Week 3 Tenant · Ejari & tenancy 7 min read

How to Renew Ejari Online in Dubai (2026 Step-by-Step)

Renew your Ejari tenancy contract in under 15 minutes on the Dubai REST app — documents, fees, common rejections, and what to do if the landlord won't sign.

Tenant reviewing an Ejari tenancy contract on the Dubai REST app on a smartphone with Downtown Dubai skyline in the background.

Renewing your Ejari in Dubai used to mean a queue at a typing centre and AED 220 in printing fees. In 2026 the whole flow runs on the Dubai REST app — 10 minutes, AED 155 total, and the certificate lands in your inbox the same day. This guide walks through the exact online renewal, what documents you actually need, and the two most common rejections that send tenants back to square one.

Key takeaways
  • Ejari renewal on Dubai REST takes ~10 minutes and costs AED 155 total.
  • You need signed contract, both Emirates IDs, title deed copy, and a recent DEWA bill.
  • The two most common rejections are overlapping contract dates and mismatched title deed ownership.
  • If the landlord won't sign, notarised 90-day notice triggers auto-renewal at the same rent.
  • TowerDesk automates the whole cycle — reminders, UAE Pass signing, and Ejari submission.

Documents you need before you start

  • Renewed tenancy contract signed by both landlord and tenant (PDF or clear photo).
  • Tenant Emirates ID (front and back).
  • Landlord Emirates ID or passport + title deed copy.
  • Latest DEWA bill (proof of unit occupancy).
  • Previous Ejari certificate for reference.

The 6-step online renewal on Dubai REST

  • 1. Log into the Dubai REST app with UAE Pass.
  • 2. Tap Services → Ejari → Renew Existing Contract.
  • 3. Select the contract you want to renew from your existing list.
  • 4. Upload the signed renewal contract + supporting documents.
  • 5. Pay the AED 155 renewal fee by debit/credit card.
  • 6. Download the updated Ejari certificate — it arrives in under 10 minutes for straightforward renewals.

How much does Ejari renewal cost in 2026?

The DLD renewal fee is AED 100, knowledge fee is AED 10, innovation fee is AED 10, and the typing/processing fee through the online portal is AED 35. Total: AED 155. Registration centres often add AED 65–120 in service fees, which is why online renewal is cheaper.

The two rejections that catch tenants out

  • Contract dates overlap the previous Ejari — the renewal must start the day after the old one ends, not the same day.
  • Landlord's title deed doesn't match — if the property was sold mid-year, the new owner's title deed and Emirates ID are required.

What if the landlord won't sign the renewal?

You have three paths: (1) send a notarised 90-day extension notice under the existing rent (auto-renewal at same terms if the landlord doesn't serve a valid non-renewal notice); (2) file a rent-increase or non-renewal dispute at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC); (3) escalate through the RERA complaint desk if the landlord is unresponsive.

How TowerDesk automates renewals

In TowerDesk buildings, renewal reminders fire 120 days before expiry to both landlord and tenant. The contract is generated inside the app, signed via UAE Pass, and pushed to Ejari automatically — no PDF juggling, no typing centre.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to renew Ejari in Dubai?

The total online renewal cost through Dubai REST is AED 155 (AED 100 registration + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation + AED 35 typing). Registration centres cost AED 220 or more.

Can I renew Ejari online without going to a typing centre?

Yes — the Dubai REST app handles the full renewal, payment, and certificate download. Typing centres are only needed for edge cases like corporate landlords with unusual documents.

How long does Ejari renewal take?

Straightforward renewals are approved within 10 minutes. Complex cases (change of ownership, corporate landlord, disputed rent) can take 24–48 hours.

Is Ejari renewal mandatory every year?

Yes. Every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered in Ejari, and every renewal must be re-registered — even if the rent and terms are identical.

What happens if I don't renew my Ejari?

You lose access to visa renewals, DEWA disputes, and RDSC protection. Landlords can also refuse to renew or start eviction proceedings without a valid Ejari on file.

See TowerDesk in your building

A 30-minute walkthrough on your own portfolio, with RERA, Mollak, Ejari, and DEWA workflows built in.

Book a demo

Keep reading

Back