The Dubai Move-Out Checklist for Tenants: Get Your Deposit Back in Full

60 days out — notice, planning, contract review

The single most expensive mistake is missing the notice window. A standard Ejari contract requires 90 days' written notice for non-renewal. Miss it and the contract auto-renews at the same rent for another year.

• Re-read your Ejari and note the exact contract end date and notice period.
• Serve notarised written notice via courier or through TowerDesk — email alone is often disputed.
• Confirm the security deposit amount held (usually 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished).
• If breaking early, check the early-termination clause — typically 1–2 months' rent.

30 days out — bookings you must make now

Dubai buildings are strict about move-out logistics because towers share lifts, loading bays, and the concierge desk. Missing a booking means the moving truck arrives and can't get access.

• Book the move-out inspection with the property manager (before removals so damage is your baseline).
• Book the goods lift and loading bay for the moving company.
• Book a professional deep clean — most Ejaris require a paid clean before handover.
• Book AC coil cleaning by an approved MEP contractor — the receipt is usually required.
• Confirm the moving company can handle Ejari NOC and building move-out fee (typically AED 500–1,000).

7 days out — utilities and clearances

Dubai treats utilities as tenant obligations. You cannot hand back the flat with an unpaid DEWA or chiller bill — the OA manager will deduct from your deposit or refuse to sign off on the handover.

• Request a DEWA final bill (via app) for the day after your move-out date.
• Apply for a district-cooling clearance letter (Empower / Emicool / Tabreed).
• Cancel Ejari via the Dubai REST app — this is what stops future rent liability.
• Cancel internet and any building-specific subscriptions.
• Change your address on Emirates ID via ICP if you have already moved bank statements.

Handover day — the exact checklist

• All rooms empty and professionally cleaned.
• AC filters clean, coil-cleaning invoice ready.
• All lamps, remotes, and appliance manuals returned.
• Keys, access cards, and remotes counted against a signed inventory.
• Photos of every room and every appliance before you leave.
• Signed handover form with the property manager, listing any accepted deductions.

After handover — getting your deposit back

There is no fixed statutory deadline for deposit refunds in Dubai, but market practice is 14–30 days after a clean handover with all utility clearances submitted. Landlords can deduct for painting beyond fair wear, missing remotes or keys, unpaid DEWA, or damage that wasn't in the move-in inventory.

If the landlord doesn't refund within 30 days without justification, you can escalate to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). Bring your Ejari, deposit receipt, handover form, and photos.

How TowerDesk buildings automate move-out

In TowerDesk buildings, move-out runs as a single workflow: 90-day notice served in-app, inspection booked, snag list attached to your unit, DEWA and chiller clearance uploaded once, and the deposit refund calculated line-by-line with photo evidence. The whole loop typically closes within 14 days — no chasing, no paperwork.