Quick answer: when moving out of a Dubai rental, finish the tenancy handover in a documented order: give the required notice, agree the move-out date, photograph the property, return keys, settle DEWA and other utilities, cancel Ejari through the correct channel, and keep proof of the landlord’s security-deposit settlement. DEWA now bundles the final bill, clearance certificate and any remaining DEWA security-deposit refund into the move-out process.
Last verified: 1 October 2026 against Dubai Land Department and DEWA guidance. Your lease can contain additional move-out requirements, so read it before fixing a handover date.
1. Check your notice period and contract end date
Start with the tenancy contract. Check the end date, notice clause, early-termination terms and any requirement to repaint, clean or restore alterations. Do not assume an expiring Ejari automatically completes every move-out obligation.
2. Agree the inspection and handover in writing
Arrange a final inspection with the landlord or property manager. Photograph every room, appliance supplied with the property, walls, floors, bathrooms, kitchen, balcony, meters and keys/access cards. Dubai Land Department specifically advises tenants to prove the property’s condition at handover when protecting their security-deposit position.
- Take wide photos plus close-ups of any existing damage.
- Record the handover date and meter readings.
- Ask for written confirmation that keys/cards were returned.
- Request an itemised explanation for any proposed deposit deduction.
3. Submit the DEWA move-out request
DEWA’s move-out service deactivates electricity and water for the selected premises. You can choose a current or future move-out date and provide the refund method for any remaining security-deposit balance.
DEWA says the final bill is sent within 24 working hours of the move-out request, or within 24 working hours of the selected future move-out date.
4. Understand how the DEWA deposit refund works
Your DEWA security deposit is first adjusted against the final bill. If the final bill is larger, you pay the remaining amount. If the deposit is larger, DEWA refunds the balance through the method you selected, such as IBAN, cheque or transfer to another active DEWA account under the same business partner.
After the final bill is settled, DEWA automatically sends the clearance certificate to your registered email and processes the refund where applicable. If you choose IBAN, make sure the bank beneficiary name matches the customer name registered with DEWA.
5. Cancel Ejari
Dubai Land Department says Ejari contracts can be managed through the Dubai REST app, including cancellation. The exact party who completes the cancellation depends on the tenancy setup:
- Owner-managed property: the owner can cancel through Dubai REST/Ejari.
- Tenant using Dubai REST: a cancellation request can be sent and the owner receives an approval request.
- Managed property: if a management company manages the Ejari, the management company handles the cancellation.
- Trustee centre: a tenant cancelling there may need an owner NOC.
DLD’s current FAQ lists Ejari cancellation as free when completed by the owner or real-estate company, while a cancellation through a trustee office has a listed AED 40 cancellation fee. Check the current service screen before paying because service-partner charges can change.
Why Ejari cancellation matters
DLD warns that the old Ejari should be cancelled after the tenant moves out. An uncleared old tenancy can block the next tenant from registering a new Ejari for the same property.
6. Separate the landlord deposit from the DEWA deposit
These are different deposits. The DEWA security deposit is handled by DEWA through the final-bill process. Your rental security deposit is held under the tenancy relationship and depends on the handover condition and lawful deductions.
Keep proof of the amount originally paid, the handover report, photos, correspondence and any deduction breakdown. If the landlord withholds an amount you dispute, these records become important if you later use the Rental Disputes Center process.
7. Close or transfer the rest
- home internet/TV;
- district-cooling account if separately billed;
- building access cards and parking permits;
- moving permits required by building management;
- contents insurance;
- mail/courier address and bank address;
- any recurring building or maintenance services.
Final move-out checklist
- Serve the required notice.
- Book the final inspection.
- Photograph the property and meters.
- Return keys, remotes and access cards.
- Submit DEWA move-out and settle the final bill.
- Save the DEWA clearance certificate.
- Complete Ejari cancellation through the correct party/channel.
- Request the landlord security-deposit settlement in writing.
- Close internet/cooling/building services.
- Keep all documents until every refund is received.
Related guides: Dubai rental disputes and evidence, renewing a Dubai tenancy contract and the UAE hub.
Official sources
- Dubai Land Department: Ejari FAQs and cancellation
- DEWA: electricity/water move-out
- DEWA: refund service
