Moving apartments within Dubai is common — leases end, families grow, commutes change and rents shift from one neighbourhood to the next. A move inside the same city can still feel rushed if you leave permits, deposits and utility transfers to the last week. With a simple plan, a clear checklist and plenty of photos, you can hand back your old home in good shape, protect your deposit and settle into the new place without chasing paperwork for weeks afterwards.
Booking Movers and Sorting Building Permits
Start by getting quotes from a few moving companies. Ask what is included: packing materials, dismantling and reassembling furniture, insurance for damage, and how many staff and truck trips are planned. A company that does a video survey first will usually give a more accurate price. Book early for month-end and weekends, the busiest moving days in Dubai.
Many buildings require a move-out and move-in permit or No Objection Certificate from the building management or community developer. In general, you may need to book the service lift, provide the movers’ trade licence and vehicle details, pay a refundable move deposit to the building, and stick to permitted moving hours. Check the rules at both buildings at least a week or two ahead. Without the right permit, security may turn your movers away on the day, which is an expensive and stressful problem to fix.
Protecting Your Deposit at Move-Out
Your security deposit is usually held against unpaid bills and damage beyond normal wear and tear. What counts as a fair deduction is a frequent source of disagreement, so evidence matters.
- Take dated photos and a walk-through video of every room when you move in, and again when you move out
- Photograph walls, floors, appliances, bathrooms and any marks that were already there at handover
- Keep your move-in inventory or condition report if your landlord or agent provided one
- Repair small issues you caused, such as picture-hook holes, if your contract expects it, and keep receipts
- Arrange a joint inspection with the landlord or agent and agree any deductions in writing before you hand back the keys
- Provide your forwarding details for the return of any balance and confirm the expected timeline in writing
Leave the apartment clean and empty, with all keys, access cards and parking remotes returned and recorded. If a deduction is proposed, ask for the invoice behind it. Calm, written communication and good photos resolve most disputes.
Transferring DEWA and Cancelling Ejari
Plan your utilities so you are not paying for two homes longer than necessary, and so the new home has power and water when you arrive. For DEWA, you will generally need to request a move-out or deactivation for the old premises once you know your leaving date, settle the final bill and arrange the refund or transfer of your security deposit according to DEWA’s current process. For the new home, you will typically activate a new DEWA account linked to your new tenancy. Check the current steps, fees and timings on DEWA’s official channels, as processes can be updated.
Ejari works in a similar paired way. Your old Ejari should be cancelled when the tenancy ends, either by the landlord, agent or through the available official channels, and a new Ejari registered for your new tenancy contract. Keep copies of both the cancellation confirmation and the new certificate. You may need them for family visa matters, opening accounts or proving your address.
Updating Your Address Everywhere Else
Once the move is done, work through a short admin list so post, deliveries and records find you:
- Update your address with your bank, employer and school or nursery, if relevant
- Check car insurance, Salik and any delivery subscriptions linked to the old address
- Redirect regular deliveries and inform your building security and reception of your move-in
- Keep a folder with your new tenancy contract, new Ejari, DEWA account details and moving invoices
A Simple Move-Out Checklist
In the final week, confirm movers and lift bookings, clean appliances, pack a first-night box with chargers, documents and toiletries, and sweep cupboards and storage rooms. On moving day, read and photograph the meters if requested, lock up, and hand over keys against a signed receipt. A move handled in this order — permits first, photos throughout, utilities and Ejari in parallel — turns a hectic day into a manageable one, and gives you the best chance of getting your full deposit back promptly.