Key step It blocks other steps, or costs money if you miss it.

Move-out inspection, keys and getting your rent deposit back

Do a joint inspection with your landlord or agent, take dated photos and video of every room and meter, hand over all keys against a signed note, and agree the deposit amount and date in writing. The landlord must return the deposit, less proven damage.

When
5 days to 1 day before your flight
Time
2 to 3 hours
Cost
Cleaning and touch-ups if your contract requires them

Official source: Rental Disputes CentreFor the rules. You don’t do this step there.

Money back: Rental security deposit. After handover and final utility bills.

Have ready

  • Handover note
  • Your IBAN
  • All keys, access cards, remotes
  • Move-in inspection report or photos, if you have them

How to do it

  1. Book deep cleaning and any painting your contract requires, before the inspection.
  2. Do a joint inspection with the landlord or agent; take dated photos and a video of every room.
  3. Photograph the DEWA, cooling and gas meters on handover day.
  4. Hand over all keys, cards and remotes against a signed handover note.
  5. Agree the deposit amount and refund date in writing, with your IBAN for the transfer. Use an account that stays open after you leave. If the landlord deducts anything, ask for an itemised list with invoices.
  6. Ask the landlord or agent to request the Ejari cancellation.

Watch out

  • Landlords often wait for paid DEWA and cooling final bills before refunding; close those quickly.
  • Normal wear and tear should not be deducted; deductions need proof.
  • If the deposit is not paid by the agreed date, send a written demand by registered mail or through a notary. After 5 days without payment you can ask the Rental Disputes Centre for a writ of payment. The fee is 3.5% of the amount claimed, minimum AED 500, plus about AED 120 in fixed fees. Documents must be in Arabic or legally translated.

Questions people ask

Can my landlord deduct normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear shouldn’t be deducted, and deductions need proof. Your dated photos and signed handover note are your evidence.

When will I get my rent deposit back?

The law says the landlord must return it when the lease ends, but it gives no number of days. Landlords often wait for your paid DEWA and cooling final bills, so close those quickly and agree a refund date in writing.

What if my landlord doesn’t return the deposit?

Send a written demand by registered mail or through a notary. If it is still unpaid after 5 days, you can file a writ of payment with the Rental Disputes Centre online. The fee is 3.5% of the amount claimed, minimum AED 500.

Sources

Official: Rental Disputes Centre: frequently asked questions · Rental Disputes Centre: register a writ of payment

Also checked against: Mondaq: early termination and Article 20 deposit refund · Dubai Law 26 of 2007, Articles 20 and 21

Outro is an independent guide, not a government service or legal advice. If an official page says something different, follow it and .