If you’re renting a property in Dubai and want to transfer the lease to your spouse, it is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. It could transfer the lease of apartment to spouse. This would be considered a simple transfer or if it would require a new lease and possible rent increase.
A Celica Escobar, a property consultant at AX Capital, according to Escobar, transferring the lease is possible, but it depends on the landlord’s cooperation.
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What Tenants Should Know About Transfer a Lease to Spouse
- If the landlord agrees, the transfer can be done without much hassle.
- However, if the landlord treats it as a new lease, the rent may increase based on Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) index or other terms mentioned in the lease agreement.
If the landlord insists on increasing the rent according to RERA’s rules, tenants must comply. However, Escobar advises trying to negotiate with the landlord to avoid complications.
Steps to Transfer a Lease to Spouse
- Get a new tenancy contract signed by both parties.
- Provide a copy of the spouse’s passport and Emirates ID.
- Update cheques, unless the couple has a joint account.
- Obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord, explaining the reason for the change and allowing the couple to cancel the current lease and issue a new Ejari under the spouse’s name.
There are no termination fees involved since the tenants are not leaving the property, just changing the name on the lease. After transferring the Ejari, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) account will also need to be updated.
The entire process can be completed by visiting a trustee office with the necessary documents, including the title deed and the landlord’s Emirates ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Ejari be transferred?
Yes, Ejari can be transferred to a new tenant or between spouses, with the landlord’s approval and updated documents.
Q: How to transfer lease in NYC?
In NYC, transferring (assigning) a lease requires landlord approval, and you may need to find a qualified replacement tenant. Subletting is another option if assignment is not allowed.
Q: Can you put two names on Ejari?
Yes, you can list two names (such as spouses) on the Ejari contract, provided both individuals are included in the tenancy agreement.
Q: Can someone do Ejari on your behalf?
Yes, someone can complete Ejari on your behalf if you provide them with the necessary documents and a Power of Attorney.
Q: How do I add my wife to Ejari?
To add your wife, you’ll need to update the tenancy contract, provide both IDs, and submit the new Ejari application through a trustee office or the Dubai Land Department portal.
Q: How to change name in tenancy contract in Dubai?
To change the name in the tenancy contract, you need the landlord’s approval, a new contract, and updated documents (Emirates ID, passport, etc.) for Ejari registration.
Q: How many Ejari can one person have in the UAE?
There is no official limit on the number of Ejari contracts a person can have, but each tenancy contract needs to be registered separately.
Final Thoughts
In short, transferring a lease in Dubai is possible with the landlord’s agreement and cooperation, but it’s important to review the lease terms and discuss rent changes if necessary.
