Do I need Ejari to connect DEWA?

Yes. DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) requires a valid Ejari certificate for new connections and account transfers. Without Ejari, you cannot get water and electricity in your name.

What if my landlord refuses to register Ejari for DEWA?

Send a formal written notice demanding registration within 14 days. If they refuse, file a complaint with RERA or the RDC. You can also report the issue to DEWA directly.

Can I use the landlord DEWA account temporarily?

Some landlords leave DEWA in their name, but this is risky. A landlord deliberately cutting services is prohibited (Article 34 of Law 26/2007), but if the account is in their name, unpaid bills or a dispute can still lead to disconnection and are harder to resolve. Always insist on DEWA transfer to your name via Ejari.

Can You Connect DEWA Without Ejari in Dubai?

Moving into a new rental in Dubai and need to connect utilities? DEWA requires Ejari: and here is what to do if you do not have it yet.

DEWA Connection Requirements

To connect or transfer DEWA services, you need:

Valid Ejari certificate
Emirates ID or passport
Security deposit (refundable): AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas
Connection fee

Why DEWA Requires Ejari

DEWA uses Ejari to verify that you are the legitimate tenant and to bill the correct person. Without Ejari:

You cannot open a DEWA account in your name
The previous tenant's account may still be active (and billing them)
Unpaid bills on the landlord's account can lead to disconnection (deliberate disconnection by the landlord is prohibited under Article 34; report it to the police and file at the RDC)

What to Do If You Cannot Get Ejari

Demand registration: Send a formal notice using our Ejari demand notice generator
Report to RERA: Contact DLD/RERA customer service on 800 4488
File at the RDC: File a case to compel registration
Contact DEWA: Explain the situation; they may provide temporary solutions

Risks of Using the Landlord's DEWA Account

Some tenants use the landlord's account as a workaround. This is risky:

The landlord controls the account, so bill disputes can lead to disconnection (though deliberately cutting services is prohibited under Article 34)
You cannot prove utility payment history
Disputes over bills are harder to resolve

Can You Connect DEWA Without Ejari in Dubai?

DEWA Connection Requirements

Why DEWA Requires Ejari

What to Do If You Cannot Get Ejari

Risks of Using the Landlord's DEWA Account

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