Before you hand back a rental in Dubai, clean the kitchen appliances inside and out, remove limescale and mould from bathrooms, clean window and balcony tracks, empty and wipe every cabinet, and remove all your belongings. Dubai rental law expects the home back in the condition you received it, apart from normal wear and tear, and the security deposit exists to cover maintenance if it is not.
What Dubai law says about your security deposit
- Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 lets the landlord take a security deposit to cover maintenance of the property at the end of the lease.
- The landlord must refund the deposit, or what is left after valid deductions, when the lease ends.
- The tenant must return the property in the same condition it was received, except for ordinary wear and tear.
- If you disagree with a deduction, you can file a case at the Rental Disputes Center of the Dubai Land Department. In one reported case, the center ordered a landlord to refund a AED 6,000 deposit in full. Source: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your tenancy contract may have its own cleaning or painting terms, so read it first.
Before you start
- Find your move-in condition report or the photos you took when you moved in.
- Read the cleaning, painting and handover terms in your tenancy contract.
- Book your cleaning for the day after the movers leave.
- Remove all furniture and items. Landlords can deduct the cost of removing things you leave behind.
Kitchen checklist
- Inside the oven, racks and trays
- Stove top and burners
- Cooker hood and grease filter
- Inside the fridge and freezer, including seals (switch off and defrost if agreed with the landlord)
- Inside the microwave and dishwasher
- Inside every cabinet and drawer
- Grease on tiles, walls and cabinet fronts
- Sink, taps and limescale on fittings
Bathroom checklist
- Limescale on taps, shower heads and shower glass
- Grout lines and black mould spots on silicone
- Toilet, including under the rim and the base
- Basin, bathtub, mirrors and cabinets
- Exhaust fan cover
- Floor drains and corners
Bedrooms and living room checklist
- Inside wardrobes, shelves and drawers
- Skirting boards, door frames and doors
- Light switches and sockets
- Marks on walls (spot clean only, test first so paint is not damaged)
- Floors, including corners and where furniture stood
- Curtain rails and blinds if provided by the landlord
Windows, balcony and AC
- Inside glass of windows and sliding doors
- Window and door tracks, where sand and dust collect in Dubai
- Balcony floor, railings and reachable glass
- AC grilles and vent covers (do not open AC units yourself; report AC faults to the landlord)
Handover day checklist
- Walk through every room with the landlord or agent.
- Take dated photos and videos of every room after cleaning.
- Return all keys, access cards and parking cards, and get a written receipt.
- Keep proof of final utility clearances, such as your final DEWA bill.
- Ask the landlord to confirm the deposit amount and refund date in writing.
DIY or professional move-out cleaning?
A small, well-kept studio can be done yourself if you have a full day and the right products for grease and limescale. For larger homes, heavy kitchen grease, mould or tight handover dates, a professional clean saves time and gives a more even result. Our move-out cleaning in Dubai starts from AED 399 for a studio and covers everything on this list. See full cleaning prices in Dubai.
Move-out checklist FAQ
Do I have to clean before moving out in Dubai?
Dubai rental law requires you to return the home in the same condition you received it, apart from normal wear and tear. If it is left dirty, the landlord may deduct cleaning costs from the security deposit. Check your tenancy contract for specific terms.
What counts as normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear is the small, natural ageing of a home from everyday use, such as light scuffs or slightly faded paint. Heavy grease, built-up limescale, dirt and damage are not normally treated as wear and tear.
What can I do if my landlord does not return my deposit?
First ask in writing for the refund and the reason for any deductions. If you cannot agree, you can file a case with the Rental Disputes Center at the Dubai Land Department.
When should I book move-out cleaning?
Book it for the day after your movers leave and before the handover inspection. An empty home is faster and easier to clean fully.
