A moving out checklist for the UAE is longer than most tenants expect, because the move touches your landlord, your building, DEWA or your local utility, Ejari and your security deposit, often in a fixed order. In Dubai the law asks for at least 90 days’ notice if you do not plan to renew, unless your contract says otherwise, so the planning starts three months out. This guide gives you a week by week timeline, the utility and Ejari steps for Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, where the end of tenancy clean fits, and how to hand over the keys without losing part of your deposit.
For most tenants, the order that works is simple: give written notice, book movers and any building move out permit, arrange the final utility bill, clean the empty home, hand over the keys at a joint inspection, and then follow up on your deposit. Ejari cancellation and the DEWA final bill are linked in Dubai, so do not leave either to the last day.
Your moving out timeline at a glance
Use this as a planning guide. Your tenancy contract sets the notice period and handover terms, so check it first and adjust the dates.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 90 days before the contract ends | Give written notice if you will not renew (Dubai default, unless your contract says otherwise) |
| 6 to 8 weeks before | Find your move in photos or report, read the handover and cleaning clauses, list any repairs |
| 4 weeks before | Book movers, apply for the building move out permit, book the end of tenancy clean |
| 2 weeks before | Request the utility move out for your handover date, plan internet and cooling account closures |
| Moving day | Movers empty the home, then the cleaning team starts on the empty rooms |
| Handover day | Joint inspection, dated photos, keys, cards and remotes returned, handover signed |
| After handover | Ejari cancelled, final bill settled, deposit refunded or deductions itemised in writing |
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Notice: check your contract and the law
In Dubai, Article 14 of Law No. (26) of 2007 says that a party who does not wish to renew, or wants to change the terms, must notify the other at least 90 days before the contract expires, unless the parties agreed otherwise. Many contracts set their own notice period, so read yours and give notice in writing, by email or by the method the contract names, and keep a copy.
If you are leaving before the contract ends, look for an early termination clause. It usually sets a notice period and a penalty, and it decides what you owe more than any general rule. Sharjah and Ajman contracts also set their own notice and handover terms, so the contract is your first document in every emirate.
Movers, building permits and access
Many towers and communities ask for a move out permit before movers can use the service lift or loading bay. Building management usually wants your tenancy details and ID, and sometimes a letter from the landlord. Apply early, because permits are often limited to certain days and hours.
- Book the movers for a date that leaves time to clean before the handover.
- Reserve the service lift and loading bay if the building requires it.
- Protect floors and lift walls on moving day, because damage to common areas can be charged to you.
- Collect every key, access card, parking sticker and remote you received at move in, so you can return the full set.
Utilities, internet and cooling
In Dubai, DEWA links electricity and water deactivation to the Ejari cancellation. According to Gulf News’ guide to DEWA move out, you choose your move out date and time online, the final meter reading is taken, you settle the final bill and choose how your DEWA security deposit is refunded, and a clearance certificate is shared with you and RERA.
- Sharjah: request the final reading and account closure with SEWA, the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority.
- Ajman and the northern emirates: arrange the final bill with Etihad Water and Electricity for your move out date.
- Cooling and gas: if your building bills district cooling or gas separately, close or transfer those accounts too.
- Internet and TV: cancel or move your home internet and return any equipment the provider asks for.
Keep every final bill and clearance with your handover papers. Landlords often ask for them before releasing the deposit.
Ejari and tenancy cancellation
In Dubai, the tenancy registration must be cancelled once you have moved out, so the next tenant can be registered. The Dubai Land Department’s cancel tenancy contract service covers expired contracts for vacated properties. It is free through the Ejari system or app, and costs AED 40 plus VAT at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre. If the contract is still active, a letter from the owner requesting cancellation is needed.
In Sharjah and Ajman, tenancy contracts are registered with the local municipality, so ask your landlord or agent how they close the registration and what they need from you.
Cleaning and repairs before handover
Cleaning is one step in the move, but it is the one most deposit disputes are about. Article 21 of Dubai’s tenancy law asks you to return the property in the condition you received it, apart from ordinary wear and tear, and Article 23 says you may not remove improvements you made unless agreed otherwise. Our guide on who pays for end of tenancy cleaning in the UAE explains how the law and your contract split the costs.
Book the clean for after the movers leave and before the inspection, so the team works on empty rooms and nothing is marked afterwards. Typical end of tenancy prices on our cleaning price calculator are:
| Home size | Sharjah and Ajman | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 250 to 450 | AED 300 to 500 |
| 1 bedroom | AED 350 to 600 | AED 400 to 650 |
| 2 to 3 bedrooms | AED 500 to 1,100 | AED 550 to 1,100 |
| Townhouse | AED 700 to 1,100 | AED 800 to 1,300 |
| Villa | AED 1,000 to 1,800 | AED 1,000 to 1,800 |
For the room by room cleaning list and local tips, see our guides to end of tenancy cleaning in Dubai, end of tenancy cleaning in Sharjah and move out cleaning in Ajman. Fix small items you are responsible for, such as picture hooks or broken bulbs, before the clean.
Handover day and your deposit
- Walk the home with the landlord or agent and compare each room with your move in photos.
- Take dated photos and a short video of every room, including inside cupboards and appliances.
- Photograph the meter readings on the day you leave.
- Return every key, card and remote and ask for a signed handover form that lists them.
- Hand over your cleaning receipt and final bills if the contract asks for them.
- Ask for any deduction in writing, with the actual cost, before you agree to it.
Under Article 20 of Dubai’s tenancy law, the landlord must refund the security deposit, or what remains of it, when the lease ends. If you cannot agree on deductions in Dubai, the Rental Disputes Center handles tenancy disputes; other emirates have their own rental committees. If you are moving to a new home, our move in cleaning checklist covers the other end of the move. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main things you need when moving out?
You need to give written notice in line with your contract, book movers and any building move out permit, and arrange your final utility bill for the handover date. Then clean the empty home, attend a joint inspection, return all keys and cards, and keep photos, receipts and final bills until your deposit is settled. Our Dubai end of tenancy guide adds the cleaning checklist.
Is it possible to cancel Ejari online?
Yes. The Dubai Land Department cancel tenancy contract service is free online and costs AED 40 plus VAT at a trustee centre. The Ejari registration must be cancelled after you vacate so that a new tenancy can be registered, and in Dubai the DEWA deactivation is linked to that cancellation. Landlords often start the cancellation, so agree with yours who will do it.
When to inform landlord of moving out in Dubai?
Under Article 14 of Dubai’s tenancy law, a party who does not wish to renew must notify the other at least 90 days before the contract expires, unless the contract says otherwise, so check your notice clause and give written notice at least three months out. Check the current rules on the Rental Disputes Center site and your contract before acting.
How can I get a DEWA deposit refund?
Request move out in your DEWA account or with UAE Pass, pay any outstanding amount, choose your move out date and time, and select how your DEWA security deposit should be refunded. The final meter reading is taken, you settle the final bill, and a clearance certificate is shared with you and RERA. Gulf News walks through each step.
How clean does a house need to be when you move out?
As clean as when you received it, apart from normal wear and tear. That means the kitchen including the oven, hob, extractor and inside cupboards, bathrooms including limescale and grout, floors, skirting, internal windows, wardrobes, AC grilles and the balcony. Our end of tenancy cleaning service works to a handover checklist that covers these areas.
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