How To Register For Tawtheeq

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The system was introduced in 2011 to establish and maintain a register of tenancy contracts in the Capital

If you have ever rented an apartment in Abu Dhabi, you’ll likely have heard the term, “Tawtheeq.” This is Arabic for “attestation.” The Tawtheeq system was introduced in 2011 to establish and maintain a register of tenancy contracts in the Capital. Since its inception, Tawtheeq has provided a much-needed framework in order to safeguard the rights of landlords and tenants in relation to their properties in Abu Dhabi.

How To Register Tawtheeq

While the process is similar to Dubai’s Ejari, in Abu Dhabi, the registration of Tawtheeq is done by either the property owner or the real estate consultants managing the property on behalf of the owner rather than the tenant. The good news is Tawtheeq registration services are now 100% online. Landlords and property managers who are registering will need to open an account on the Abu Dhabi Municipality’s website. All Tawtheeq registration processes can be completed via the Smart Hub platform. If you prefer to register in person, you can visit the Customer Service Centre at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (Head Office) or one of the Municipality’s affiliated external centres or customer service outlets.

There is a standardized form for all tenancy contracts, which will include the necessary details about the rented property. If the information you enter in the form doesn’t match the information in the Municipality’s database or there are any other discrepancies in the submission, the Municipality will contact you to clarify and the form will need to be resubmitted.

Documents Required To Register Tawtheeq

Remember that in Abu Dhabi, it is the landlord (or property manager) who will register the contract, not the tenant. The documents required to register will depend on whether it is the landlord or a property management company who is carrying out the registration.

For Homeowners/Landlords

  • Account opening form
  • A valid passport copy of the owner and the authorised signatory or representative
  • A valid Emirates ID copy for the authorised signatory or representative
  • If the owner is a UAE national, a copy of the owner’s family book
  • A copy of the power of attorney for the property owner’s legal representative
  • A copy of the trade license if owned by a company
  • A copy of the notarised signature of the property owner (in cases where the property owner has opted for such)

Additional requirements if the property is owned by a company:

  • Soft copy of the property owner’s own tenancy contract and special terms and conditions, with a hard copy of it signed by the authorised signatory
  • A copy of the Chamber of Commerce and industry membership
  • A notarised power of attorney for signature authorisation or the company’s Articles of Association or a signed authorisation letter

For Property Managers/Management Company

  • Account opening form
  • A copy of the company’s trade license
  • A copy of the Chamber of Commerce and industry membership
  • A copy of the notarised power of attorney for signature authorisation or company’s Articles of Association or a signature authorisation letter
  • A valid passport copy of the authorised signatory (company’s legal representative)
  • A valid copy of the residence permit for authorised signatory (company’s legal representative)
  • A copy of the national ID card for authorised signatory (company’s legal representative)
  • Soft copy of the company’s own tenancy contract, in Arabic and English or Arabic only*, and special terms and conditions (if any) with a printed hard copy signed by the authorised signatory

Once the account is opened, additional documents will need to be submitted, including the tenancy forms, identification documents for the tenant, and copies of a valid Emirates ID.

Tawtheeq Fees

As your mother always said, nothing in life comes free — and doing paperwork in the UAE is no exception! There are a number of different fees associated with registering for Tawtheeq, some payable by the landlord and some by the tenant. The fee to register a leasable property in the Tawtheeq system for the first time is AED 1,000 per property, payable by the landlord. There is also a Leasable Unit Registration fee of AED 5.

For a new tenancy contract, the registration fees are AED 100, payable by the landlord. Any modifications, including early cancellations, are AED 50 payable by tenant or landlord. Subsequently, renewing a Tawtheeq is AED 100, payable by the landlord.

ADDC

In case you thought about skipping the expense or effort of Tawtheeq, your registered Tawtheeq contract is required in order to connect your electricity and water with the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC), so avoid sitting in the dark and get on it! Other property transactions and utility services will also require Tawtheeq registration so remember to update your Tawtheeq registration with any renewals, cancellations and amendments.

The next step after learning about Tawtheeq is to check all communities in Abu Dhabi on Property Finder to choose your home!

Helpful Links

For more information about Tawtheeq please contact the Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities.