Dubai Move-Out Guide for Tenants
Moving out of a Dubai home means closing what you opened at move-in: settle and close DEWA and district cooling, cancel Ejari to free the unit, clear any building charges, and hand back the property in good order. Do a final walkthrough with the landlord, compare it to your move-in photos, and agree the deposit return in writing. Cancel Ejari, or the next tenant cannot register.
- Close DEWA and cooling accounts
- Cancel Ejari to free the unit
- Compare to move-in photos
- Agree the deposit in writing
The move-out order
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Final bills | Settle DEWA and cooling, then close the accounts and reclaim deposits. |
| 2. Cancel Ejari | Cancel the Ejari so the unit is free for the next tenant. |
| 3. Building clearance | Clear any service charges and return access cards. |
| 4. Walkthrough | Inspect with the landlord and compare to your move-in photos. |
| 5. Deposit | Agree the return in writing, less any fair deductions. |
Get your full deposit back
Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted, only genuine damage and unpaid bills. Your move-in photos are the proof that a mark or fault was already there. Fix any small damage you caused, leave the home clean, and the deposit should return in full or close to it.
Why Ejari cancellation matters
Only one active Ejari can exist per unit. If you do not cancel yours, the incoming tenant cannot register theirs, which causes a dispute later. Cancelling is a quick step that closes your tenancy cleanly.
Prefer to do it yourself?
Work through the Move-Out Checklist, and read how to get your deposit back and how to cancel Ejari.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cancel Ejari when I move out?
Yes. Only one active Ejari can exist per unit, so cancelling frees it for the next tenant.
How do I get my deposit back?
Settle bills, leave the home in good order, compare to your move-in photos, and agree the return in writing.
Can the landlord keep my deposit for wear and tear?
No. Only genuine damage and unpaid bills can be deducted, not normal wear.
What about my DEWA deposit?
Close the DEWA account after the final bill to reclaim your utility deposit.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Related
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