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EjariNovember 2026 · 6 min read
Landlord Refuses Ejari Registration in Dubai? What To Do
Last updated 5 November 2026
You've signed, paid and maybe even moved in, but the landlord keeps stalling on Ejari. That's more than an admin annoyance: an unregistered contract can leave you stuck with utilities, renewals and any future dispute. Here is what the law says and what you can actually do.
Who is responsible for Ejari?
Article 4(2) of Dubai's rental law says all tenancy contracts, and any amendments to them, "will be registered with RERA" (Law 26 of 2007, Art. 4, as amended by Law 33 of 2008). The law itself doesn't name one party as the registrant. The Dubai Land Department's FAQ fills that gap: responsibility for registering Ejari is borne by both the tenant and the landlord.
In practice that means a landlord can't simply opt out, and a tenant can't treat registration as somebody else's problem. Who pays the fee is a separate question and is usually settled in the contract.
Renewals get blocked: DLD says a lease can't be registered in Ejari if the previous contracts were not registered.
Utilities and residency paperwork: many services, including DEWA move-in and visa-related applications, commonly ask for a registered tenancy contract. Check the exact requirement with the relevant authority.
Disputes: if things go wrong, the Rental Disputes Centre works from your tenancy contract, and an unregistered one makes your case harder to prove and process.
No official record: Ejari is the DLD's register of tenancy contracts, so without it there's no official trace of your lease terms or rent.
Step-by-step: what a tenant can do
1
Ask in writing
Send the landlord or agent a short message asking them to register or approve the Ejari by a specific date. Written requests create a record you can use later.
2
Gather your documents
For a trustee centre application DLD lists the original Unified Tenancy Contract, your Emirates ID, and an official power of attorney if someone applies on your behalf.
3
Start the registration yourself
DLD lets a tenant apply at a Real Estate Trustee Centre, and registration is also offered via the DLD website, Dubai REST and Dubai Now. Note the conditions: through the mobile apps both parties must be individuals and the owner's details must be up to date, and if a property management company manages the unit, the application goes through that company.
4
Chase the approval
DLD says the landlord's approval is required to complete a tenant-initiated registration. Track the request in Dubai REST and forward the status to the landlord.
5
Escalate to the Rental Disputes Centre
If the landlord still refuses, you can file a case. The Rent Disputes Settlement Centre has exclusive jurisdiction over rent disputes between landlords and tenants in Dubai (Decree 26 of 2013, Article 6). DLD's FAQ also confirms tenants can complain to the RDC when a landlord acts against the contract.
Registration is a legal requirement, both sides share responsibility for it, and a tenant can start the process. If the landlord won't approve, keep a paper trail and use the Rental Disputes Centre. Don't let an unregistered contract roll into a second year.
Who is responsible for registering Ejari in Dubai?
DLD's FAQ says the responsibility for registering Ejari is borne by both the tenant and the landlord. Article 4 of Law 26 of 2007 requires all tenancy contracts and their amendments to be registered with RERA.
Can I register Ejari myself as a tenant?
Yes, a tenant (or a representative with a power of attorney) can apply, for example at a Real Estate Trustee Centre with the original unified tenancy contract and Emirates ID. DLD says the landlord's approval is required for the process to be completed.
What happens if my previous year's contract was never registered?
DLD states it is not possible to register a lease contract with Ejari if the previous contracts are not already registered, so a landlord's earlier refusal can block later renewals too.
Where do I complain if the landlord won't cooperate?
The Rent Disputes Settlement Centre has exclusive jurisdiction over rent disputes between landlords and tenants in Dubai (Decree 26 of 2013, Article 6). Keep your signed contract, payment proof and messages.
How much does Ejari registration cost?
DLD lists different totals depending on the channel (online via Dubai REST or the DLD website, or at a trustee centre). Check the current fees on the DLD service page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for registering Ejari in Dubai?+
DLD's FAQ says the responsibility for registering Ejari is borne by both the tenant and the landlord. Article 4 of Law 26 of 2007 requires all tenancy contracts and their amendments to be registered with RERA.
Can I register Ejari myself as a tenant?+
Yes, a tenant (or a representative with a power of attorney) can apply, for example at a Real Estate Trustee Centre with the original unified tenancy contract and Emirates ID. DLD says the landlord's approval is required for the process to be completed.
What happens if my previous year's contract was never registered?+
DLD states it is not possible to register a lease contract with Ejari if the previous contracts are not already registered, so a landlord's earlier refusal can block later renewals too.
Where do I complain if the landlord won't cooperate?+
The Rent Disputes Settlement Centre has exclusive jurisdiction over rent disputes between landlords and tenants in Dubai (Decree 26 of 2013, Article 6). Keep your signed contract, payment proof and messages.
How much does Ejari registration cost?+
DLD lists different totals depending on the channel (online via Dubai REST or the DLD website, or at a trustee centre). Check the current fees on the DLD service page before applying.