{
    "entity_type": "page",
    "name": "Dubai Real Estate Glossary: DLD, RERA, Ejari, Oqood and 230+ terms",
    "url": "https://continentalclub.ae/dubai-real-estate-glossary/",
    "language": "en",
    "description": "Dubai real estate terms explained: DLD, RERA, Ejari, Oqood, Trakheesi, escrow, Forms A/B/F and 230+ more. Short definitions, October 2026.",
    "published_at": "2026-10-27T22:05:38+00:00",
    "updated_at": "2026-10-27T22:05:38+00:00",
    "publisher": {
        "name": "Continental Club Property LLC",
        "orn": "31933",
        "url": "https://continentalclub.ae/"
    },
    "faq": [],
    "markdown": "https://continentalclub.ae/dubai-real-estate-glossary.md",
    "content_md": "Dubai real estate terms — DLD, RERA, Ejari, Oqood, Trakheesi, escrow, Forms A/B/F and more — with short definitions. This is the open version of the glossary Continental Club brokers learn from; information as of October 2026.\n\nTerms: 238\n\n## #\n\n### 90-Day Notice\n\nNotice of changes to the terms of a Tenancy Contract upon its renewal (including rent): the party wishing to change the terms must notify the other party no later than 90 days before the contract expires — Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008.\n\nMore details: Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007\n\n## A\n\n### A2A — Agent to Agent Agreement\n\nAn agreement between two agencies on a joint deal: one represents the seller, the other the buyer; it records whose client it is and how the commission is split. Until the A2A is signed, the owner’s details and the exact unit are not disclosed to the other agent.\n\n### Addendum\n\nA supplementary agreement to a contract (most often a tenancy contract or Contract F) for special terms: furniture inventory, number of cheques, termination rules, payment by a third party. Anything not written in the contract or Addendum is governed by law.\n\n### Additional Conditions\n\nThese are special terms or provisions added to the main property sale and purchase agreement (for example, **Contract F**) . These terms may include specific requirements of the parties, such as deadlines for fulfilling certain obligations, repair works, obtaining approvals from authorities, or payment clarifications. Additional conditions must be agreed by both parties and form an integral, legally binding part of the agreement\n\n### Administrative Fee\n\nAdministrative costs of property management.\n\n### Advertisement Permit\n\n**Advertising permit** — A permit obtained through Trakheesi for a specific advertisement.\n\n### Amicable Settlement\n\n**Amicable settlement** — A procedure for attempting to settle a dispute between parties without court proceedings.\n\n### AML — Anti-Money Laundering\n\nAnti-money laundering requirements: the agency verifies the client and the source of funds (KYC), follows the limits on cash payments and keeps the documents of every deal for regulator checks.\n\n### Amount Paid\n\nThe amount already paid.\n\n### Annexation\n\nAnnexation of part of a property or land plot.\n\n### Area Variation\n\nThe difference between the stated and actual area of a property.\n\n### Assignment\n\nAssignment of contractual rights to another buyer.\n\n### Average Rental Value\n\n**Average rental value** — The calculated average rental level for comparable properties.\n\n## B\n\n### Bank Guarantee\n\nA bank guarantee.\n\n### Bank NOC\n\nA bank’s consent to a specified action concerning a property.\n\n### Bayut\n\nA platform for searching for property in the UAE and the Middle East\n\n### Beneficial Right\n\nThe right to derive benefit from a property.\n\n### Booking Deposit\n\nA deposit paid upon booking.\n\n### Booking Form\n\nA booking form.\n\n### Broker Card\n\nAn electronic real estate broker card issued by RERA. Procedure: obtain a brokerage licence, register it in the Trakheesi system, submit a card application there and pay the fee — after this, an electronic card is issued.\n\nMore details: RERA Brokerage Practice Guide, chapter “How to Obtain a Broker Card”\n\n### Broker Classification\n\nClassification and assessment of brokers.\n\n### Broker Ethics\n\nProfessional ethical requirements for a broker.\n\n### Broker Registration Number — BRN\n\nA broker registration number.\n\n### Brokerage Agreement\n\nAn agreement for brokerage services.