RERA + Legal✓ Updated Jan 2026

Ejari Renewal Process for Dubai Tenancies in 2026

Annual Ejari renewal is mandatory. Walk through the digital process, fees, and what to do if rejected.

·7 min read·By AgentsAI Editorial
Renewing an Ejari contract remains mandatory for every Dubai tenancy that continues into 2026. The process runs entirely through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Ejari portal and must be completed within 30 days of the tenancy end date to avoid penalties from RERA and ICP. Log in to the DLD Ejari system using your UAE Pass or registered broker credentials. Search for the existing contract by Ejari number or tenant Emirates ID. Select “Renew Contract” and confirm that the property address, unit number, and landlord details have not changed. If the landlord has appointed a new POA, upload the updated power of attorney document first; the system will flag any mismatch and reject the renewal. The 2026 renewal fees are fixed: AED 220 for the Ejari certificate itself, AED 100 for the knowledge fee, and a 5% VAT charge on the total. If the landlord’s representative requests a new tenancy contract printout, add AED 50. Payment is completed online via credit card or bank transfer through the DLD gateway. Once paid, the renewed Ejari number is issued instantly as a PDF and sent to the tenant and landlord email addresses on record. If the renewal is rejected, the portal displays one of three common error codes. Code 001 indicates an unpaid service charge or DEWA balance; obtain the clearance letter from the building management office in the relevant community—Dubai Marina, JLT, or JVC—and upload it within seven days. Code 014 signals that the landlord’s Emirates ID or passport has expired; request a scanned copy of the renewed ID and resubmit. Code 027 usually means the rent amount entered differs from the last registered contract; correct the figure to match the signed addendum and re-apply. Rejections must be resolved before the tenancy end date to prevent the tenant from being treated as an illegal occupant by ICP. Agents working with properties in Arabian Ranches or MBR City should note that some master communities now require a separate NOC from the developer before Ejari renewal can proceed. Download the NOC template from the developer portal, have the landlord sign it, and upload the PDF during the renewal flow. Failure to attach this document triggers an automatic rejection even when all DLD fees are paid. After successful renewal, download both the Ejari certificate and the tenancy contract PDF. Keep digital copies in the transaction file and send the Ejari number to the tenant so they can update their ICP visa stamp if required. Record the new expiry date in your CRM to trigger the next renewal reminder 45 days in advance.

Can I renew Ejari before the current contract expires?

Yes. The portal allows renewal up to 90 days prior to expiry. Early renewal is useful when the landlord plans a rent increase that must be registered before the new tenancy period begins.

What happens if the Ejari renewal is not completed on time?

RERA imposes a fine of AED 1,000 for the first 30 days of delay, followed by AED 500 for each additional 30 days. ICP may also block the tenant’s visa renewal until the Ejari is active.

Do service charges affect Ejari renewal?

Yes. Any outstanding service charge balance above AED 500 will cause an automatic rejection. Obtain the latest clearance letter from the building management office before attempting renewal.

Stop typing. Start closing.

Generate property listings, follow-up emails, WhatsApp templates, and CMA reports in seconds. Free tier: 5 generations/month, no card needed. Try AgentsAI free →