If you’re renting a property in Dubai, you’ve likely heard of Ejari, the system that registers rental contracts with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
It’s the official system that registers every tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), making your rental legally valid.
Without it, you can’t set up utilities, renew visas tied to a tenancy, or even prove you have a legitimate rental agreement.
But while most people know about registering Ejari, not everyone realises that cancelling it is just as important.
When your lease ends or you move out, the system doesn’t automatically close the contract. Your Ejari stays active until it’s officially cancelled.
Without cancelling Ejari, both tenants and landlords can encounter legal and logistical roadblocks, like being unable to register another contract or transfer utilities.
The good news is, cancelling Ejari isn’t complicated. In 2025, you can do it both online and in person, and the steps are pretty clear.
Still, some hidden costs can catch people off guard—such as trustee centre fees or required document renewals.
Some tenants end up paying more than they should simply because they didn’t know what to expect or what documents to bring.
But you don’t have to worry about that because this guide walks you through exactly how to cancel Ejari, the costs you need to be aware of, and how to avoid paying extra.
When & Why You Should Cancel Ejari in Dubai
One thing many tenants and even some landlords don’t realise is that Ejari doesn’t cancel automatically when your contract ends.
Unless you close it yourself, it stays active in the system. That can create problems when you try to move or when a landlord wants to rent the place to someone else.
So, when exactly should you cancel Ejari? Here are the most common situations:
1. When You Move Out of a Property
As soon as you hand over the keys, the Ejari linked to that home needs to be cancelled. Until that’s done, the system still shows you as the current tenant.
2. When the Lease Ends and Won’t Be Renewed
Even if your tenancy runs its full term, you still need to cancel Ejari if you’re not renewing. Otherwise, the record remains open and can block future registrations.
3. When the Lease Is Terminated Early
Sometimes contracts are ended before they expire, either by agreement between the landlord and tenant or due to special circumstances. In these cases, cancelling Ejari immediately is a must.
4. When the Property Is Sold During Your Tenancy
If the landlord sells the property, the old Ejari has to be cancelled before the new owner can issue a fresh one under their name.
Why is Ejari cancellation so important?
- For tenants, failing to cancel can stop you from signing a new lease.
- For landlords, it can prevent registering new tenants.
- For both, it can delay utility disconnections and lead to unwanted bills.
Cancelling Ejari isn’t just a formality — it’s what keeps the rental records clean and avoids extra costs or disputes later on.
Required Documents for Ejari Cancellation
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Emirates ID of the tenant and landlord
- Original tenancy contract
- Ejari certificate (or a copy of the tenancy contract if the certificate isn’t available)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord confirming the end of the lease
- Final DEWA bill marked “Paid” or the green bill download from DEWA
- Tenant’s passport copy
If the tenant is a company, you’ll also need the trade licence and IDs of the manager or owner.
NB: Missing any of these can lead to delays or even extra service charges, so double-check before you start.
Step-by-Step Process to Cancel Ejari in 2025
There are two main ways to cancel Ejari in Dubai: visiting a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre in person or using the online platforms. Below is a clear breakdown of both options.
Cancelling Ejari via a Trustee Centre (Offline)
If you prefer to handle the process face-to-face, you can cancel Ejari at any authorised Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.
1. Visit a Trustee Centre
- Go to an approved Real Estate Services Trustee Centre (also called Ejari cancellation centres).
2. Submit the Required Documents
- Emirates ID of both tenant and landlord
- Ejari certificate or tenancy contract copy
- Tenant’s passport copy
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord
- Final DEWA bill marked “Paid” or a green bill download
- Original unified tenancy contract
- Termination letter from the landlord
3. Wait for Verification
- The centre will review and approve the transaction after checking the documents.
4. Pay the Fee
- Pay the cancellation fee (AED 40 excluding tax) at the counter and collect the payment receipt.
5. Receive Confirmation
- You’ll get a cancellation notification confirming that the Ejari has been officially closed.
How to Cancel Ejari Online
If you’d rather avoid a trip, Ejari can be cancelled completely online. There are two main online methods: the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website and the Dubai REST app.
