free unified call centre on 8004488.
