EPISODE 04

EJARI RENEWALS IN DUBAI Episode 4 – ejaries.ae PodcastWelcome back to the ejaries.ae podcast. I'm Stephen.Most tenancy contracts in Dubai run for one year. When the contract is renewed, the Ejari record must also be renewed. This episode explains how Ejari renewals work, the rules around rent increases, and what both tenants and landlords should know.Ejari Renewal Is Not AutomaticWhen a tenancy contract is renewed, a new Ejari registration must be completed. The previous Ejari does not automatically roll over.Legally, renewal is the landlord's responsibility, although in practice either party may ensure it is completed to avoid delays with visa, DEWA, or tenancy-related procedures.What Changes at Renewal?A first registration creates a new Ejari record. A renewal updates the existing record with the new tenancy term and any changes to rent or contract details.Typical documents include:New tenancy contractTitle deedEmirates IDsLandlord identification or trade licencePrevious Ejari referenceRERA Rent Calculator RulesOne of the most important parts of renewal is the RERA Rent Calculator.The calculator determines whether a rent increase is legally permitted. The amount depends on how far the current rent is below the market average for similar properties.If the proposed increase exceeds the permitted limit, the renewal may be challenged and the matter can proceed to the Rental Disputes Centre.The 90-Day Notice RequirementA landlord wishing to increase rent must give written notice at least 90 days before the tenancy expiry date.If proper notice is not given, the increase cannot apply to that renewal period, even if the calculator would otherwise allow it.Tenants should always check:Is the increase within the lawful RERA limit?Was at least 90 days' notice provided?Ending a TenancyDifferent rules apply if a tenancy is not being renewed.A landlord seeking possession for sale, personal use, or major renovation generally must provide 12 months' notice through a notarised legal notice and rely on grounds recognised by Dubai tenancy law.Tenants usually follow the notice period stated in the tenancy contract, commonly between 30 and 90 days.Avoid Renewal DelaysRenewing Ejari promptly helps avoid issues with visas, utilities, tenancy disputes, and other administrative procedures.The safest approach is to register the renewal close to the contract renewal date rather than allowing the previous Ejari to remain expired for an extended period.Key TakeawayEjari renewal is not automatic. It updates the tenancy record, applies Dubai's rent increase rules, and maintains continuity of the tenancy history.In the next episode, we'll look at the most common reasons Ejari registrations are rejected and how to fix them.