\n\n### Brokerage Office\n\n**Brokerage company** — A licensed real estate agency.\n\n### Brokerage Office Classification\n\nClassification of real estate agencies.\n\n### BUA — Built-up Area\n\nTotal built-up area.\n\n### Buyer\n\n**Buyer** — The party acquiring the property.\n\n### Bylaw No. 85 of 2006\n\nBylaw No. 85 of 2006 concerning the Register of Real Estate Brokers in Dubai: the requirements for registration of brokers and brokerage offices, their obligations to clients, and sanctions for violations.\n\nMore details: Bylaw No. 85 of 2006 (translation)\n\n## C\n\n### Cancellation\n\nTermination by the developer of an off-plan sale contract because the buyer has been overdue with payments for a long time. The unit returns to the developer and can be resold; the buyer loses part of the amount paid under the SPA terms.\n\n### Capital Appreciation\n\nGrowth in a property’s value over time — the income an investor gets by selling above the purchase price, as opposed to rental income (yield).\n\n### Card Broker\n\nThe same as a Broker Card — an electronic real estate broker card issued by RERA through the Trakheesi system. Only brokers holding a card may conduct transactions in Dubai.\n\n### Certificate Number\n\nThe number of a title certificate or registration document.\n\n### Chiller\n\nA charge for the building’s district cooling — a cost for the owner or tenant separate from DEWA and the service charge. Buildings without a separate cooling bill are called Chiller Free.\n\n### Chiller Free\n\nA term meaning that air-conditioning costs are included in the rent\n\n### Cold Calling\n\nA cold call to an owner or client.\n\n### Commercial Property\n\n**Commercial property** — A property intended for commercial use.\n\n### Commission\n\n**Commission** — Remuneration of a broker or agency for services provided.\n\n### Common Areas\n\nCommon areas: lobby, corridors, swimming pool, shared parking, etc.\n\n### Common Facilities\n\nShared project facilities.\n\n### Comparable Property\n\n**Comparable property** — A similar property used for value comparison.\n\n### Completion Certificate\n\n**Completion Certificate** — A document confirming completion of a property in accordance with the established requirements.\n\n### Completion Date\n\nThe actual or official construction completion date.\n\n### Construction Progress\n\nThe actual percentage of construction works completed.\n\n### Contract A\n\nA standard agreement form executed between a property seller and an agent (or real estate agency) representing the seller’s interests. This agreement sets out the agent’s terms of engagement, including the commission amount, obligations for marketing the property, and the term of the agreement. Contract A also establishes that the agent is entitled to offer the property on the market and interact with prospective buyers on behalf of the seller.\n\n### Contract B\n\nA standard agreement form executed between a property buyer and an agent (or real estate agency) representing the buyer’s interests. This agreement describes the agent’s obligations to find suitable properties, assist in negotiations with sellers, and the agent’s remuneration terms. Contract B specifies that the agent will act in the buyer’s interests when searching for and acquiring property\n\n### Contract F\n\nA standard sale and purchase agreement form executed between a property buyer and seller. This contract contains all key transaction terms, including the purchase price, payment terms, property transfer deadlines and other obligations of the parties. Contract F is signed by both parties once an agreement has been reached and is used for the official registration of the transaction with DLD\n\n### Conveyancing\n\nDeal support by a specialised company: preparing documents, cheques and the transfer at the Trustee Office. Such a company can issue a bank cheque in its own name if the client has no account with a UAE bank.\n\n## D\n\n### Defect Liability Period\n\nThe period during which the developer rectifies specified defects.\n\n### Developer\n\n**Developer** — A company carrying out real estate development.\n\n### Developer Contribution\n\nThe developer’s own funds contributed to the project.\n\n### Development Agreement\n\nA development agreement between the landowner and the developer.