Dubai’s real estate market is admired globally for its transparency and legal integrity. One of the pillars that ensures this trust is a set of standardized documents introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
Every property sale, rental, or sub-agency agreement in Dubai must be backed by an official RERA form — a document that defines responsibilities, commissions, and legal obligations for all parties involved.
If you are buying, selling, or leasing property in Dubai, understanding these forms is not optional — it’s fundamental. This detailed guide by DDA Real Estate explains each RERA form, its function, legal significance, and how DDA uses these forms to protect clients throughout every stage of a transaction.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), operating under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), regulates all property-related activities in Dubai. Its main functions include:
RERA forms are not bureaucratic paperwork. They are digital, verifiable contracts linked directly to DLD’s secure registry, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Who signs: Seller and Listing Agent
When signed: Before advertising or listing the property
Purpose: To authorize a RERA-licensed agent to market and sell the property
Form A is the foundation of any sale transaction. It grants an agent either exclusive or non-exclusive authorization to promote the property for a specified period (usually 90 days).
Once signed, Form A must be uploaded to the Trakheesi system to obtain a listing permit — required for all marketing activities on portals or social media.
A villa owner in Dubai Hills signs Form A with DDA Real Estate. After approval, DDA receives a Trakheesi permit, produces professional marketing materials, and legally lists the property. Advertising without this permit is a violation under RERA Law.
Form A protects sellers by ensuring their property is marketed only through authorized, licensed agents.
Who signs: Buyer and Agent
When signed: Before the agent begins searching or negotiating properties
Purpose: Defines representation, service scope, and commission terms
Form B is the buyer’s version of Form A. It formally records the working relationship between a property seeker and their agent.
An overseas investor approaches DDA Real Estate to purchase a 2-bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai with an 8% ROI target. Before the search begins, Form B is signed to confirm DDA acts as the exclusive representative, entitled to commission only upon successful purchase.
Form B prevents conflicts of interest and ensures the agent works solely in the buyer’s best interest.
Who signs: Buyer, Buyer’s Agent, and sometimes Sub-Agent
When signed: When a buyer is introduced to a property listed by another agency
Purpose: Records introductions and commission rights
In Dubai’s cooperative brokerage ecosystem, multiple agencies often work together. Form I confirms which agent introduced the buyer and how commissions will be shared.
DDA Real Estate introduces a buyer to a unit listed by another brokerage in Sobha Hartland. Both agencies sign Form I to record the introduction and guarantee an equal commission split after the sale.
Form I ensures fair cooperation and eliminates disputes between agencies.
Who signs: Buyer, Seller, and their Agents
When signed: Once both parties agree on the sale price and conditions
Purpose: Creates a legally binding agreement to complete the property transfer
Form F is the most important of all RERA forms. It replaced the old handwritten MOU, standardizing all sale agreements. It is now issued digitally through the Dubai REST App or Trakheesi, ensuring that every deal is registered within the DLD system.
DDA secures a buyer for a Palm Jumeirah villa at AED 12 million. Both sides sign Form F, stipulating a 10% deposit and 21-day completion at a DLD Trustee Center. The document becomes a legally binding sale contract recognized under Dubai law.
Form F turns an offer into an enforceable sale and protects both parties’ financial and legal rights.
Who signs: Landlord and Leasing Agent
When signed: Before listing a rental property
Purpose: Authorizes the agent to market the property for lease
Form A2 functions as Form A’s rental counterpart. It ensures that rental listings comply with DLD requirements and that only licensed agents can market properties for lease.
A landlord in Emaar Beachfront assigns DDA to lease a 2BR apartment. After signing Form A2, DDA obtains the listing permit and markets the property legally. Once a tenant is secured, the lease is formalized through Ejari registration.
Form A2 protects landlords and guarantees full transparency during rental transactions.
Who signs: Two licensed brokerage firms
When signed: When one agency cooperates with another to find a buyer or tenant
Purpose: Defines terms of cooperation and commission split
Form M formalizes collaboration between brokerages, setting out roles, payment structure, and validity.
DDA lists a luxury apartment in Business Bay under Form A. Another licensed broker introduces a buyer. Both companies sign Form M, agreeing to a 50/50 commission split.
Form M ensures transparency between brokerages and eliminates potential commission conflicts.
Who signs: Parties involved in the initial agreement (Seller/Buyer and Agent)
When used: When a signed Form A, A2, or F needs to be officially cancelled
Form U is the official document used to terminate a previously signed RERA form. It protects both clients and brokers by recording mutual consent to cancel a listing or sale agreement.
Cancellation must be approved through the Trakheesi system to prevent unauthorized property re-listing.
Every valid RERA form contains a document number and QR code. To verify authenticity:
You can also verify via the Dubai REST App → “Verify Document” option.
If your agent cannot provide a verifiable RERA form, the transaction is not recognized by DLD.
In off-plan purchases, the property is initially registered under Oqood — the interim ownership record issued by DLD until construction completion. Upon project handover, DLD converts Oqood into a permanent Title Deed.
Form F and payment terms for off-plan sales reference Oqood numbers until final registration. DDA ensures that every off-plan transaction complies with RERA escrow and developer rules before transfer.
Read also: “Oqood vs Title Deed in Dubai: Key Differences You Must Know”
For property handovers at a DLD Trustee Office, both buyer and seller must provide:
DDA coordinates the entire transfer process to ensure a smooth closing.
Ignoring RERA documentation is a direct breach of Dubai real estate law.
| Violation | Penalty | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising property without Form A/A2 | AED 50,000 | Always register via Trakheesi |
| Listing without valid permit | AED 25,000 | Verify Trakheesi number |
| Commission disputes from unregistered deals | No legal claim | Use Forms I/M |
| Refusal to sign mandatory RERA forms | Transaction void | Ensure all parties are licensed |
Each form acts as a safeguard — ensuring that property transactions are legal, transparent, and verifiable.
Can I buy or sell property without RERA forms?
No. Transactions without registered forms are not recognized by DLD.
Can these forms be signed remotely?
Yes, through the Dubai REST App or via UAE PASS. For overseas clients, notarized Power of Attorney can be used.
Who pays the commission?
Usually the buyer (2%) for sales and the tenant (5%) for rentals, unless otherwise stated in Form F.
What is Form U used for?
To officially cancel a previous RERA agreement through Trakheesi.
Can DDA handle RERA documentation for clients abroad?
Yes. DDA manages digital signatures, compliance, and DLD verification on behalf of international clients.
RERA forms are the backbone of Dubai’s real estate system — protecting all parties and maintaining market integrity. They transform property deals into legally recognized, transparent transactions.
At DDA Real Estate, every step — from listing and negotiation to sale and transfer — follows RERA-certified procedures. With our legal and compliance expertise, your investment is always protected, verified, and secure.
Trust verified documentation. Trust licensed brokers. Trust DDA Real Estate — your RERA-certified partner for property transactions in Dubai.