Through the DLD Website
1. Go to the DLD Website
2. Navigate to the Right Service
- Click the “Services” tab.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Tenant.”
- Choose “Real Estate Rental Services.”
- Click on “Request for Cancellation of Ejari Contract.”
3. Access the Service
- Click “Access this Service” (green tab on the top left).
4. Log in to Your DLD Account
- For business users: Enter Emirates ID or username and password.
- For individuals: Use Emirates ID, mobile number, title deed, or email address.
5. Alternatively, Use UAE Pass
- Log in using your mobile number, Emirates ID, or email via UAE Pass.
6. Submit the Application
- Fill out the details, upload the required documents, and submit the request.
7. Receive Confirmation
- You’ll get an email once the request is processed and approved.
Through the Dubai REST App
1. Log in or Sign Up
- Download the Dubai REST app and create an account or log in.
2. Enter the Details
- Provide all the required information for the property and tenancy.
3. Upload Documents
- Attach the necessary documents (tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, NOC, etc.).
4. Submit the Request
- Send the cancellation request through the app.
5. Wait for Approval
- An email confirmation will be sent to you after the request is approved.
NB: Don’t forget DEWA. It is linked to your Ejari, so once it’s cancelled, request the final disconnection immediately to avoid paying for days you no longer live in the property.
What is Ejari, and why do I need to cancel it?
Ejari is the Dubai Land Department’s official system for registering tenancy contracts. Cancelling Ejari ensures your old lease is closed in the system. Without cancellation, you can’t register a new rental contract or disconnect utilities properly.
Who is responsible for cancelling Ejari – the landlord or the tenant?
By law, landlords are responsible for cancelling Ejari once a tenant moves out. However, many landlords ask tenants to handle it directly, especially if both parties agree. It’s best to confirm in writing who will process the cancellation to avoid delays.
Can I have more than one Ejari at the same time?
No. The system allows only one active Ejari per property and per tenant. That’s why cancelling the old one is mandatory before registering a new lease.
When should I cancel Ejari?
You should cancel it as soon as you move out or when the lease ends if you’re not renewing. Delaying cancellation can lead to utility charges and issues registering your next contract.
What documents are required for Ejari cancellation?
Typically, you’ll need:
- Emirates ID of tenant and landlord
- Ejari certificate or tenancy contract
- Tenant’s passport copy
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord
- Final DEWA bill marked “Paid” or green bill download
- Termination letter from the landlord
Can I cancel Ejari without the landlord’s NOC?
No. A No Objection Certificate is a mandatory document for cancellation. It confirms both parties agree the lease has ended.
What happens if I don’t cancel Ejari?
Your name stays tied to the property in the system. This can stop you from registering a new rental contract, delay utility disconnections, and cause issues for the landlord when renting to a new tenant.
Do I need to cancel DEWA before or after Ejari?
Cancel Ejari first, then immediately request DEWA or ADDC disconnection. Both are linked, so handling them together avoids extra bills.
Can Ejari be cancelled if the property is involved in a dispute?
No. If there’s a legal dispute, the system won’t allow cancellation until the issue is resolved. You’ll need to visit a Trustee Centre to handle the matter.
Is the Ejari cancellation process different for early termination?
The process is the same, but you’ll need the landlord’s NOC confirming the early termination and the final DEWA bill.
Can I cancel Ejari if I’m outside the UAE?
Yes, if you give the landlord or a representative a Power of Attorney to handle it on your behalf. The representative will need to submit the POA with the other documents.
Verdict
Cancelling Ejari isn’t just a small formality – it’s an important step that protects both tenants and landlords.
Without it, your rental record stays open in the system, which can block you from signing a new lease or even create problems with utilities and legal paperwork.
The process in 2025 is much simpler than it used to be, especially with the option to cancel online through the Dubai REST app or the DLD website.
Still, knowing the right documents to prepare and being aware of small hidden fees can save you from unnecessary stress and extra costs.
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: don’t wait. As soon as you hand over the keys or the lease ends, cancel Ejari and utilities together.
It’s a quick step that makes your move smooth and ensures you can start your next rental without any roadblocks.
Also See:
Rental Laws Every Tenant Should Know
Common Types of Rental Disputes in Dubai for Tenants
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