\n\n### DEWA\n\nDubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) — a government company responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as water supply in Dubai. For residents and property owners, connection to DEWA and timely payment of electricity and water bills are mandatory. When purchasing or renting accommodation in Dubai, it is necessary to open a DEWA account and pay a deposit, after which regular bills are issued based on actual utility consumption. Website: [https://www.dewa.gov.ae](https://www.dewa.gov.ae/)\n\n### DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre\n\nDubai’s international financial centre — a free zone with its own courts working on the English common-law model. One of the types of property wills in the UAE is registered through the DIFC registry.\n\n### Disbursement\n\nAn authorised withdrawal or payment of funds from escrow.\n\n### Disbursement Mechanism\n\nThe procedure for releasing escrow funds depending on project progress.\n\n### Distress Sale\n\nAn urgent sale noticeably below market because the owner needs money fast — for example, a developer payment is due and cannot be covered. Not the same as an illiquid unit: in a distress sale the property itself is fine.\n\n### DLD\n\nA government organisation responsible for managing and overseeing property transactions in Dubai. DLD handles property registration, ensures legal compliance and regulates transactions in the real estate market https://www.dubailand.gov.ae\n\n### Dubai REST\n\n**Dubai REST application** — The official DLD application: properties, brokers, agreements, Green List, off-plan projects and other services.\n\n### DXB Interact\n\nA government portal with a property’s history\n\n## E\n\n### E-marketing Contract\n\nAn electronic marketing agreement.\n\n### Ejari\n\n“An electronic tenancy registration system developed by DLD and managed by RERA. Ejari is mandatory for all tenancy agreements in Dubai and is intended to ensure their legal validity and transparency. **Website**: [https://www.ejari.ae](https://www.ejari.ae)“\n\n### Emirates ID\n\nThe UAE resident identity card. Used when signing contracts, registering Ejari, completing KYC and deals; non-residents use a passport instead.\n\n### EOI\n\n“Expression Of Interest” — literally, an expression of interest. This is a document expressing a buyer’s intention to purchase a particular property. In this document, the buyer states their purchase terms and may pay a deposit to confirm the seriousness of their intentions. An EOI is not a legally binding agreement, but demonstrates the buyer’s willingness to enter into a transaction on the proposed terms.\n\nUsing an EOI gives the seller an understanding that the buyer is interested in the property and makes it possible to begin a more detailed discussion of the transaction terms before signing the final agreement (for example, SPA)\n\n### Escrow Account\n\nAn escrow account opened by developers to receive payments from buyers during the construction stage. The account is controlled by DLD and ensures that funds are used only for construction of the project, minimising risks for buyers.\n\n### Escrow Account Trustee / Account Custodian\n\nA bank or organisation servicing a project’s escrow account.\n\n### Escrow Agent\n\nAn escrow agent is a bank or financial institution certified by DLD to manage a project’s escrow account: buyers deposit money for off-plan properties into this account (Law No. 8 of 2007).\n\nMore details: Law No. 8 of 2007 on Escrow Accounts\n\n### Exclusive Listing\n\nThe exclusive right of one agency or broker to work with a property.\n\n## F\n\n### Finance Company\n\nA licensed company providing financing.\n\n### Financial Solvency\n\nThe developer’s financial capacity to fulfil its obligations.\n\n### Financing\n\nFinancing of a property purchase.\n\n### Freehold\n\nA type of ownership under which the owner has full rights to the land plot and the property on it. In Dubai, there are designated areas where foreign nationals may acquire property on a freehold basis.\n\n### Freehold Area\n\n**Freehold area** — An area in which the relevant ownership regime applies.\n\n### Future Installments\n\nAn SOA line: scheduled payments that are not yet due. This is not debt but the future balance; in an assignment the buyer usually takes it over on the developer’s schedule.\n\n## G\n\n### GFA — Gross Floor Area\n\nTotal floor area.\n\n### Gift / Grant\n\nTransfer of property without a sale.