It is an exhilarating experience finding a home in the UAE, be it in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or any other place. However, you must first secure the most critical document, which is a Tenancy Contract. This legally binding contract safeguards the tenant and the landlord and outlines your rights, and helps to keep you in line with UAE rental laws.
In this comprehensive, revised 2025 brochure, we will discuss all that you have to know about tenancy agreements, the Ejari registration, renewals, online inspections, the law, and so on.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Tenancy Contract in the UAE?
A Tenancy Contract is a legally accepted written contract between the landlord and the tenant. It contains all the information regarding the property, rental price, time period, terms, rights, and duties.
- Ejari must have all tenancy contracts registered in Dubai.
- Registration is carried out in the Sharjah Municipality in Sharjah.
- The procedure is fulfilled in Abu Dhabi, TAMM, and DARI.
This agreement secures you against controversies, and it also provides clarity in the course of your tenure.
Why Tenancy Contract essential?
This is the reason why all tenants in the UAE should have a duly registered tenancy contract:
- It is taken as legal evidence of residence.
- Needed in visas, utilities, internet, and government services.
- Covers your back in the event of rental issues.
- Makes it illegal to raise rents on the part of landlords.
- Factors in substantiating your rights and obligations.
In the absence of the registered tenancy contract, you are not considered a tenant.
Major Contents of a Tenancy Contract in the UAE
Any typical UAE tenancy agreement includes:
- Tenant and landlord details
- Property address
- Period of contract (typically 1 year)
- Rent and payment schedule per annum
- Security deposit terms
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Rules for early termination
- Renewal terms
- Registered with the Municipality registration company
Never sign the contract without reading it.
Registering Tenancy Contract (Ejari Registration) in Dubai
It is obligatory to enroll your tenancy contract with Ejari.
Here is the simple 2025 process:
- Call on the Dubai REST or Ejari app and upload your tenancy contract.
- Appended Emirates ID, Visa copy, Passport.
- Give the DEWA number or bill that is recent.
- Pay the Ejari registration fee.
- Get your Ejari Certificate in real time.
Required Documents
-
- Signed tenancy contract first type
- Emirates ID
- Passport & Visa copy
- Landlord’s Title Deed
- DEWA Premise Number
You require your Ejari certificate in relation to: banking, visa renewals, moving in, and official approvals.
The process of registration of a tenancy contract in Sharjah
Sharjah Tenancy contracts are required to be registered under the Sharjah Municipality in Sharjah.
Steps:
- Sharjah Municipality portal
- Post your tenancy agreement
- Append Emirates ID and documents
- Pay required fees
- Obtain official contract attestation
All the rent agreements must be attested in Sharjah — this will prevent conflicts.
Registration Tenancy Contract in Abu Dhabi (TAMM & DARI)
Abu Dhabi has a fully computerized system via TAMM and DARI.
Process:
- Log in to TAMM or DARI
- Click on Register Tenancy Contract
- Upload contract & documents
- Pay the service fee
- Grant of a digital certificate
It is also rapid, paperless, and completely secure.
Kinds of Tenancy Contracts in the UAE
Depending on your need, they can be of various kinds:
Residential Tenancy Contract
- In the case of apartments, villas, rooms, and shared units.
Commercial Tenancy Contract
- Applicant to offices, warehouses, shops, and business units.
Short-term / Holiday home contracts
- In the case of Airbnb and serviced accommodation.
Long-Term Renewals
- Several-year contracts with rent regulations.
Any type of contract has to be registered using the appropriate authority (Ejari, Sharjah Municipality, TAMM).
Checking Your Tenancy Contract Online
You may check your tenancy contract on the internet:
Dubai
- The DLD site uses the Ejari Number or Barcode.
Sharjah
- View the status of the check contract on the Sharjah Municipality portal by Contract ID.
Abu Dhabi
- Verify through the TAMM or the DARI platform.
Checking online will assist you in making sure that it is genuine and that you are not a victim of fraud.
How to know when a Tenancy Contract is invalid?
The tenancy contract can be invalidated in cases:
- It is not registered in Ejari / Municipality.
- It is incomplete landlord/tenant information.
- It violates tenancy laws.
- Outside RERA, there is an increase in rent.
- The contract is forged or unput.
It is important to have your contract registered and renewed on a yearly basis.
Renewal of Your Tenancy Contract
The UAE rentals are normally renewed every year.
Here’s the renewal process:
- Negotiate with the landlord on renewals.
- Rent should be raised according to the RERA Index.
- Sign the renewal contract.
- Register renewed contract with Ejari / Municipality.
- Pay renewal fees.
To avoid penalties, renewal has to be made 90 days before expiry.
Early Termination Rules
The premature termination of the tenancy agreement is subject to the contract:
- Some of the contracts permit early termination by notice.
- Some require penalty fees.
- Others do not permit termination unless by mutual consent.
Do not forget to read the termination clause.
Ordinary Conflicts and Conflict Avoidance
- Increase in rent beyond the law
- Deposit not refunded
- Maintenance disagreements
- Contract not registered
- Illegal eviction notices
To prevent such problems, it is always advisable to have a written registered tenancy contract.
Tips for Tenants & Landlords
For Tenants
- Always check Ejari status
- Always insist on receiving receipts for rent
- Examine the property prior to signing
- No unregistered contract
For Landlords
- Record all the contracts as they become due
- Observe RERA regulations of the rental raise
- Be open when communicating
- Sustain the property according to the contract
Last Sentence: Rent Smart, Stay Protected
The UAE renting consists of a tenancy contract. No matter whether it is the Ejari of Dubai, Sharjah Municipality, or the TAMM of Abu Dhabi, the certification of your agreement makes you legally secure, deprived from any possible disputes, and with no violations of the UAE rental law.
In case you need hassle-free tenancy services, documentation, renewals, or Ejari registration, it is time to rely on the support of InvestBizUAE at any stage.
