Ending your tenancy and moving out in Dubai
Your tenancy contract, not a general rule, decides how much notice you give and what leaving early costs. After that come the move-out inspection, your deposit and the Ejari cancellation.
The steps, in order
- Give your landlord notice KeyYour contract decides the notice and any early-exit penalty, not a general rule.3 months before
- Decide what happens to the home you ownSell, rent out or leave empty, and who manages it.4 weeks before
- Hand back company accommodationClearance from HR or facilities, meter readings and keys.3 days before
- Move-out inspection, keys and deposit KeyPhotos, readings and a signed handover. Deposit agreed in writing.1 day before
- Make sure the Ejari is cancelledYou or your landlord cancel it in the Dubai REST app after handover. A management company cancels it itself.3 days after
Questions people ask
- Can I break my lease early in Dubai?
- Can my landlord keep rent I’ve already paid?
- What happens to my post-dated rent cheques?
- Do I have to give notice if I just don’t renew?
- Can I keep a UAE bank account to receive rent after I leave?
- My visa is linked to this property. What happens if I sell?
- Do I have to be in Dubai to sell?
- Do I need a clearance for company accommodation?
- How long can I stay in company accommodation after my job ends?
- Can my landlord deduct normal wear and tear?
- When will I get my rent deposit back?
- What if my landlord doesn’t return the deposit?
- Who cancels the Ejari when I move out?
- Do I get an Ejari cancellation certificate?
- Why does Ejari cancellation matter?
Leaving soon? Get these steps, and everything else that applies to you, with real dates counted back from your flight.
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