\n\n### GIS Dubai\n\nDubai’s official geographic (cadastral) map: for each plot it shows the permitted use and building height. Brokers use it to check whether future construction could block a unit’s view.\n\n### Golden Visa\n\nA long-term (10-year) UAE residence visa, including for property investment (threshold from AED 2 million). Rules for co-owners and off-plan units change — check with ICP/GDRFA on the date of the deal.\n\n### Green List\n\n**Green List** — A Dubai REST service containing details of owners who have agreed to receive contact from brokers.\n\n### Gross Area\n\nThe total area calculated in accordance with the project rules and documentation.\n\n## H\n\n### Handover\n\nProperty handover is the process of officially transferring ownership from the developer or seller to the new owner after construction is completed or the transaction is concluded. At Handover, the buyer receives the keys and the property becomes their ownership. The process includes a final inspection of the property (snagging), obtaining all necessary documents and paying the outstanding amounts under the agreement. Handover is an important stage in completing a real estate transaction, as it is from this point that the buyer becomes the full owner\n\n### Handover Notice\n\nA developer’s notice that the property is ready for handover.\n\n### Holiday Home\n\nShort-term (daily) rental of a home in Dubai — a licensed activity (permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism), unlike a regular rental through Ejari. Either the owner with a permit or a specialised operator can rent it out.\n\n## I\n\n### Inheritance Transfer\n\nTransfer of property by inheritance.\n\n### Initial Contract of Sale\n\nThe initial sale and purchase agreement.\n\n### Initial Mortgage\n\nA mortgage registered against a property in the provisional register.\n\n### Initial Sale\n\nThe initial sale of a property by a developer to a buyer.\n\n### Insurance Charge\n\nCosts of insuring common property.\n\n### Interim Real Property Register\n\nThe Interim Real Property Register of the Land Department (DLD), introduced by Law No. 13 of 2008: it records sale agreements for off-plan properties before the issuance of a Title Deed. In practice, registration in it is known as Oqood; this same register is described in the glossary as the Provisional Register.\n\nMore details: Law No. 13 of 2008 on the Interim Real Property Register\n\n### Investor Compensation Mechanism\n\nA mechanism for investor protection and compensation.\n\n## J\n\n### Joint Owner\n\n**Joint owner** — One of several registered owners of a property.\n\n### Jointly Owned Property — JOP\n\nProperty with joint ownership of parts of a building or complex.\n\n## K\n\n### KYC\n\nKnow Your Customer. The “Know Your Customer” process is a mandatory procedure for identifying and verifying a client’s identity before concluding a transaction. It includes collecting and analysing client information, such as identification, residential address and financial position, in order to prevent fraud and money laundering.\n\n## L\n\n### Land Number / Plot Number\n\nThe land plot number in the DLD system.\n\n### Landlord / Lessor\n\n**Landlord** — A person providing property for lease.\n\n### Lease Term\n\n**Lease term** — The period for which a Tenancy Contract is valid.\n\n### Leasehold\n\nA type of ownership under which property is acquired on a long-term leasehold basis (usually from 10 to 99 years), after which ownership reverts to the Landlord. In Dubai, this form of ownership is also available to foreign nationals.\n\n### Leasing Brokerage Agreement\n\nA brokerage agreement for leasing.\n\n### Legal Heir\n\nA legal heir.\n\n### Legal Representative\n\nThe legal representative of the owner.\n\n### Liability Letter\n\nA bank document containing information on outstanding debt.\n\n### Listing\n\nA property placed on the market by a broker.\n\n### Listing Agreement\n\nAn owner’s agreement with a broker for listing a property.\n\n### LPL — Leads per Listing\n\nAgency term: the number of enquiries (leads) per active listing in an area or building. The higher the LPL, the more worthwhile it is to take listings there.\n\n## M\n\n### Main Developer / Master Developer\n\nThe principal developer of an area or master community.\n\n### Maintenance Charge\n\nA portion of maintenance and repair costs.