What you need to know!

The Unified Ejari Tenancy Contractcan be downloaded or visit the official Ejari website. It is normal practice for your real estate broker or landlord to organise the completion of the document. If your contract is over 6 months or more, t is mandatory to register the contract with Ejari.

The Arabic word, Ejari, means ‘my rent’ and by registering your Unified Ejari Tenancy Contract, the government can record the details of property rental transactions. The rental prices and other information is held on a database which is also used for the RERA Rental Calculator – an online database where you can query your current rent and find out if the landlord is due any increase in rent or, indeed if the tenant is due a decrease.

It is mandatory to have the tenancy contract (over 6 months) attested at any of the Ejari typing centres where the typist will take your Emirates ID

The contract is usually completed by the landlord or his agent. The details needed to complete the form are noted below:

1. Landlord’s Name: this must be the same on the Title Deed. His/her signature should be the same as his/her passport as on the Unified Ejari Tenancy Contract. See No 4. You will need a copy of the Landlord’s passport to check the signature.
2. Landlord’s Email: this is required to ensure any notifications are received by the Landlord. If there are changes the Landlord is obliged to inform the Land Department via Ejari.
3. Landlord’s Phone Number: again, this is required to be correct.
4. Landlord’s passport and Emirates ID if he/she is a resident of the UAE. If he/she is the owner with no residency in UAE then the Landlord’s passport only is required.
5. Tenant’s Name: The name should be the same as on the Unified Ejari Tenancy Contract. His/her signature should be the same as his/her passport as on the Unified Ejari Tenancy Contract.
6. Tenant’s Email: this is required to ensure any notifications are received by the Tenant. If there are changes the Tenant is obliged to inform the Land Department via Ejari.
7. Tenant’s Phone Number: This should be a local contact telephone number. Notifications from the Land Department are often sent by way of an SMS.
8. Tenant’s passport, visa and Emirates ID: The tenant must hold a visa and Emirates ID. At the typing centre (the place where the Ejari Unified Tenancy Contract is registered – see list) the tenant is required to produce their Emirates ID, a thumb/fingerprint will be required. The mounted camera in the typing centre will take an image of the individual. If you are acting on behalf of the tenant you must produce a properly stamped and attested Power of  Attorney. If you are a family member registering the Ejari Unified Tenancy Contract on behalf of the tenant you must provide documentation proving your relationship.
9. Building Name: on the Title Deed
10. Location: on the Title Deed
11. Property Size: you can find this on the Title Deed
12. Property Type: studio, 1 bed, 2 bed, 3 bed etc
13. Property Number: on the Title Deed
14. Premises Number (DEWA): you can find this on the upstand of the entrance door to the property – although in some locations, e.g, Palm Jumeirah it is not on the doorway. The agent will be able to tell you where it’s located. It’s a brown tag.
15. Plot Number: you can find this on the Title Deed
16. Contract Period: the date of entry and date of exit
17. Annual Rent: this is the amount for one complete year
18. Contract Value: this is the rental value for the length of the contract. For example, if the Annual Rent is AED 100,000 but the contract is for a six month period only, then the Contract Value is AED 50,000.
19. Security Deposit Amount: the deposit amount is usually 5% of the rent for annual rentals
20. Mode of Payment: the way you will be paying the rent, e.g. by cheque and the number of cheques

The signed Unified Ejari Tenancy Contract is a legal document between you and the landlord. Please ensure all details are correct including the contact detail of both parties. These details must be valid as any notices from the Land Department/Ejari will be sent to the email addresses and contact numbers provided. You should update the details if there are changesduring the course of the tenancy.

Interestingly, the onus of responsibility to have the Tenancy Contract registered with Ejari is stated as being with the Landlord. Up until now the vast majority of tenants were paying for this and it seems that the majority of tenants are still paying this fee because Ejari registration is required before DEWA can be connected!

Be aware that as this is a legally binding contract you should be happy with its contents. Most agents and/or landlords add ‘addendum’ or even ‘addendums’ so read the contract very carefully. We’ve seen astronomical charges for renewal – RERA state that no renewal fee should be paid. We’ll write another article regarding this aspect of the contract soon.

IMPORTANT:  If you are paying cash to anyone, please ask for a copy of their passport and, if a broker, their Broker ID Card. You must also get a receipt stating what the money is for, e.g. Deposit for Apartment or Villa No 123.

If you need any further detail contact Ejari or ask us!