Last updated: September 2026
Moving home within Dubai involves more admin than most people expect. Alongside packing and movers, you need to close and open utilities with DEWA, handle district cooling if your building has it, get building move permits, transfer internet, register the new tenancy on Ejari and hand over the old home properly. Doing these in the right order saves days and protects both deposits.
Six to eight weeks before
- Check your notice period. Most tenancy contracts set a notice period for non-renewal. Give notice in writing and keep proof.
- Book movers early, especially for month-end dates and the busy summer period. Get at least two quotes after a survey or video call.
- Ask both buildings about move permits. Most towers and many communities require a move-out and move-in permit or NOC, and some ask for a refundable deposit, the tenancy contract and movers’ details. They also set allowed moving hours and lift bookings.
- Find your move-in photos of the old home. You’ll need them for the handover.
Two to four weeks before
- Book handover repairs: filling wall holes, replacing bulbs, fixing anything you damaged. See common home repairs.
- Book the move-out clean for after the furniture leaves. See our move-out cleaning guide.
- Book an AC service if your contract requires one at handover.
- Arrange internet transfer or a new connection with your provider. Installation slots can take time.
- Start decluttering. Less stuff means a cheaper move.
DEWA: closing and opening accounts
DEWA handles electricity and water. On moving in, it charges a refundable security deposit, commonly AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, plus a small activation fee. When you move out, you submit a move-out request, DEWA issues a final bill, and the deposit balance is refunded after that bill is settled. Landlords often ask for DEWA’s clearance before returning your rental deposit.
- Request move-out for the old address for your handover date, through the DEWA app or website.
- Request move-in for the new address. You’ll typically need your Ejari or tenancy details, Emirates ID and the premises number.
- DEWA offers options to transfer between properties within Dubai, which can avoid paying a second deposit. Check current options when you apply.
Confirm current fees and steps on DEWA’s own channels, as they can change.
District cooling (chiller)
If either building uses district cooling from a provider such as Empower, and the unit isn’t “chiller-free,” you’ll need to close the old account and open a new one. Providers typically charge a fixed monthly demand charge on top of metered use, so close the old account on time. Our central vs split AC guide explains how chiller billing works.
Ejari
Your new tenancy contract must be registered on Ejari, Dubai’s official tenancy registration system. Landlords or agents often handle it, but make sure it’s done, since you’ll need the Ejari to activate DEWA and for various residency-related services. The old tenancy’s Ejari is cancelled as part of the handover.
Moving week
- Confirm permits, lift bookings and moving hours with both buildings.
- Pack an essentials box: documents, chargers, medicines, a kettle, toiletries, bedding and basic tools.
- Photograph how your electronics are connected before unplugging.
- Defrost and dry the fridge the day before if it’s moving with you.
- Label boxes by room at the new home.
- In summer, move early in the morning where building rules allow. Heat and long lift waits make midday moves hard on people and belongings.
Moving day
- Protect lift interiors and corridors if the building requires it. Movers usually bring padding.
- Walk through every room, cupboard and balcony before the truck leaves.
- Take meter readings or photos at both properties.
- Keep valuables and documents with you, not in the truck.
Handover of the old home
- Clean after the furniture is out.
- Attend the inspection if possible and photograph every room afterwards.
- Return all keys, access cards, parking cards and remotes. Get a signed receipt.
- Ask for any deposit deductions in writing, itemised.
First week in the new home
- Photograph everything before unpacking, including existing damage. Send the photos to the landlord by email.
- Find the main water valve and the distribution board. Test the RCD. See our electrical safety checklist.
- Check every AC unit cools, clean the filters and ask when it was last serviced.
- Run water in every drain, especially in bathrooms that have been unused.
- Consider a move-in clean and a pest control treatment before your belongings are fully unpacked.
- Update your address with your bank, employer and insurer.
Choosing a moving company
- Get quotes after a survey, not over the phone from a rough description.
- Ask what’s included: packing materials, dismantling and reassembling furniture, wall mounting, disposal.
- Ask about insurance cover for damage and how claims work.
- Check the company is properly licensed and has a physical office.
- Get the final price, date and time in writing.
FAQs
How much is the DEWA deposit for a new home?
Commonly AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, refundable when you close the account. Confirm current amounts with DEWA.
Do I need permission from my building to move?
Most apartment buildings and many communities require a move permit or NOC and set moving hours. Ask building management a few weeks in advance.
When will I get my DEWA deposit back?
After your final bill is issued and paid. The balance is refunded to the account you nominate.
Should I clean before or after moving out?
After. Cleaning around boxes and furniture doesn’t reach the places inspectors check.