When you buy or sell property in Dubai, you’ll quickly become acquainted with a suite of documents known as RERA forms. RERA – the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – is the regulatory branch of the Dubai Land Department, and it shapes the market as we know it today. It was established in 2007 to bring consistency, transparency, and legal accountability to all property-related transactions in Dubai, and it’s the central authority for upholding the rights of both landlords and tenants.
Once signed, RERA forms are legally binding. They set the terms, define responsibilities, and ensure that everything is agreed in writing before a deal moves forward. What follows is a practical guide to the key forms you’ll encounter when buying or selling a home in Dubai.
Form A – The Listing Agreement
If you're a property owner looking to sell or rent out your unit in Dubai, Form A is where the process begins. This is the official listing agreement between you and a real estate agent, granting them legal permission to market your property. Once the form is signed by both parties, the agent will upload it to the Dubai Land Department’s Trakheesi system, which generates a permit number that must be attached to all listings. Without this, your home cannot be legally marketed.
- The Form A agreement will outline essential information, such as:
- Your asking price, plus any minimum you’re willing to accept
- The duration of the agreement and the agent’s commission
- Title deed information, mortgage status, service charges, and payment terms
- How and where the property will be advertised
While many buyers prefer to list exclusively, you can instruct up to three agents at the same time for a single property, each with a separate Form A. If your property has co-owners, all must sign Form A for it to be valid.
Importantly, homeowners are not allowed to advertise their own property on any portal without first signing Form A with a licensed agent. This rule keeps the market clean, consistent, and accountable.
Form B – The Buyer-Agent Agreement
If you’re looking to buy property in Dubai and plan to work with an agent, Form B is the document you’ll sign. This form officially appoints a broker to represent you in your search and purchase, from finding the perfect unit to handling the negotiations.
The Form B will outline exactly what you’re looking for as a buyer, along with the terms of your working relationship with the agent.
It will include:
When you sign Form B, you’re usually agreeing to work exclusively with that agent for the duration of your search. Under this arrangement, the agent can invest more time into finding the right home, negotiating better terms, and guiding you through the legal steps without distractions or overlap. This is what turns the process into a partnership.
Occasionally, your agent may come across a listing that’s managed by another broker. In that case, the two agents can sign a Form I – a broker-to-broker agreement that outlines how they’ll split responsibilities and commission.
It’s important to ensure the form reflects everything you’ve discussed – property type, location, and price range – so that expectations are aligned from day one. And as with all official real estate documents in Dubai, only sign Form B with a RERA-certified broker.
Form F – The Contract of Sale/MOU
Form F is the Contract of Sale between the buyer and seller – often referred to as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It’s one of the most important documents in a property purchase, confirming the deal in writing once the price and terms have been agreed.
It can be thought of as the blueprint of the transaction. It typically includes:
- The agreed purchase price and payment structure
- The property’s details
- The deposit amount and final payment deadline
- Any special conditions or negotiated clauses
- Commission amounts to be paid to the agents on both sides
Once signed and witnessed by a RERA-certified agent, Form F becomes legally binding. From this point on, backing out of the deal can have serious consequences, so it’s essential that both parties fully understand and agree to every clause before signing.
Banks will often request a copy of Form F when processing a mortgage, and it’s also a mandatory step in the official property transfer process with the Dubai Land Department.
As with any contract, never sign a blank or partially filled Form F – if an agent presents you with a form that has missing details, insist they complete all terms before you put pen to paper. This form is your safeguard in the transaction, so it needs to reflect the deal accurately.
Form U – The Notice of Cancellation
Sometimes, deals fall through or relationships with agents don’t work out. If you need to end your agreement with a broker, Form U is the official way to do it. RERA requires at least seven days’ written notice, clearly stating your intention to cancel and the reason. Only the party initiating the termination (buyer or seller) needs to sign. A copy should be shared with the agent, and the form will specify when the agreement officially ends.
This step is essential – without a properly filed Form U, an agent may still be entitled to commission if a deal is completed later. Keeping a signed copy protects your position and ensures the process is closed off in line with RERA regulations.
Final Thoughts
RERA forms may not be the most exciting part of buying, selling, or renting property in Dubai, but they’re fundamental to doing it right. Each form plays a specific role in keeping the process transparent, fair, and legally sound. A good agent will walk you through the paperwork, but understanding what you're signing helps you stay informed and in control.
