Who Pays the Ejari Fee in Dubai: Landlord or Tenant?

It's one of the most common small arguments at the start of a Dubai tenancy. The official documents actually answer it.

The contract: landlord registers

Term 14 of the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract: 'The landlord undertakes to register this tenancy contract on EJARI affiliated to Dubai Land Department and provide with all required documents.'

The law: tenant pays government fees unless agreed otherwise

Article 22 of Law 26 of 2007: unless the contract states otherwise, the tenant must pay all fees and taxes due to government entities for use of the property.

Read Article 22 and Article 4 (registration is mandatory).

What to do

• Agree in writing who pays the Ejari fee and put it in the additional terms.
• Whoever pays, the landlord must provide the documents needed (title deed, etc.).
• Register promptly — DEWA, visas and schools need a valid Ejari.

Costs explained: What is Ejari? Fees and late registration.