\n\n### Makani Number / Makani\n\nA geographical identifier for a building or location in Dubai.\n\n### Management Company\n\nA licensed company managing the common areas and property.\n\n### Management Contract\n\n**Management agreement** — An agreement between an owner and a licensed property management company.\n\n### Manager’s Cheque\n\nA bank cheque issued in the bank’s name — the funds are guaranteed, unlike a personal cheque. Used for the Contract F deposit and payments at transfer.\n\n### Market Value\n\nThe market value of property.\n\n### Marketing Contract\n\n**Marketing agreement** — An agreement granting a broker or agency the right to market a property or project.\n\n### Mashrooi\n\nA service in the Dubai REST application for checking a project at the off-plan stage: whether it is registered with RERA, whether it has an escrow account, and how construction is progressing. A broker must check the project in Mashrooi before commencing marketing.\n\nMore details: RERA Brokerage Practice Guide, chapter “Off-plan Project Marketing Mechanism”\n\n### Master Community\n\nA large area comprising several projects and shared infrastructure.\n\n### Master Community Charge\n\nA charge for maintaining shared-area infrastructure.\n\n### Mortgage\n\nA mortgage encumbrance on a property. A mortgage must be registered with DLD.\n\n### Mortgage Portfolio\n\nA mortgage over several properties under one registration.\n\n### Mortgage Registration\n\nRegistration of a mortgage encumbrance with DLD.\n\n### Mortgage Release / Mortgage Discharge\n\nRelease of a mortgage encumbrance — a separate DLD procedure.\n\n### Mortgage Transfer\n\nTransfer of a mortgage from one financing bank to another; this requires an NOC.\n\n### Mortgagee\n\nThe bank or other organisation in whose favour the mortgage is registered.\n\n### Mortgagor\n\nThe owner or borrower providing property as security.\n\n### MOU\n\nMemorandum of understanding. A Memorandum of Understanding is a preliminary agreement between a property buyer and seller containing the main terms of the transaction. An MOU is not a final agreement, but reflects both parties’ intentions to complete the transaction\n\n### Municipality Number\n\nThe property number in the municipality system.\n\n### Musataha\n\nA long-term right to use land, including for construction. It is registered through the Real Estate Registration Department rather than Ejari.\n\n## N\n\n### Net Area\n\nThe net area of a specific property.\n\n### NOC\n\nNo Objection Certificate. A certificate confirming that the developer, community or management company has no objection to the sale, transfer of ownership rights or changes to the property. This document is required to complete certain real estate transactions in Dubai.\n\n### Notice to Vacate\n\nNotice to vacate a property (Eviction Notice). A notice of eviction after the expiry of a Tenancy Contract (for example, if the owner wishes to occupy the property themselves, demolish it, carry out major renovations, or sell it). It is served on the tenant through a notary public or by registered mail no later than 12 months before the eviction date — Article 25 of Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008.\n\nMore details: Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007\n\n## O\n\n### Off-plan Project\n\n**Off-plan project** — A registered developer project sold before construction is completed.\n\n### Off-Plan Property / Off-plan\n\nProperty that is at the design or construction stage and is sold before construction works are completed. Such transactions often include flexible payment plans and the option to resell before construction is completed.\n\n### Off-plan Sale\n\nSale of property before construction is completed.\n\n### Office Registration Number — ORN\n\nA brokerage company registration number.\n\n### Open Listing\n\nA property with which several agencies may work.\n\n### Oqood\n\n“An Oqood certificate is a document issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) during the registration of property at the construction stage. An Oqood certificate contains information such as property details, the purchase price, payment schedule and developer information. It helps ensure transparency and legal protection for buyers in off-plan property transactions.\n\n### Original Price — OP\n\nThe original price from the developer.