Missing one requirement can invalidate your Dubai tenancy contract. This checklist covers every requirement for both parties in 2026.
Format requirements
- DLD Unified Tenancy Contract v1.4 (only accepted format)
- Bilingual Arabic + English
- PDF (Word rejected)
- DLD compliance footer with v1.4 mark
- All 6 sections completed
- Standard A4
Landlord documents
- Property title deed
- Emirates ID or passport
- Recent DEWA bill (for Premises Number)
- Trade licence if company
- Notarised POA if signing via representative
Tenant documents
- Emirates ID (or passport if visa pending)
- UAE residence visa page (sometimes)
- Salary certificate (landlord may request)
- Cheques for rent payments
Signature requirements
- Wet-ink only (no digital signatures for first Ejari)
- Blue or black ink
- Both parties sign every page
- Two original copies
- Signed on same day as contract dated
Financial requirements
- Security deposit: max 5% unfurnished, 10% furnished
- Rent aligns with RERA Rent Index
- Cheques payable to landlord's registered name
- First cheque cashable on contract start date
Ejari registration requirements
- Register within 30 days of contract start
- Signed original PDF
- Both Emirates IDs (copies)
- Title deed copy
- Recent DEWA bill
- AED 220 payment
Legal requirements
- Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulation of Landlord-Tenant)
- Law No. 33 of 2008 (amendments)
- Decree No. 43 of 2013 (Rent Index)
- No clauses violating Dubai law
- 90-day notice period rule
Special cases
POA signing: requires full attestation chain (notary + UAE consulate + Arabic translation + MOFA + Dubai notary).
Company tenants: trade licence + signatory POA + company stamp on every page.
Commercial leases: 1-5 year duration allowed, VAT applies, trade licence must match property use.
For format specifics, see DLD format requirements. For pre-signing checks, see what to check before signing.