Dubai tenants are now required to update their Ejari contracts with the details of all individuals living in their apartments or villas. This new mandate comes as part of a government crackdown on unlicensed co-living arrangements, aiming to ensure that only authorized residents occupy rented properties. The change requires tenants to provide full details of everyone living in their unit, regardless of whether they are the primary tenant or a co-occupant. With this step, Dubai’s authorities are tightening enforcement of tenancy laws, ensuring that only those officially listed are permitted to reside in a property.
The new requirement: Co-living persons must be registered on Ejari
As of recent, landlords in Dubai have started scrutinizing the details included in Ejari contracts to ensure that the names of all individuals residing in a property are listed. The rules are simple: any person staying in the unit for a month or longer must be entered into the system using the Dubai REST app. Failure to do so can lead to complications, with landlords pressing tenants to provide the missing information. The initiative comes as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) intensifies efforts to eliminate unlicensed co-living arrangements. Landlords who continue to violate these regulations face stringent penalties, as the authorities adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards unauthorized shared living.
How tenants can comply: A step-by-step guide
The process of registering co-living individuals on the Ejari system is straightforward, especially with the help of the Dubai REST app, The Ejari contracts are registered with the Dubai Land Department in the name of either the principal tenant or the landlord. Tenants must follow these steps to update their records:
- Download and Open the Dubai REST App: If you’re a new user, begin by registering an account on the app.
- Log In Using UAE PASS: Authenticate yourself using the UAE PASS application, which provides secure digital identity verification.
- Select Your Property: Once logged in, choose the property where you reside from the Dashboard.
- Manage Co-Occupants: Click on “Manage Co-occupants” to update the information.
- Add Co-Occupants: Select “Add More” to input the details of all individuals staying with you, including their date of birth, Emirates ID, and Emirates ID verification.
- Verify Details: After entering the co-occupants’ information, click on Verify to ensure everything is correct.
- Delete Unnecessary Entries: If any changes are needed, you can easily remove a co-occupant by selecting the delete icon next to their name.
The updated rules apply to family members, domestic help, and any other co-occupants who reside in the unit. This is crucial for tenants who wish to avoid issues when dealing with government agencies, utilities, and landlords.
Understanding Ejari: More than just a rent contract
Ejari, which means “My Rent” in Arabic, is a mandatory rental registration system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in 2007. It serves as the backbone of Dubai’s rental market, ensuring that all agreements are legally documented. Here’s why Ejari matters:
- Legal Protection: Ejari contracts are legally binding, offering protection to both tenants and landlords in case of disputes.
- Utility Services: A valid Ejari certificate is necessary for setting up DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) accounts and activating utilities like water and electricity.
-
Visa and Residency: Ejari is also a key requirement for processing residency visas. - Legal Enforceability: Non-registered tenancy contracts are inadmissible in court, making Ejari vital for resolving rental-related legal matters.
By ensuring that all co-residents are accurately recorded, Ejari adds transparency to Dubai’s rental market and helps maintain accountability.
Why this change matters for tenants and landlords
With stricter enforcement of housing laws, the importance of complying with Ejari regulations cannot be overstated. Tenants benefit from Ejari by ensuring their rental agreements are properly documented, which is essential when setting up utilities, renewing visas, or even resolving disputes. For landlords, having a valid and properly registered Ejari contract provides legal protection and ensures they are not unintentionally breaking any laws. Furthermore, the recent crackdown on unlicensed shared living arrangements is a reminder for tenants to be diligent about their housing agreements. Landlords who permit unauthorized occupants without the proper registrations face heavy penalties, which may include fines or even loss of their ability to lease properties.
