How to Cancel Ejari When Moving Out of Dubai (Complete Guide)
Cancel your Ejari on Dubai REST in 10 minutes, avoid the AED 1,000 no-clearance penalty, and stop future rent liability at handover.
Cancelling your Ejari is the last step of a Dubai move-out and the one most tenants forget. Skip it and the tenancy stays 'active' in DLD records — which means you can be liable for the next rent period, blocked from opening a new Ejari at your next address, and hit with a no-clearance penalty by the property manager. This guide walks through the exact 10-minute cancellation flow.
- Ejari cancellation on Dubai REST costs AED 40 and takes ~10 minutes.
- You need DEWA nil balance, chiller clearance, and the signed handover form.
- Landlord approval is not required — cancellation is a tenant right.
- Cancel on handover day, not before or after — timing prevents overlap issues.
- Uncancelled Ejari blocks future tenancy registration and can trigger rent liability.
When to cancel Ejari
Cancel Ejari on your handover day — after DEWA final bill, chiller clearance, and the signed handover form are in hand. Cancelling too early risks losing access to the flat before you're fully out; cancelling too late risks the landlord opening a new Ejari over yours.
Documents required
- DEWA final bill showing a zero balance.
- District cooling clearance letter (Empower / Emicool / Tabreed).
- Signed move-out handover form from the property manager.
- Your Emirates ID.
- Original Ejari certificate.
The 5-step cancellation on Dubai REST
- 1. Log into Dubai REST with UAE Pass.
- 2. Services → Ejari → Cancel Existing Contract.
- 3. Select the contract and upload DEWA + chiller clearance.
- 4. Pay the AED 40 cancellation fee.
- 5. Download the cancellation certificate — arrives within 24 hours.
What if you can't get the clearances?
If DEWA has a disputed final bill, you can still cancel Ejari by uploading a DEWA case reference number. If chiller clearance is delayed by the provider, upload the request-submitted receipt with a note. The Ejari team accepts both as valid proof of intent.
Does the landlord need to approve cancellation?
No. Ejari cancellation is a tenant right at contract end — landlord approval isn't required as long as the tenancy is expired or 90-day notice was properly served. However, unresolved disputes (unpaid rent, damage claims) can pause cancellation until the RDSC rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to cancel Ejari in Dubai?
AED 40 through the Dubai REST app. Registration centres charge AED 120–160 for the same service.
Do I need the landlord's approval to cancel Ejari?
No. Cancellation is a tenant right at contract end with valid notice. The landlord is notified automatically once cancellation is approved.
How long does Ejari cancellation take?
Standard cases are cancelled within 24 hours. Cases with disputes or missing clearances can take 3–5 working days.
What happens if I don't cancel my Ejari when I move out?
The contract stays active in DLD records. You can be liable for future rent, blocked from opening a new Ejari elsewhere, and hit with a no-clearance penalty by the property manager (typically AED 500–1,000).
Can I cancel Ejari before my contract ends?
Yes, if you served proper 90-day notice or have a mutual termination signed by the landlord. Otherwise you'll owe early-termination fees per your contract.
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