Ejari for Short-Term Rentals: Do You Need it for 6-Month or Holiday Rentals?

Dubai’s rental landscape includes long-term leases, flexible short-term rentals, and licensed holiday homes. Because Ejari is mandatory for standard residential tenancy agreements, many tenants assume it applies to every rental. However, not all short-term arrangements fall under RERA’s tenancy regulations. Understanding the difference between residential leases and tourism-based stays is essential for knowing when Ejari is required. 

Do You Need Ejari for Short-Term or 6-Month Rentals?

Before exploring the exceptions, tenants must understand that the deciding factor for Ejari is the type of contract, not the duration.

Short-Term Tenancy Contracts and Ejari Requirements

A three- or six-month lease signed as a standard RERA tenancy contract needs to be registered with Ejari. The contract is enforceable by law even if the stay is a temporary one, and the contract therefore has to be registered. Short-term tenants who require official confirmation of their residence with DEWA for activation, visa renewal or banking services will count on Ejari to help them through these procedures. 

Short Stays Without Ejari Requirements

Certain temporary accommodations are exempt from Ejari as they are considered hospitality bookings and not residential tenancies. Holiday homes, serviced apartments, and hotel apartments are regulated by DTCM and provide booking confirmations and not tenancy contracts. Stays of up to several months also do not generate an Ejari, as the accommodation is classified as tourism-based and not residential. 

Do Holiday Homes, Airbnb, or Serviced Apartments Need Ejari?

Before distinguishing these categories, tenants should understand that Ejari applies only to RERA-regulated residential leases.

Holiday Homes and Airbnb Rentals

Holiday homes and Airbnb applications are considered under a tourism licence and, as such, do not provide Ejari. Guests get booking confirmations, rather than tenancy agreements, and the leasing is considered a tourism activity, no matter the length of the visit. Since these apartments are not regulated by RERA, Ejari is not applicable in this case. 

Serviced and Hotel Apartments

Serviced apartments and hotel apartments work much like a hotel. Their contracts are still based in hospitality even when the guests are booking for short-term rentals. These units offer services such as cleaning and concierge, and the rental arrangement is governed by tourism rules as opposed to residential tenancy laws. Consequently, Ejari is not required for serviced or hotel apartments. 

When Short-Term Ejari Becomes Mandatory

Before reviewing exceptions, tenants should understand that Ejari becomes mandatory only for residential tenancy agreements.

Residential Tenancies That Require Ejari

Ejari must be issued whenever a tenant signs a standard RERA tenancy contract, regardless of whether the lease is for short-term rentals, i.e. three months, six months, or a full year. If the stay is formalised as a residential tenancy, the landlord is obligated to register it. This ensures that the agreement has full legal standing and is recorded within RERA’s system.

When Tenants Need Proof of Residence

Many essential services in Dubai require Ejari as proof of address. Tenants who need to complete procedures such as opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, renewing a visa, sponsoring family members, or obtaining DEWA service must provide an Ejari certificate. Booking confirmations from holiday homes or serviced apartments are not accepted for these purposes, which is why some tenants prefer residential leases even for short stays.

How Landlords Handle Short-Term Ejari Contracts

Before navigating the registration process, landlords should understand that short-term Ejari follows the same rules as long-term contracts.

Documents and Process for Short-Term Ejari

Landlords are required to have ready all necessary documents, such as the tenancy contract, title deed and a copy of their identification, along with details of the property. The Ejari system makes no distinction between residential leases for a period of less than two years and those for a period of more than two years for registration purposes; the procedure is the same. For the landlord, proper documentation allows them to stay compliant and avoid any potential delays. 

Why Landlords Register Short-Term Ejari

A lot of landlords do Ejari registration for short-term rentals to avoid fines and get legal cover. Ejari registration makes rent and deposit terms and obligations clear, so there is less room for disputes. Even for a stay as short as a few months, Ejari brings structure to the arrangement, and the two parties stand protected if there are any misunderstandings or disputes.

Benefits of Registering Ejari for Short-Term Tenants

Before considering alternatives, tenants should recognise the advantages that Ejari provides during short stays.

Legal Proof of Residence and Official Services

Ejari offers legally recognised proof of residence, which is essential for many government and private services. Short-term tenants who need DEWA activation, visa processing, banking, or vehicle registration rely on Ejari to complete these tasks. Because booking confirmations do not hold legal weight, residential tenants benefit significantly from having Ejari documentation.

Legal Protection and Clarity

Ejari provides structure and enforceability. When a contract is registered within RERA’s system, both landlord and tenant have a clear legal reference for rights, responsibilities, and financial terms. This level of clarity and protection is particularly valuable for short-term tenants who want reliable housing arrangements supported by legal documentation.

Conclusion

Short-term rentals in Dubai fall into two main categories: residential leases and tourism-based accommodations. Ejari becomes mandatory when a tenant signs a standard residential tenancy contract, regardless of whether the lease lasts three, six, or twelve months. Holiday homes, serviced apartments, hotel apartments, and Airbnb stays do not require Ejari because they operate under DTCM and issue booking confirmations rather than tenancy contracts. Understanding these distinctions helps tenants select suitable accommodations and allows landlords to remain compliant with RERA regulations. For anyone needing official proof of residence or clear legal protection, knowing when Ejari applies is essential.

FAQs

Do all short-term leases require Ejari?

No, only residential tenancy contracts require Ejari.

Is Ejari needed for a 6-month lease?

Yes, if the lease is issued under the standard RERA tenancy format.

Is Ejari issued for Airbnb or holiday homes?

No, these units operate under DTCM and do not issue Ejari.

Can tenants request Ejari for short-term stays?

Yes, as long as the landlord is offering a residential tenancy contract.