Understanding the different RERA forms in Dubai’s property market

If you’re making a real estate move in the emirate and don’t know your RERA Form A from your RERA Form F, here’s a helpful breakdown.

Taking a first leap into Dubai’s booming real estate market is exciting but a little daunting, especially when you get hit with a flurry of RERA forms in Dubai. It can easily become a bit overwhelming – we get it.

The good news is that each document has a clear purpose. The main RERA forms used during a property sale set out the relationship between sellers, buyers and their respective real estate agents before recording the agreed sale.
 

What is a RERA form?

So, what is RERA? RERA’s full form is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. It operates as the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and oversees Dubai’s real estate sector.

Its role is to regulate the property sector, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and to provide a safe and secure environment for anyone involved in property transactions.

RERA forms are the official contracts used to govern different aspects of property deals in Dubai. Each form has a specific purpose, from authorising agents to documenting the agreement between a buyer and seller. Together they provide clarity, professionalism and protection for all parties involved.

Although they are commonly known as RERA forms, the Dubai Land Department refers to Forms A, B and F as smart marketing and sales contracts. Form A covers the relationship between the seller and the real estate brokerage, Form B covers the relationship between the buyer and the real estate broker, and Form F records the agreement between the seller and buyer. 

Each form serves a specific purpose and plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of buyers and sellers.

Let’s break them down.

Form A: Agreement between the seller and real estate brokerage

Form A is the agreement between a property seller and the real estate brokerage appointed to market the property. It gives the brokerage permission to advertise the property and records the terms under which it will act for the seller.

The contract includes details about the property and its owner, along with the relevant financial information, agreed commission and duration of the appointment. Once the broker has prepared Form A, it is sent to the property owner for approval.

Sellers should check that the property details, asking price, commission and contract duration are correct before approving the form.

Form B: Agreement between the buyer and real estate broker

Form B establishes the relationship between a property buyer and the real estate broker representing them. It records the buyer’s intention to purchase a property and the terms under which the broker will assist with the search.

The contract can include the buyer’s property requirements, financial details, intended ownership share, the broker’s commission and the duration of the agreement. Multiple buyers can also be added when a property is being purchased jointly.

Buyers should review their personal details, property requirements, commission and any additional terms carefully before approving Form B. 

Form F: Sale agreement between the seller and buyer

Form F is the agreement between the property seller and buyer. It is created once the parties have agreed to proceed with the transaction and records the terms under which the property will be sold.

The contract can include the details of the seller, buyer and property, along with the financial terms, payment arrangements, contract duration and any additional conditions agreed by the parties. It is prepared using the approved Form A and can also be connected to an active Form B.

Both parties should review the complete agreement before approving it. Any conditions relating to finance, vacant possession, furniture, repairs, payment arrangements or completion should be clearly documented rather than agreed only through informal messages.
 

Why are RERA forms important?

When licensed real estate brokers represent the parties in a Dubai property sale, the correct RERA contracts must be used to record the transaction. They clarify who each broker represents and document the terms agreed between the seller and buyer.

Because the forms record who each agent represents and what the buyer and seller have agreed, they help prevent confusion over matters such as price, commission, deposit payments, completion dates and additional contractual conditions. 

For buyers

RERA Form B confirms the relationship between the buyer and their chosen agent, while Form F records the terms agreed with the seller. Together, these documents give the buyer a clear written record of the representation and proposed purchase.

Buyers should check that their name, the property details, agreed purchase price, deposit, completion date and any special conditions are correct before signing Form F.

For sellers

For sellers, Form A authorises an agent to market the property and records the terms of that appointment. This helps prevent unauthorised listings and clarifies the agreed asking price, commission and marketing arrangement.

Form F then documents the final agreement between the seller and the selected buyer.

For landlords

Forms A, B and F primarily relate to property sales rather than standard residential tenancies. Landlords renting out a property will usually need a tenancy contract registered through Ejari and may also enter into a separate agreement with a leasing agent.

For tenants

Tenants are protected through Dubai’s tenancy laws and the Ejari registration system. A registered Ejari contract creates an official record of the tenancy and is separate from the RERA sales forms used between property buyers, sellers and their agents.