Moving Out of a Dubai Apartment: A Simple Checklist to Get Your Security Deposit Back

Most guides talk about moving in. But moving out is where many tenants in Dubai lose money. A scratched wall, an unpaid DEWA bill, or a missing permit can delay your deposit for weeks.

This guide gives you a clear move-out checklist. It covers your landlord, DEWA, Ejari, your building, and moving day itself. If you are planning apartment moving in Dubai, use it to leave on time and get your money back.

Quick answer: Give written notice on time, take photos of the flat, fix small damage, and clean well. Close your DEWA account and pay the final bill to get a clearance certificate. Cancel your Ejari, book a move-out permit with your building, and use careful movers so walls and floors are not damaged. Hand over keys with a signed handover note.

Why Tenants Lose Part of Their Deposit

Landlords usually keep part of a deposit for a few common reasons:

• Holes or marks on walls from frames, TVs, and shelves
• Scratched floors or damaged doors from moving furniture
• A dirty kitchen, oven, or bathroom
• Unpaid utility bills, such as DEWA or district cooling
• Missing keys or access cards
• Leaving before the notice period ends

Most of these can be avoided with simple planning. The checklist below shows you how.

Step 1: Check Your Contract and Give Notice

Read your tenancy contract first. Look for the notice period, any rules on painting, and what condition the flat must be in when you leave.

Then send written notice to your landlord or agent. Use email or a signed letter, not just a phone call. Keep a copy. Written proof helps if there is a disagreement later.

Step 2: Take Photos Before You Pack

Before anything moves, walk through every room. Take clear photos and short videos of walls, floors, doors, the kitchen, bathrooms, and appliances.

If you have photos from move-in day, compare them now. This shows which marks were already there. Take a second set of photos after you clean, just before handover.

Step 3: Fix Small Damage and Clean Well

Small repairs cost much less than a landlord's deduction. Before you leave:

• Fill small nail holes and touch up paint if your contract allows it
• Replace broken bulbs and missing fittings
• Deep clean the kitchen, oven, fridge, and bathrooms
• Clean AC vents and windows
• Remove all your rubbish and unwanted items

Need a TV bracket or shelves taken down neatly? The MoversForce furniture and handyman team can take down fixtures and take apart furniture without extra damage.

Step 4: Close Your DEWA Account

You must close your electricity and water account before your tenancy can be fully closed. Here is how it works, based on the official DEWA move-out service guide:

1. Submit a move-out request online.
2. Choose your move-out date and time. Your supply is switched off then, and final meter readings are taken.
3. Choose how to get your DEWA deposit refund: bank IBAN, cheque, or transfer to another active DEWA account.
4. Your final bill is sent by email and SMS within 24 working hours of the disconnection time.
5. Your DEWA deposit is set against the final bill. Pay any balance, or receive a refund if your deposit is higher.
6. Once the bill is paid, a clearance certificate is sent to you automatically.

Tip: Do not switch off DEWA too early. Pick the day after your movers finish, so you still have power and lights on moving day.

If your building uses district cooling, such as Empower or Emicool, close that account too and get its final bill.

Step 5: Cancel Your Ejari

Your Ejari is the official record of your lease with the Dubai Land Department. It should be cancelled when you leave. An active Ejari can cause problems with your next registration.

Cancellation usually needs the DEWA final bill or clearance, so finish Step 4 first. Ask your landlord or agent which documents they need from you.

Step 6: Book Your Building Move-Out Permit

Most towers in Dubai need a move-out permit, often called a move-out NOC. Without it, security may stop your truck or block the service lift.

Ask building management early. Many buildings want documents from your moving company. MoversForce can supply its trade licence, insurance certificate, vehicle registration, and mover Emirates IDs to support your permit request.

Also book the service lift for your moving time. For more on permits at your new home, read our guide to move-in permits, Ejari, and DEWA.

Step 7: Protect the Flat on Moving Day

Moving day is when most new damage happens. Sofas hit door frames. Heavy boxes scratch floors. Wardrobes scrape walls in narrow corridors.

Careful movers stop this before it starts. On MoversForce moves, the crew uses:

• Floor protection and corner guards on door frames
• Padding for lifts and corridors
• Trained carpenters to take apart beds and wardrobes
• Moving blankets and stretch film on furniture

This protects your belongings and the flat you are leaving. Our packing services can also pack the whole home for you, so you can focus on cleaning and handover.

Step 8: Hand Over the Keys Properly

Do a final walk-through with your landlord or agent if you can. Then:

• Return all keys, access cards, and parking cards
• Ask for a signed handover note with the date
• Share your DEWA final bill and clearance certificate
• Agree in writing on when your deposit will be returned

Keep all papers, emails, receipts, and photos together until your deposit is back.

What If Your Deposit Is Not Returned?

First, ask your landlord in writing for a list of any deductions. Share your photos and receipts. Many disputes end at this step.

If you still cannot agree, rental disputes in Dubai can be taken to the Rental Disputes Centre, which is part of the Dubai Land Department. This is where your written notice, photos, and handover note become very useful.

Move-Out Timeline at a Glance

Plan Your Apartment Move-Out with MoversForce

A careful move helps you protect your deposit. MoversForce offers apartment movers in Dubai with packing, furniture assembly, and wall and floor protection. Moving to a bigger home? See our house shifting service. Need a gap between homes? Use climate-controlled storage.

Check our full moving checklist, then get a free quote or call or WhatsApp +971 58 985 4042.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my security deposit back in Dubai?

Give written notice, take photos, fix small damage, clean well, and pay all utility bills. Close DEWA, cancel Ejari, and hand over the keys with a signed handover note. Keep all records until your deposit is returned.

How long does DEWA take to send the final bill?

According to DEWA, the final bill is sent by email and SMS within 24 working hours of the disconnection date and time you choose.

What happens to my DEWA deposit when I move out?

DEWA sets your deposit against your final bill. If the bill is higher, you pay the balance. If your deposit is higher, you get a refund by IBAN, cheque, or transfer to another active DEWA account.

Do I need a permit to move out of my building?

Most towers in Dubai need a move-out permit or NOC before movers can use the service lift. Check with your building management early, as rules differ.

When should I switch off DEWA?

Choose a time after your movers have finished, usually the day after moving day. This keeps power on while you move and clean.

Can movers help protect the apartment from damage?

Yes. MoversForce crews use floor protection, door frame guards, lift padding, and moving blankets to reduce the risk of damage to walls and floors.

What can I do if my landlord keeps my deposit?

Ask for a written list of deductions and share your photos and receipts. If you cannot agree, rental disputes can go to the Rental Disputes Centre under the Dubai Land Department.