How to make tenancy contract in Dubai?

Creating a residential tenancy contract in Dubai is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. This guide provides a precise, actionable method to draft and register a legally compliant tenancy contract. To proceed, you will need details of both parties, property and tenancy conditions, the Standard Ejari Template, and a RERA-compliant addendum based on agreed tenancy terms.

Updated: 24.04.2026

1. Gather Required Information

Before drafting the contract, collect the necessary documents and details.

These include:

• the Title Deed of the property
• the Emirates ID and passport of the tenant
• the Emirates ID or passport of the landlord
• DEWA premise number (can be found on a DEWA bill, previous Ejari registration, or directly through DEWA’s online portal)
• Property details (can be retrieved from the Title Deed or a previous tenancy contract)
• Copy of POA (if involved)

2. Choose how to create your tenancy contract

There are two ways to prepare a tenancy contract in Dubai.

Option 1: Use the official Ejari template

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) provides a standard tenancy contract template.

You can download the latest version from the official DLD website and complete it manually.

Option 2: Use a structured online platform

Instead of working with a blank template, landlords and tenants can create a tenancy contract through a structured online platforms..

The contract is generated based on the details you provide, with all required fields, clauses, and formatting aligned with current RERA standards from the start.

3. Complete the Ejari Tempate

Follow the example. Fill in the contract template with accurate information. Include:

• Landlord and Tenant Details

• Property Specifics

• Tenancy Details

• Additional Fees & Conditions

When completing the template manually, accuracy is critical. Missing fields or unclear clauses may lead to delays or rejection during Ejari registration.

Online tenancy contract creation automate this step by generating the contract based on the provided details, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

4. Send the Contract for Review

Before finalizing the contract, share it with the other party for review. Be transparent and specific about all terms to avoid disputes later. Agreeing on key terms before sharing the contract helps build trust and ensures a smoother finalization.

A poorly prepared contract with ambiguous terms will result in prolonged negotiations and possible rejection.

5. Collect Signatures

Once both parties agree to the contract terms, proceed with signing. Signatures can be collected in person or digitally.

To ensure the contract is valid for Ejari registration, make sure the signatures match those on the Emirates ID or passport.

Online platforms like Habi also support e-signatures, allowing both parties to review and sign the contract remotely, without in-person meetings.

6. Register the Contract with RERA (Ejari)

After signing, the contract must be registered with Ejari to be legally recognized. Registration can be done in multiple ways:

• visiting a typing center
• using the Dubai REST app (available only for landlords)
• working with a property management firm or real estate agency
• fully online on Habi platform (available for Landlords and Tenants)

Online platforms allow both landlords and tenants to complete the entire flow — from contract creation to official Ejari registration — within a single online process

Manual vs online tenancy contract creation in Dubai:

There are two practical ways to create a tenancy contract in Dubai. The difference lies in how the contract is prepared, structured, and finalised for Ejari registration.

Conclusion

There are two main ways to create a tenancy contract in Dubai:

• using the official Ejari template and completing it manually;
• using a structured digital platform that guides the process and ensures compliance.

The manual approach requires careful attention to detail and multiple steps across different tools.

Online platforms such as Habi simplify this process by combining contract creation, signing, and Ejari registration into a single workflow, reducing the risk of errors and saving time for both landlords and tenants.