\n\n### Outstanding Amount / Balance\n\nThe unpaid balance.\n\n### Outstanding Mortgage\n\nThe remaining mortgage debt.\n\n### Overdue\n\nAn SOA line: payments that are already due but unpaid — the current debt to the developer. Late-payment penalties are charged separately.\n\n### Owner\n\n**Owner** — The registered owner of the property.\n\n### Owners Committee\n\nOwners’ committee.\n\n### Ownership Right\n\nOwnership right.\n\n## P\n\n### Partial Title Deed\n\nA title deed for a share of a property rather than the whole unit. Rare — found, for example, in hotel projects sold in shares.\n\n### Payment Plan\n\nA payment schedule.\n\n### Penalties\n\nDeveloper fines for late payments on the schedule. Their size and calculation are set by the SPA of the specific project; in the SOA they are a separate line from Overdue.\n\n### PEP — Politically Exposed Person\n\nA politically exposed person (or a close relative). For such clients KYC/AML checks are enhanced, with closer scrutiny of the source of funds.\n\n### Permit Number\n\n**Permit number** — A DLD/RERA number that must be stated in the relevant real estate advertisement.\n\n### Plot\n\nA land plot.\n\n### Plot Area\n\nPlot area.\n\n### POA\n\nPower of Attorney is an authorisation that gives an authorised person (an agent, lawyer or representative) the right to act on behalf of the property owner. In Dubai real estate, a POA is often used if the owner cannot be personally present when completing a transaction (for example, if they are abroad).\n\n### Pocket Listing\n\nA property a broker works on without a signed contract: it can be offered to clients but not advertised on portals.\n\n### Post-Handover Payment Plan\n\nPayments after property handover.\n\n### Pre-approval\n\nPreliminary bank approval for a mortgage.\n\n### Pre-Title Deed\n\nA certificate DLD issues for a completed building while the buyer still owes the developer (for example, a post-handover plan). After full payment it is replaced by a regular Title Deed.\n\n### Professional Practice Card\n\n**Professional practice card** — An official permit allowing an individual to carry out a specific real estate activity.\n\n### Project Cancellation\n\nOfficial cancellation of a project.\n\n### Project Completion\n\nCompletion of a project.\n\n### Project Completion Rate\n\nThe officially recorded percentage of project completion.\n\n### Project Registration\n\n**Project registration** — Registration of a developer project with RERA/DLD.\n\n### Project Status\n\nThe status of a registered development project.\n\n### Property Amalgamation\n\nCombination of several properties or land plots.\n\n### Property Finder\n\nA platform for searching for property in the UAE and the Middle East\n\n### Property Management\n\n**Property management** — Management of a property on behalf of the owner.\n\n### Property Number\n\nA unique property number in the DLD system.\n\n### Property Status\n\nThe legal and registration status of a property.\n\n### Property Subdivision\n\nSubdivision of property or a land plot.\n\n### Property Transfer\n\n**Property transfer** — Transfer of the property from the seller to the buyer.\n\n### Property Use\n\n**Property use** — The permitted use of a property — residential, commercial, industrial, etc.\n\n### Property Viewing\n\nViewing of a property by a buyer or tenant.\n\n### Property Viewing Agreement\n\nAn agreement for viewing a property.\n\n### Provisional Register\n\nA provisional register in which off-plan transactions are recorded before issuance of the Title Deed.\n\n### Provisional Registration\n\nPreliminary registration of a transaction before final registration of ownership.\n\n### Provisional Registration Certificate\n\nAn electronic certificate confirming registration of a transaction in the provisional register.\n\n### Provisional Sale Registration\n\nRegistration of the initial sale of an off-plan property.\n\n### PSF — Price per Square Foot\n\nPrice per square foot.\n\n## Q\n\n### QR Code Permit\n\nA DLD QR code linked to an advertising permit.\n\n## R\n\n### Real Estate Ad\n\nA property advertisement.\n\n### Real Estate Broker\n\n**Real estate broker** — A licensed person carrying out brokerage activities.\n\n### Real Estate Brokerage\n\n**Brokerage activity** — Intermediation between parties to a real estate transaction.