Key updates (effective from 01.04.2023)
- Brokers can no longer update an owner’s data when creating Form A (Marketing Contract). Owner contact details can be updated only by the owner or by an authorized representative holding a Power of Attorney (POA).
- For Form F (Sale Contract / MOU), a feature has been added to upload the full document package in advance before visiting the Registration Office, to avoid delays caused by “missing paperwork”.
- Form F now displays any outstanding service charge amount on the property, to ensure transparency and protect all parties.
- DLD has prepared a training video on how to use the “smart unified contract system” (available on DLD’s official YouTube channel).
1) Updating the owner’s details (Form A): how to do it correctly
If the owner is in the UAE
How to update contact details:
- The owner (or POA holder) visits an official Registration Trustee or Property Trustee center.
- Request an update of the contact number / email / owner details so that Form A can be created without blocks or rejections.
Broker checklist before creating Form A:
- Confirm with the owner that their phone/email is up to date in the DLD system.
- If there is any doubt, ask the owner to update their details before signing Form A.
- Verify that the POA (if an authorized representative is involved) is valid and acceptable.
If the owner is outside the UAE
Important: the update is done remotely through DLD services, following DLD rules.
Typically, requests are accepted only from the owner or an official POA holder. Brokers should plan extra time for compliance checks and confirmations.
Message to the owner (template):
To issue the Form A marketing contract, DLD requires the owner’s contact details to be updated by the owner themselves or by their authorized POA representative. Please update your phone/email through DLD trustee services. Once the update is completed, we will proceed with Form A immediately.
2) Form F without delays: uploading documents in advance
Why this matters
So that it doesn’t turn out at the Registration Office that:
- NOC / passport / Emirates ID / statements are missing,
- documents are in the wrong format,
- mandatory confirmations were not completed.
What brokers and parties should do
- Prepare the package in advance (see the checklist below).
- Upload the documents in the system and link them to the upcoming Form F.
- Before the visit, confirm the status is “complete / accepted” and there are no “missing documents”.
Document checklist (minimum, typical)
Buyer:
- Passport, Emirates ID (if available), proof of payment/manager’s cheque (if required), and details needed for the contract.
Seller:
- Passport/Emirates ID, title deed (or property details), property-related confirmations, and POA if applicable.
Property/transaction:
- NOC (if required), confirmation that there are no obstacles to transfer, payment documents, and any additional paperwork required by the specific property/developer/bank.
3) Outstanding service charges in Form F: how to use this in negotiations
What it means
When creating Form F, the system may now display outstanding service charges on the property (amounts owed to the building management/developer).
How to handle it correctly
- If there is a balance due: agree who pays it and when (most commonly the seller before transfer, or it is deducted from the settlement amount).
- Record it in writing in Form F / an addendum:
- the outstanding amount,
- the payment deadline,
- the source of funds,
- a clear statement that the transaction will not proceed to registration until the balance is cleared (or as otherwise agreed).
Practical risk-reduction tip
- Request a “clearance / statement” from the seller before the final appointment, so you don’t face a transfer rejection at the last step.
4) Common mistakes that cause deals to fall through
- The owner did not update phone/email → Form A cannot be created correctly.
- A POA exists but does not meet requirements (expired, insufficient authority, not accepted).
- Form F documents are collected at the last minute → registration is postponed.
- Outstanding service charges were not addressed → dispute between parties at the final step.
5) FAQ
Who can update the owner’s details for Form A now?
Only the owner or their official POA holder. A broker cannot do this on the owner’s behalf.
What are Unified contracts A–B–F?
This is DLD’s unified system for contracts:
- Form A — Marketing contract (seller–broker)
- Form B — Buyer representation contract (buyer–broker)
- Form F — Sale contract / MOU (buyer–seller)
Why upload documents in advance for Form F?
To prevent delays and rejections caused by “missing documents”.
Why is it important to see outstanding service charges?
This protects both parties: the buyer understands the property’s obligations, and the seller can settle any balance that could block the transfer.