Tenancy contracts Abu Dhabi — How to Register for Tawtheeq

Introduced in 2011, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi plays a critical role in regulating tenancy contracts. This streamlined online system ensures tenant and landlord rights, enhancing transparency and accountability across rental transactions. 

Understanding Tawtheeq is essential as it impacts access to utility services and guarantees the legal integrity of rental transactions. Here, we will break down the essentials of the Tawtheeq system, from registration to renewal, amendments and more.

• What Is Tawtheeq?
• Registering Tenancy Contracts with Tawtheeq
• Tawtheeq Renewal Process
• Amending Tawtheeq Tenancy Contracts
• Closing a Tawtheeq Contract
• Cancelling a Tawtheeq Contract
• FAQs

What Is Tawtheeq?

Tawtheeq is a tenancy contract registration system managed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). It was created to establish a reliable database of all rental agreements within the emirate, ensuring legal protection for landlords and tenants. For both parties, registering a contract with Tawtheeq is a key step to securing legal recognition of their rental arrangement.

Purpose of Tawtheeq

The main goal of Tawtheeq is to safeguard the rights of landlords and tenants through proper contract documentation. By registering contracts, the DMT ensures:

• Transparency in rental transactions.
• Easy access to information on property rentals.
• Protection of both parties’ rights in case of disputes.
• Facilitated access to other government services, such as utilities and renewals.

Registering Tenancy Contracts with Tawtheeq

The responsibility for registering a tenancy contract in Abu Dhabi lies with the landlord or property management company. Tenants are generally not required to complete this step but should ensure the registration is completed to secure their rights. Registration is conducted online through the SmartHub platform, accessible on the DMT website.

Steps to Register

Here are the steps to register a tenancy contract with Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi.

1. Create an Account

Landlords or property managers must open an account on the SmartHub platform.

2. Complete the Form

A standardised form requires details about the rental property and parties involved.

3. Submit Required Documents

This includes tenant ID, passport copy and any relevant municipality permits.

4. Pay the Fees

Registration fees vary depending on property type and contract length.

Required Documents

To register a tenancy contract, the following documents are typically required:

• Passport or Emirates ID of the tenant
• Approval from the Residential Privacy Committee
• Official letter
• Property details
• Municipality permits (if needed)
• Proof of authorisation (for property management companies)
• Company trade licence copy (for companies registered outside Abu Dhabi) with declaring owner 
• Attested power of attorney for tenant (in case of service from a third party)

The SmartHub platform provides all necessary instructions and templates for landlords to follow.

Registration Fees

The fees for registering a property and tenancy contract under Tawtheeq are as follows:

• Property Registration: AED 900 per property, payable by the landlord.
• Unit Registration: AED 5 per unit within the property.
• New Tenancy Contract: AED 50 per year for a new contract registration.
• Contract Renewal: AED 50 annually, also the landlord’s responsibility.

These fees apply to contracts with a duration of less than four years. For longer-term contracts, an additional 1% of the first-year lease value may be applied.

Additional Costs

• For tenants renting industrial land or government-leased properties, an additional fee of 5% of the lease value applies. The total fee depends on the property type and usage.

• Municipal Charges: 5% of the total rental value to be paid by the tenant during the registration/renewal of the tenancy contract for the government-leased properties. 
• Municipal Charges: 5% of the total rental value to be paid by the tenant along with the electricity bill (instalments) through the distribution companies of the Department of Energy against the registration procedures of the tenancy contract.

Tawtheeq Renewal Process

If a tenancy contract needs to be renewed, it must 

Steps for Renewal

• Access the SmartHub platform using UAE Pass.
• Submit the renewal application by uploading the previous contract and any updated information.
• Pay the contract renewal fee, that is, AED 50 per year.
• Lastly, you’ll receive the updated contract digitally once approved.

Amending Tawtheeq Tenancy Contracts

Amendments may be necessary for various reasons, such as updating tenant details, adding occupants or changing rental amounts. Fortunately, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi allows landlords to request amendments easily.

Amendment Process

• Use the UAE Pass to log in to SmartHub.
• Navigate to the ‘Contract Amendment’ section.
• Make the required updates and submit supporting documents.
• Lastly, you’ll receive the updated contract. No additional fee is required for amendments.

Closing a Tawtheeq Contract

Once a tenancy contract expires or if it is terminated early, landlords can close the contract through Tawtheeq. Closing a contract helps clear the property record for future rentals.

Required Steps

• The landlord initiates the process on Tawtheeq after logging in with UAE Pass.
• Submit the closure application and attach a document confirming the handover of keys and utility closure.
• You’ll receive a digital notification confirming the closure of the tenancy contract.

This service has no additional fees and the process typically takes a single business day.

Cancelling a Tawtheeq Contract

When a rental agreement terminates before its expiration date, you must cancel the Tawtheeq contract. This helps keep the system updated and ensures no unresolved contracts remain.

Process for Cancellation

• The landlord or authorised agent logs in to Tawtheeq using UAE Pass.
• Submit the cancellation application. It requires no supporting documents.
• You’ll receive an electronic notice confirming the cancellation.

There is no fee for cancelling a tenancy contract through Tawtheeq.

FAQs

Tawtheeq tenancy contracts have streamlined rental processes in Abu Dhabi, providing legal protection for both landlords and tenants. The registration, renewal and amendment processes are accessible online, making it easy for landlords to comply with regulations. 

By understanding Tawtheeq’s requirements, landlords and tenants can enjoy a smoother rental experience in Abu Dhabi’s property market. 

If you are moving to Dubai, learn about Ejari registration in Dubai. Moreover, you can find out the differences between Ejari and Tawtheeq.

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