Ejari Cancellation in Dubai 2026: Process & Fees Explained

Quick Answer: Ejari cancellation in Dubai requires the landlord and tenant to jointly submit a cancellation request to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), either online through the Dubai REST app or in person at an authorised typing centre. Key documents include the final DEWA bill (Green Bill), Emirates ID copies, and the original tenancy contract. The process typically completes within 1 to 3 working days, and cancellation fees vary by channel.

If you are moving out of a rental property in Dubai, ending a lease early, or switching to a new home, cancelling your Ejari registration is a step you cannot skip. 

Ejari is the official system under which all tenancy contracts in Dubai are registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department. 

Until your Ejari is properly cancelled, the lease remains active in the system, which can create complications for both the landlord and the outgoing tenant.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Ejari cancellation in Dubai in 2026, including the reasons for cancellation, the documents required, the step-by-step process, fees, and what to do in special circumstances such as early termination or a change in property ownership.

What Is Ejari and Why Does It Need to Be Cancelled?

Ejari, which means “my rent” in Arabic, is the Government of Dubai’s official tenancy contract registration platform. It was introduced by RERA under the Dubai Land Department to regulate the rental market and protect both landlords and tenants. Every residential and commercial lease agreement in Dubai must be registered on the Ejari system.

When a tenancy ends, either at the natural conclusion of the lease period or through early termination, the Ejari registration linked to that contract must be formally cancelled. This is important for several reasons.

Until the Ejari is cancelled, the outgoing tenant remains legally associated with the property in the DLD system. 

This can interfere with the landlord’s ability to register a new tenancy with a different tenant. It can also affect the former tenant’s ability to register a new Ejari at a different property. Utility accounts, particularly DEWA connections, are also tied to the active Ejari record.

Cancelling Ejari at the end of a tenancy is not just administrative housekeeping. It is a legal requirement under RERA regulations in Dubai.

Common Reasons for Ejari Cancellation

There are several situations that trigger the need for Ejari cancellation in Dubai.

End of lease agreement: The most common reason is the natural expiry of the tenancy contract. Once both parties agree not to renew, the Ejari must be cancelled.

Early termination of tenancy contract: If the tenant needs to vacate before the lease period ends, an early termination clause (if included in the lease agreement) applies. Both parties must agree to the early exit terms, and the Ejari is cancelled once the handover is complete.

Eviction notice: If the landlord has issued a valid eviction notice through the RERA-approved process and the tenant has vacated the premises, the Ejari cancellation follows after the property is handed over.

Change of property ownership: When a landlord sells the property during an active tenancy, the Ejari registration needs to be updated or cancelled and re-registered under the new ownership, depending on whether the incoming owner is retaining the tenant.

Moving to a new home in Dubai: Tenants relocating within Dubai need to cancel their existing Ejari before or alongside registering a new one at their next property.

Documents Required for Ejari Cancellation

Having all documents ready before starting the process avoids delays. The specific requirements vary slightly depending on whether the cancellation is for a residential or commercial property, but the following is the standard list.

For tenants and landlords:

• Original tenancy contract (the lease agreement registered on Ejari)
• Emirates ID copy of both the tenant and the landlord
• Passport copy of both the tenant and the landlord (for expatriates)
• Final DEWA bill, commonly referred to as the Green Bill, confirming that the electricity and water account for the property has been cleared and closed
• Ejari registration certificate (the document issued when the tenancy was originally registered)

For special cases:

• In the event of early termination of the tenancy contract, a mutual termination agreement signed by both parties is required
• If the landlord has passed away or is unavailable, legal documentation such as a power of attorney may be required
• For commercial properties, a trade licence copy may be needed alongside the standard documents

The Green Bill from DEWA is one of the most critical documents. It confirms that all outstanding utility payments have been settled and that the DEWA connection at the property has been transferred or closed. Without it, the Ejari cancellation cannot be processed.

Step-by-Step Process for Ejari Cancellation in Dubai

Here is a step-by-step process for Ejari cancellation in Dubai:

Option 1: Online Ejari Cancellation via the Dubai REST App

The Dubai REST app, developed by the Dubai Land Department, allows landlords and tenants to manage Ejari registration and cancellation digitally. This is the fastest and most convenient channel for most users.

Log in to the Dubai REST app using your UAE Pass credentials. Navigate to the Ejari services section and select the option to cancel an existing Ejari registration. 

Enter the Ejari contract number and verify the property and tenant details. Upload the required documents, including the Green Bill, Emirates ID copies, and the signed termination agreement if applicable. 

Review the details, confirm the submission, and pay the applicable fee online. A confirmation notification is sent once the cancellation is processed, typically within 1 to 3 working days.

