Dubai landlord checklist
A landlord can register a tenancy through Dubai REST, the Dubai Land Department website or a Real Estate Trustee Centre. First separate landlord or company access to the Ejari system from registering each tenancy contract, then prepare the ownership, applicant and lease details for the route you choose.
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Start by separating system access from lease registration
Ejari is the Dubai tenancy registration system. Landlord or company access identifies who can act in the system. Tenancy contract registration records a specific lease against a property. Completing a landlord profile alone does not register a tenant’s contract.
For an investor with an off-plan property, Ejari becomes relevant when the unit is ready to let and a tenancy contract exists. The purchase and the tenancy are separate stages, so plan for rental registration as part of the handover and letting process.
Save or print this checklist: use your browser’s print option to keep a copy with the lease and property documents.
Step 1: Choose who will submit the registration
A landlord can submit a tenancy contract directly. A tenant or an authorised representative can also take part, depending on the chosen channel and its approval steps. Decide who will complete the application before entering lease details, especially when the landlord is overseas or the property is company-owned.
- Identify the legal owner shown on the property title deed and the person who will submit the application.
- Agree how the landlord will provide digital approval if the selected channel requests it.
- If a representative will act, prepare the power of attorney or written authority and the representative’s identification.
- Complete any landlord or company access step separately from the application for each tenancy.
A property management company should have written authority to act for the owner. A power of attorney should cover the relevant property and tenancy tasks when the representative relies on one.
Step 2: Prepare documents for the applicant type
Keep the property, owner and contract records together. The exact documents depend on whether an individual, company or representative is applying, and on the channel used.
Individual owner
- Owner identification, such as an Emirates ID or passport details.
- Property title deed or ownership details that identify the unit and owner.
- The signed tenancy contract and tenant identification details.
Company owner
- Company trade licence and the company’s ownership or property records.
- Identification for the company representative and documents showing authority to act for the company.
- The tenancy contract, with the landlord name matching the company records used for the application.
Property manager or authorised representative
- Representative identification and the owner’s identification or company details.
- A power of attorney or other authority that covers the representative’s role in leasing and tenancy registration.
- The title deed or ownership details and the signed tenancy contract.
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Download free→Step 3: Match the contract to the property records
Before submission, compare the unified tenancy contract with the ownership and property information being entered. Names, unit details and contract terms should agree across the documents.
- Match landlord and tenant names to their identification and ownership records.
- Include complete building and unit identifiers, along with the property details shown on the title deed.
- Match the rent, tenancy start and end terms, and signatures to the signed contract.
If ownership details do not match, pause the application and align the records before submitting. For an incomplete property identifier, use the title deed and property documents to correct the entry. A representative’s authority does not resolve a mismatch between ownership documents and the application.
Step 4: Register online or at a Trustee Centre
Use an online route when the applicant can access the account and complete the required landlord approval. Choose an in-person route when a representative needs to present documents or the digital process cannot be completed.
Online through Dubai REST or the DLD website
- Sign in and select the service to register or renew an Ejari contract.
- Enter the property and tenancy details, then provide the required documents.
- Complete landlord digital approval when the channel requests it.
- Pay the service fee and submit the application.
The Dubai Land Department lists a total fee of AED 177.75 through Dubai REST or its website. The published fee includes the registration charge, knowledge and innovation fees, and service partner fee with VAT. See the DLD Ejari registration and renewal service.
In person at a Real Estate Trustee Centre
- Bring the lease, ownership details and identification for the owner or authorised applicant.
- Provide company or representative authority documents when they apply.
- Submit the application and pay the service fee at the centre.
The Dubai Land Department lists a total fee of AED 220 at a Real Estate Trustee Centre. Its published service time is 25 minutes, excluding waiting time. View the DLD service details.
After submission, follow the application status in the channel used. Once registration is completed, keep the e-Contract Registration Certificate with the signed tenancy contract and property records. If an application remains pending or the certificate is not issued, use its application reference and the channel’s stated action to resolve the outstanding step.
Step 5: Handle renewals and cancellations as separate updates
Renew an Ejari registration when the tenancy continues under a renewed contract. Use the DLD registration and renewal service, provide the updated contract details and complete the approval and payment steps for that submission.
When a tenancy ends, arrange cancellation of its registration through the relevant DLD channel. Keep the tenancy end or termination record with the property file, and avoid treating a new lease as a continuation of an earlier contract.
How M&M supports international property investors
M&M Real Estate advises international buyers considering off-plan and ready property in Dubai.
M&M advises on project and developer selection, payment plans, escrow, full purchase costs, and how to hold, let or sell a property on completion. The tenancy registration itself runs through DLD channels. For a rental-market perspective alongside the administrative checklist, read the Dubai Marina property guide, which covers registered rents and ready-property market analysis.
For an off-plan purchase, an M&M advisor can review the investment case and ownership plan before you commit. Speak with an M&M advisor about your budget, timeline and shortlist.
Plan the tenancy steps alongside the purchase
Bring your property type, ownership structure and rental timeline to an M&M advisor. You can discuss the investment decision and how the property is intended to be held and let.
Speak with an M&M advisor
Figures are past data from the sources named; this article is general information and not tax, legal or financial advice, and returns are not guaranteed.
Who pays for Ejari, the landlord or tenant?
The landlord and tenant should state in their tenancy arrangement who bears the registration fee. The Dubai Land Department lists the service charge as AED 177.75 online or AED 220 at a Trustee Centre.
Can a landlord get Ejari online?
Yes. Yes, both online channels accept Ejari registration applications.
What documents are needed for Ejari registration?
For an individual tenancy, assemble the signed lease and owner and tenant identification before adding any company or representative papers.
How can a landlord register an account in the Ejari system?
Use the legal owner or company identity that will appear on the tenancy application.
Can a property manager or representative apply for a landlord?
Yes, if the owner has authorised them to handle the relevant property and tenancy.
How does a landlord renew or cancel Ejari?
Use the DLD registration and renewal service to submit updated details when a tenancy is renewed. For a tenancy that has ended, submit a cancellation through the relevant DLD channel and retain the end or termination record with the property file.
What happens after an online Ejari application is submitted?
Follow the application status in the channel used and complete any outstanding approval or payment step. After registration is completed, keep the e-Contract Registration Certificate with the tenancy and property documents.
