Moving out
Move-Out Checklist for Dubai Rentals
To move out cleanly in Dubai: give notice as your contract requires, apply for the move-out permit, request the DEWA move-out for your leaving date (the final bill arrives within 24 working hours), close any district cooling account, agree the Ejari cancellation (free online), then clean, repair and attend the handover with photos.
By Movers Dubai editorial teamLast checked against Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (opens in a new tab), Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) (opens in a new tab) and Dubai Land Department (opens in a new tab)
Movers Dubai is an independent guide, not a moving company.
At a glance
- Notice
- As your tenancy contract requires, in writing
- Move-out permit
- From the community or building that manages your current home
- DEWA
- Request the move-out for your leaving date; the final bill arrives within 24 working hours
- District cooling
- Close any district cooling account
- Ejari cancellation
- Free online through DLD
- Handover
- Clean, repair and attend the inspection with photos
Last checked
Four weeks before
- Check the notice period and handover conditions in your tenancy contract, including any painting or professional cleaning clause.
- Give notice in writing in the way the contract requires, and keep proof that it was sent.
- Ask the landlord how the handover inspection works and how and when the security deposit is returned.
- Photograph the home now, before packing, so you can compare it with the photos from move-in.
- Request moving quotes and fix the date (typical moving costs).
Two weeks before: permits and final bills
Move-out permit
Apply with the community or building that manages your current home. Emaar Community Management asks for at least one business day; Nakheel recommends 3 to 4 working days; DHCM requires a move-out permit and a clearance certificate, with keys, cards and fees settled and 3 working days’ notice for the final inspection. Other buildings and wasl may ask for the owner’s NOC. The permits guide has each manager’s rules.
Utilities
| Account | What to do | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| DEWA | Request deactivation for the move-out date, online with a login or UAE PASS, or with the contract account and premise numbers. | AED 125 or 300 plus AED 20 in fees. Final bill within 24 working hours; deposit set against it and the balance refunded. |
| District cooling (Empower) | Request Final Settlement in e-Services or the app with Ejari, ID and an IBAN statement header. | Final bill online within 2 working days. Owner NOC needed if the tenancy ends early or expired over 15 days before. |
| Internet | Book the du or e& move to your new address, or cancel the service. | Return or keep equipment as the provider instructs. |
Ejari cancellation
Agree with the landlord who cancels the Ejari. The DLD cancel tenancy contract service is free; through a trustee centre there is a AED 40 service partner fee plus VAT. See the Ejari guide.
The final week: cleaning and repairs
Repairs and cleaning are where deposit deductions usually come from. Do the small fixes yourself or book a handyman, and clean once the furniture is out.
| Area | Clean and check |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Oven, hob and extractor hood degreased; fridge and freezer empty, clean and dry; inside every cupboard and drawer. |
| Bathrooms | Toilet, basin, shower and tiles descaled; mirrors and taps polished; extractor fan covers washed. |
| Living areas and bedrooms | Floors, skirting and walls wiped; scuffs removed; inside wardrobes vacuumed; windows cleaned. |
| Air conditioning | Filters cleaned or serviced if your contract asks for it at handover. |
| Balcony and storeroom | Swept, washed and completely empty. |
| Walls | Picture hooks and adhesive strips removed; nail holes filled if the contract asks for it. |
Old furniture and packing waste
Do not leave unwanted furniture or boxes in the corridor or by the bins. Community rules such as DHCM’s list it as a violation with a fine. Book a junk removal service for the same day as the move or the day before.
Handover day
- Walk through every room, cupboard and balcony once the movers have finished.
- Photograph each room and the meter readings with the date visible.
- Return all keys, access cards and parking cards, and get a written acknowledgement.
- Attend the inspection with the landlord or agent and agree any issues on the spot.
- Get a signed handover note that lists the condition and the deposit arrangement.
After you leave
- Check that the DEWA final bill matches your move-out date and that the deposit balance has been refunded or transferred.
- Follow the district cooling refund: Empower cheque refunds take 7 to 30 days.
- Chase the landlord’s deposit in writing if it has not arrived when promised.
- Update your address everywhere else with the change of address checklist.
Moving out questions
What do I need to do before moving out of a rented home in Dubai?
Give notice as your contract requires, apply for the move-out permit, request the DEWA move-out and any district cooling final settlement for your leaving date, agree the Ejari cancellation with the landlord, clean and repair, and attend the handover inspection with photos.
How do I close my DEWA account when moving out?
Request deactivation (move-out) online with your DEWA login or UAE PASS, or without login using the contract account number and 9-digit premise number. It costs AED 125 or AED 300 depending on the meter, plus AED 20 in fees. The final bill is emailed within 24 working hours of the move-out date.
Do I need a permit to move out?
In most managed communities, yes. Emaar Community Management issues move-out permits at least one business day ahead, Nakheel recommends 3 to 4 working days, and DHCM requires a move-out permit and a clearance certificate.
How do I get my security deposit back from the landlord?
Leave the home as the contract requires, photograph every room after cleaning, attend the handover, get a signed handover note and ask in writing when and how the deposit will be returned. Keep receipts for cleaning and repairs. If you cannot agree, rental disputes in Dubai go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.
Official sources
- DEWA: Deactivation of electricity and water (move-out) (opens in a new tab)dewa.gov.ae
- Empower: E-final bill procedure (opens in a new tab)empower.ae
- Dubai Land Department: Cancel tenancy contract (opens in a new tab)dubailand.gov.ae
- Dubai Holding Community Management: Community rules (opens in a new tab)dubaiholdingcommunities.ae
Moving out soon?
Request a free quote for the move-out date on your permit. A morning slot leaves time for cleaning and the handover the same day.
The mover sets the price, not Movers Dubai.