Ejari Cancellation in Dubai: Process, Fees & Online Steps

When you move out of a rental property in Dubai, cancelling your Ejari registration is just as important as registering it was when you moved in. An active Ejari on your old property can block your new landlord from registering their tenancy and create complications with DEWA and government services. This guide explains exactly when and how to cancel your Ejari.

When Should You Cancel Your Ejari Registration?

You should cancel your Ejari registration when your tenancy contract ends and you are moving out of the property, when you are terminating a lease early by mutual agreement, or when you are being evicted under a valid RERA-approved notice period.

Cancelling Ejari is the final administrative step when leaving a rental property. Here are the specific situations that require cancellation:

• End of tenancy: Your lease has expired and you are not renewing — you are moving to a new property
• Early termination: You and your landlord have agreed to end the lease before the contract expiry date
• Eviction: The landlord has issued a valid 12-month eviction notice under RERA regulations
• Property sale: The property is being sold and the new owner is not continuing the tenancy
• Contract amendment: You are making significant changes to your tenancy that require cancellation and re-registration

If you are moving to a new rental property in Dubai, cancel your old Ejari before or on the day you move out. This allows your new landlord to register the property under a new tenant. As a company that has handled 15,000+ moves across Dubai, we consistently advise clients to include Ejari cancellation on their moving-out checklist alongside final DEWA readings and booking professional movers.

How Much Does Ejari Cancellation Cost?

Ejari cancellation costs AED 30 when done online through the Dubai REST app, covering the cancellation processing fee — typing centres charge AED 50-100 for the same cancellation service including their handling fee.

The official government fee is minimal. The variation at typing centres reflects their service charges, which are not regulated. If cost is a concern, use the Dubai REST app — it is the cheapest and fastest option.

What Documents Do You Need to Cancel Ejari?

To cancel Ejari you need your existing Ejari certificate or Ejari number, your Emirates ID, passport and visa copies, and ideally a signed tenancy termination letter or mutual agreement from your landlord confirming the end of tenancy.

Required Documents

• Ejari certificate or Ejari number: Your current active Ejari registration details
• Tenant Emirates ID: Valid and current
• Tenant passport and visa: Copies of both
• Tenancy termination letter: A letter from the landlord or mutual agreement confirming the tenancy has ended (recommended but not always mandatory for online cancellation)

In most cases, only the tenant needs to initiate the cancellation. However, some typing centres may ask for the landlord's confirmation. Online cancellation through the Dubai REST app typically requires only the tenant's credentials and Ejari number.

How Do You Cancel Ejari Online Step-by-Step?

Log into the Dubai REST app with UAE Pass, navigate to Ejari services, select "Cancel Ejari," enter your Ejari number, confirm the cancellation details, pay the AED 30 fee, and receive a cancellation confirmation within 24 hours.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Open the Dubai REST app on your phone and log in using UAE Pass
2. Navigate to Ejari Services in the app menu
3. Select "Cancel Ejari" or "Contract Cancellation"
4. Enter your Ejari number — the system will display your current registration details
5. Confirm the cancellation — review the property address, contract dates, and your details
6. Select the cancellation reason — end of contract, early termination, or other applicable reason
7. Pay the AED 30 cancellation fee via debit or credit card
8. Save the cancellation confirmation — download or screenshot the confirmation for your records

Keep the cancellation confirmation as proof. You may need it when your final security deposit refund is processed by your landlord, or if any disputes arise after you have vacated the property.

What Common Issues Arise During Ejari Cancellation?

The most common Ejari cancellation issues include landlords refusing to cooperate with the process, outstanding DEWA balances blocking cancellation, incorrect Ejari numbers, and system errors when the original registration data does not match current records.

• Landlord non-cooperation: Some landlords delay or refuse Ejari cancellation. If this happens, you can file a complaint with RERA by calling 800-4488 or visiting a Trustee Centre. RERA can facilitate the cancellation.
• DEWA balance issues: While DEWA and Ejari are technically separate systems, unresolved DEWA disputes can sometimes complicate the process. Clear your DEWA final bill before cancelling Ejari.
• Lost Ejari number: If you cannot find your Ejari certificate, retrieve your Ejari number through the Dubai REST app using your Emirates ID.
• System errors: If the online system shows errors, try again later or visit a Trustee Centre for in-person processing.

When planning your move-out, coordinate Ejari cancellation with your other tasks. Schedule your residential movers for the same week you cancel DEWA and Ejari. Our 4.9-star rated team can help you create a smooth move-out timeline — call us at +971 55 301 3309 to discuss your specific needs.

What Happens After You Cancel Ejari?

After Ejari cancellation, your tenancy is no longer registered with RERA, DEWA services on that property can be transferred to the next tenant, your security deposit refund process can begin, and you are free to register a new Ejari at your next property.

Important steps after cancellation:

1. Confirm with your landlord that they have received the cancellation confirmation
2. Request your security deposit refund — landlords should return this within 30-60 days of tenancy end
3. Register new Ejari at your next property (see our Ejari registration guide)
4. Update your address with your employer, bank, and other institutions
5. Keep records — save your cancellation confirmation for at least one year

If you are moving to a new area like Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah, remember that your new Ejari registration is a separate process from cancelling the old one. Both steps are essential for a clean transition between properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel Ejari If My Tenancy Contract Has Not Expired?

Yes, you can cancel Ejari before your tenancy contract expiry date if both you and your landlord agree to an early termination. You will need a mutual termination agreement or an early termination letter from the landlord. Some tenancy contracts include an early termination clause that specifies the notice period and any penalty — typically two months rent. If you are breaking the lease without the landlord's agreement, the landlord can refuse the Ejari cancellation, and you may need to resolve the dispute through RERA's Rental Disputes Centre before cancellation can proceed.

Does My Landlord Need to Be Involved in Ejari Cancellation?

In most cases, the tenant can initiate Ejari cancellation independently through the Dubai REST app without requiring the landlord's direct involvement in the process. However, the landlord receives a notification of the cancellation. If the landlord disputes the cancellation — for example, claiming the tenancy is still active — RERA may hold the cancellation pending resolution. It is always best practice to inform your landlord before cancelling and get their written agreement that the tenancy has ended to avoid any complications during the cancellation process.

What If There Is Already an Active Ejari When I Move Into a New Property?

If the previous tenant did not cancel their Ejari on the property you are moving into, you will not be able to register your new Ejari. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring the previous Ejari is cancelled before you move in. If the previous tenant is unresponsive, the landlord can contact RERA to force the cancellation using the tenancy termination documentation. Before signing any new tenancy contract, ask your landlord to confirm that the property's Ejari status is clear — this prevents delays with your DEWA connection and other move-in tasks.

How Long Does Ejari Cancellation Take to Process?

Online Ejari cancellation through the Dubai REST app typically processes within 24 hours, and you receive a digital confirmation that can be downloaded immediately after approval. In-person cancellation at a Trustee Centre or typing centre is usually completed on the same day, with the cancellation certificate issued within 30-60 minutes. If there are complications such as a landlord dispute or system errors, the process can take several days to resolve. For a smooth experience, cancel during normal business hours on weekdays when RERA support staff are available to assist with any issues.