In Dubai, renting a residential or commercial unit involves two key documents: the tenancy contract and the Ejari certificate. These documents are connected but not the same. Each has a specific use during the rental process. Both are handled online using approved portals such as the Ejari application Dubai.
What is a tenancy contract?
A tenancy contract is a written agreement between the property owner and the tenant. It contains the basic terms such as rent amount, lease period, number of cheques, deposit details, and maintenance rules. This document must be signed by both sides and is usually prepared before move-in.
Main contents of the tenancy contract
The contract includes personal details of both parties, property location, payment terms, and responsibilities. It also records any special conditions, such as early exit terms or service charge details. All pages must be clear and match the documents submitted for registration.
What is an Ejari Certificate?
Ejari is an official system launched by the Dubai Land Department. It is used to register tenancy contracts online. Once a contract is uploaded and accepted, the system generates an Ejari certificate. This certificate is a digital record showing that the agreement is valid and recognized by authorities.
Purpose of the Ejari system
The Ejari system tracks rental contracts in Dubai and ensures they are legal and transparent. The certificate is necessary for setting up DEWA accounts, applying for residence visas, and handling disputes. Without this certificate, the rental process is not considered complete by local departments.
How they work together?
The tenancy contract is first prepared and signed offline or through digital tools. Once final, the signed copy is uploaded through the Ejari platform. The system then reads the data and creates a certificate that confirms the contract is on record. The Ejari document includes a unique barcode and reference number.
Where to manage the process?
Both the contract and the Ejari registration can be managed online. The Dubai REST app or official Ejari portal supports digital uploads, payments, and tracking. Some real estate companies also handle both steps as part of their service.
Keep both documents safe
Both the tenancy contract and the Ejari certificate should be stored digitally. These documents may be necessary during visa renewals, utility changes, or legal disputes. The information in both must match to avoid delays in related processes.