Both the landlord and tenant must be registered on the UAE Pass system for a fully online cancellation. If either party is not registered, the process will need to be completed in person.

Option 2: Offline Cancellation at an Authorised Typing Centre

For residents who prefer in-person assistance or whose cases involve complications, the offline cancellation process can be completed at an authorised typing centre or an Amer Centre in Dubai.

Visit a typing centre authorised by the Dubai Land Department and present all required documents. The typing centre staff will prepare and submit the Ejari cancellation application on your behalf through the DLD system. 

Pay the applicable fees at the counter. The typing centre will provide a receipt and confirmation of submission. Processing time is similar to the online channel, between 1 and 3 working days.

It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the centre’s requirements and operating hours before visiting, as some centres may request additional documents depending on the specifics of the tenancy.

Option 3: Visit the Dubai Land Department Directly

Landlords or tenants with complex cases, such as disputed cancellations or those involving change of property ownership, can visit the Real Estate Services Trustees Centres operating under the Dubai Land Department. Staff at these centres handle escalated cases and can guide applicants through the process directly.

Ejari Cancellation Fees in Dubai 2026

The fees for Ejari cancellation in Dubai depend on the channel used to submit the application.

These figures are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the property type and the service centre. It is recommended to confirm the exact fee at the point of application. VAT may also apply on service charges at typing centres.

There are no late cancellation penalties specifically tied to Ejari cancellation itself, but maintaining an active Ejari registration after vacating a property can cause secondary issues such as continued DEWA billing or complications with registering a new tenancy.

Ejari Cancellation Without Landlord Signature

One of the most common concerns tenants raise is what happens when the landlord is unresponsive or refuses to sign off on the cancellation. This situation does occur, particularly in cases where there are disputes over the security deposit or the condition of the property.

In Dubai, Ejari cancellation generally requires cooperation from both the landlord and the tenant. However, if the landlord is not accessible or is refusing to participate without valid reason, the tenant has the option of approaching the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) under the Dubai Land Department. 

The RDSC handles disputes between landlords and tenants and can facilitate or compel cancellation in cases where one party is withholding cooperation unreasonably.

Tenants should document all communications with the landlord and retain copies of the lease agreement, payment receipts, and any written correspondence before approaching the RDSC.

It is also worth noting that if the lease has naturally expired and the tenant has vacated the property and cleared DEWA, the tenant can present this evidence to the DLD to initiate a resolution process.

Early Termination of Tenancy Contract and Ejari Cancellation

If a tenant needs to vacate before the end of the agreed lease period, the early termination clause in the tenancy contract governs the conditions. 

Most standard lease agreements in Dubai include provisions for early termination, which typically require the tenant to give a notice period (usually 60 to 90 days) and may involve a financial penalty equivalent to one or two months’ rent.

Once the early termination terms are agreed and settled, both parties sign a mutual termination agreement. 

This document is then submitted as part of the Ejari cancellation process. Without this signed agreement, the early termination of the tenancy contract cannot be formally closed on the Ejari system.

Tenants who are unsure about the early termination terms in their specific lease agreement should review the contract carefully or seek advice from a registered real estate agent or a RERA-approved legal advisor before serving notice.

What Happens After Ejari Is Cancelled?

Once the cancellation is confirmed, the Ejari record linked to the tenancy contract is closed in the DLD system. 

Both the landlord and tenant receive a confirmation of cancellation, either digitally through the Dubai REST app or as a printed certificate from the typing centre.

The landlord is then free to register a new tenancy at the same property with a new tenant. The outgoing tenant can register a new Ejari at their next rental property in Dubai. 

The DEWA account associated with the property, which should have been closed before cancellation, will also reflect the updated status.

Keep a copy of the Ejari cancellation confirmation for your records. This document may be requested by future landlords as proof that your previous tenancy was formally closed.

Conclusion

Ejari cancellation in Dubai is a straightforward process when you have the right documents, act promptly, and use the correct channel. Whether your tenancy has reached its natural end, you are moving to a new home in Dubai, or you are dealing with an early termination of a tenancy contract, closing your Ejari registration protects both you and your landlord from legal and administrative complications down the line.

The process starts with clearing your DEWA account and obtaining the Green Bill, then submitting the cancellation through the Dubai REST app, a licensed typing centre, or the Dubai Land Department directly. Standard cases are resolved within 1 to 3 working days, and fees are modest regardless of the channel you choose.

The most important thing is not to leave it unresolved after vacating. An open Ejari record can block your new tenancy registration, create billing issues, and complicate future dealings with the DLD.

For residents who want the Ejari cancellation handled correctly and without the back and forth, QSM Document Clearing Services manages the full process on your behalf, from document preparation to submission and confirmation. Contact our team to get started.