\n\n### Real Estate Brokers Register\n\n**Brokers Register** — An official register of registered brokers.\n\n### Real Estate Circular\n\n**DLD/RERA circular** — An official clarification or mandatory rule issued by the regulator.\n\n### Real Estate Permit\n\n**Real estate advertising permit** — A RERA permit for publishing or promoting a property or project.\n\n### Real Estate Portal\n\nA real estate portal, for example Property Finder or Bayut.\n\n### Real Estate Registration Trustee\n\n**Registration Trustee** — A DLD-authorised centre or office for processing and registering sale and purchase transactions.\n\n### Real Estate Services Trustee\n\n**Real estate services Trustee** — A DLD-authorised centre providing tenancy registration and other services.\n\n### Real Property\n\n**Real property** — Land or a property and its associated immovable elements.\n\n### Real Property Register\n\n**Real Property Register** — The government register of registered property rights.\n\n### Referral\n\nReferral. This is an external agent or representative who acts in the interests of the agency. The referral receives a commission for clients they introduce.\n\n### Registered Developer\n\nA developer registered and licensed in the DLD system.\n\n### Relationship Manager — RM\n\nA developer’s sales manager assigned to specific projects. Through an RM a broker learns about remaining stock and sales terms and can bring a client to buy off-plan.\n\n### Renewal\n\n**Renewal** — Conclusion or renewal of a Tenancy Contract for the next period.\n\n### Rent\n\n**Rent** — The amount a tenant pays a landlord for using a property.\n\n### Rent Increase\n\n**Rent increase** — A change in rent upon renewal in accordance with the applicable rules.\n\n### Rent Increase Calculator\n\n**Rent Increase Calculator** — An official tool for determining the permissible rent increase.\n\n### Rent Index\n\n**Rent Index** — An official DLD/RERA reference for determining the market rent level.\n\n### Rental Disputes Center (RDC)\n\nThe Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in Dubai, established by Decree No. 26 of 2013. It hears disputes between landlords and tenants instead of the former Special Tribunal; website rdc.gov.ae.\n\nMore details: Decree No. 26 of 2013 on the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre\n\n### RERA\n\n“The Real Estate Regulatory Agency is a DLD division responsible for regulating and licensing all real estate-related activities in Dubai. RERA also monitors compliance with rules and regulations, protecting the rights of buyers, investors and real estate agencies. **Website**: [https://www.dubailand.gov.ae/en/rera/](https://www.dubailand.gov.ae/en/rera/)”\n\n### Resale\n\nResale of a property after the initial purchase.\n\n### Reservation Form\n\nA reservation form.\n\n### Reserve Fund / Reserve Charge\n\nReserve funds for future major repairs and unforeseen expenses.\n\n### Residential Property\n\n**Residential property** — A property intended for residential use.\n\n### Restricted\n\nA DLD status meaning the property has a restriction — most often debt or overdue payments to the developer, sometimes another encumbrance. The reason is found through the SOA; until it is lifted, the unit is not advertised and cannot be transferred.\n\n### ROI\n\nReturn on Investment – Return on investment in property (usually expressed as an annual %).\n\n## S\n\n### Sale Registration\n\n**Sale registration** — Government registration of the transfer of ownership.\n\n### Security Deposit\n\nSecurity Deposit.\n\n### Seller\n\n**Seller** — The party selling the property.\n\n### Seller’s Proceeds\n\nThe net amount received by the seller.\n\n### Selling Price — SP\n\nThe current selling price.\n\n### Service Charge\n\nAnnual RERA-approved costs borne by owners of jointly-owned property for management, operation, maintenance and repair of common property.\n\n### Smart Contract\n\n**Electronic agreement** — Electronic standardised DLD/RERA agreements.\n\n### Smart Rental Index\n\nA new-generation rental index, effective from 2 January 2025 in place of the annual Rent Index. Buildings receive a rating from 1 to 5 stars, data is updated continuously and is available in Dubai REST and Ejari. The index determines the average rental value, from which the permitted rent increase is calculated under Decree No. 43 of 2013; the increase scale itself (0/5/10/15/20%) has not changed.\n\nMore details: Tenancy Guide DLD — note “What changed after the guide was issued”\n\n### Snagging\n\nInspection of a property before occupation for defects or incomplete works\n\n### SOA\n\nStatement of Account is a document listing all transactions and settlements between the parties for a specified period. In real estate, an SOA may contain details of payments (for example, paid deposits, outstanding instalments under a payment plan, Service Charges, etc.) and commissions charged in relation to a particular property. This document helps buyers, sellers and real estate agencies track financial obligations and monitor payment of all amounts due.\n\n### SPA\n\nSale and Purchase Agreement. A sale and purchase agreement is a legally binding document executed between a property buyer and seller. An SPA contains all transaction terms, including the price, payment deadlines and obligations of the parties.\n\n### Special Tribunal\n\nThe Special Tribunal for settling disputes between landlords and tenants, established by Decree No. 2 of 1993. In the text of Law No. 26 of 2007 and in the Tenancy Guide, it is called the “Tribunal”; these disputes are now heard by the Rental Disputes Center (RDC).\n\nMore details: Law No. 26 of 2007 on Landlord and Tenant Relations\n\n### Sub-developer\n\nThe developer of an individual project within a larger master development.\n\n### Sublease / Subletting\n\n**Sublease** — Transfer by a tenant of a leased property to a third party.\n\n## T\n\n### Technical Report\n\nA technical report on the condition and progress of the project.\n\n### Tenancy\n\n**Tenancy** — The right to use property under a Tenancy Contract.\n\n### Tenancy Contract\n\n**Tenancy Contract** — An agreement between a landlord and tenant for use of a property for a specified fee and term.\n\n### Tenant / Lessee\n\n**Tenant** — A person using a property under a Tenancy Contract.\n\n### Tenanted\n\nA property with an existing tenant.\n\n### Title Deed\n\nA title document confirming ownership rights to a property. In Dubai, a Title Deed is issued by DLD and constitutes legal evidence of ownership of a specific property.\n\n### Trade License\n\nA company’s commercial licence in Dubai (issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism). For brokerage an agency additionally needs RERA/DLD registration, and brokers need a Broker Card.\n\n### Trakheesi\n\n“An electronic licensing system managed by DLD that enables real estate agents and agencies to obtain the licences and permits required to sell and lease properties in Dubai. **Website**: [https://www.dubailand.gov.ae/en/rera/trakheesi-system](https://www.dubailand.gov.ae/en/rera/trakheesi-system)”\n\n### Transaction\n\n**Transaction** — A legally formalised real estate transaction.\n\n### Trustee Office\n\nA licensed agency authorised by DLD to register real estate transactions.\n\n## U\n\n### Undertaking Letter\n\nA letter of undertaking under which a third party pays for the deal on the buyer’s behalf (for example, if the buyer has no UAE bank account). Signed by both parties, signatures confirmed with an identity document.\n\n### Unit\n\nA separate registered property unit — an apartment, office, etc.\n\n### Unit Survey\n\nMeasurement and technical recording of a unit’s parameters.\n\n### Usage Charge\n\nA charge for the use of common facilities in a master development.\n\n### Usufruct\n\nThe right to use a property and derive benefit from it without owning the property itself. Unlike a tenancy contract, it is registered through the Real Estate Registration Department rather than Ejari.\n\n### Usufruct Right\n\nA registered right to use property.\n\n### Utility Charge\n\nCosts for electricity, water, cooling and other utilities in common areas.\n\n## V\n\n### Vacant\n\nA vacant property.\n\n### Vacant on Transfer — VOT\n\nThe property is transferred to the buyer vacant.\n\n### Valuation\n\nProperty valuation.\n\n### Valuation Certificate\n\nAn official certificate of a property’s value.\n\n## Y\n\n### Yield / ROI %\n\nProperty yield.\n\nPreparing for the DLD exam? [Free practice test: 30 questions, 60 minutes](/dld-broker-exam-practice/) · [How to become a broker in Dubai](/articles/become-real-estate-broker-dubai/) · [Broker Academy](/academy/)",
    "attribution": "Continental Club Property",
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