Planning to move out of your villa or apartment soon? It’s crucial to know what the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) expects from tenants under Dubai law. While individual contracts may have specific provisions on tenant obligations when moving out, RERA provides the foundational framework for these responsibilities.
Thus, before moving out in Dubai, you must check your tenancy agreement first. That said, here’s what generally applies:
Tenant Obligations When Moving Out in Dubai
Use the following tenant move-out checklist as a handy guide, so you don’t miss anything important.
1. Surrender the Property in Good Condition
You must return the property in the same condition it was provided, accounting for normal wear and tear.
This begs the question, ‘Who is responsible for painting: landlord or tenant? In Dubai RERA places the responsibility for painting before move-out on the landlord, not the tenant, unless otherwise agreed upon in the contract. Under RERA regulations, ‘cleaning and painting of the interior walls completely after the tenant’s departure from the leased property shall be of the lessor’s (landlord’s) liability’.
That said, your tenancy agreement may include specific qualifying clauses. For example, your contract may require repainting or touch-ups from you, the tenant. Such a provision legally supersedes the RERA-mandated default, so always check your lease first.
2. Pay All Outstanding Bills
You’re responsible for settling all outstanding fees and utilities, such as cooling fees and DEWA (electricity, water) bills, and presenting final settlements to the landlord.
3. Return Keys & Vacate
Make sure to remove your belongings, return all keys, and conduct a walk-through move-out inspection with the landlord or agent to document the apartment or villa’s condition. Document everything. Inspection notes and photos are useful evidence in case of any disputes.
After inspection and deductions for damages or unpaid dues, your landlord should return to you whatever remains of the security deposit, as mandated by Dubai’s security deposit refund rules.
Avoiding Common Move-Out Surprises
Even when you’ve kept your home in great shape, disputes over the security deposit can still arise.
Many tenants are tripped up by:
- Unrepaired minor damage: Small wall marks, loose fixtures or broken fittings can be considered beyond normal wear and tear.
- Unremoved tenant installations: Shelves, light fittings or curtain poles you added often need to be taken down, with walls restored to their original condition. Thus, prior to move out, wall repair may be required.
- Left-behind items: Any belongings or rubbish left behind can result in a cleaning or removal charge.
- Unfinished or below-par repairs: Quick fixes that aren’t up to standard may lead to landlords bringing in their own contractors for remedial work. The cost for such corrective work is deducted from the security deposit.
By taking the time to prepare the property properly and documenting the handover with photos, you can reduce the risk of disagreements and speed up the return of your security deposit.
How We Can Help Protect Your Deposit
Our handyman services can help you meet these requirements effortlessly and support a stress-free move. We assist in restoring properties to an acceptable handover condition, minimising potential deductions.
Our move-out restoration services include:
- Picture, lighting and other fixture removal
- Filling drill holes, patching walls, and minor fixes
- Painting
- Curtain/blind removal
- Disassembling furniture
Moving to somewhere new? We can also help you feel at home from day one with:
- Shelving, and picture hanging
- TV mounting
- Hanging curtains and blinds
- Installing light fittings and mirrors
- Furniture assembly
- Connecting appliances
Our handymen are skilled and fully trained. They’ll arrive with the right tools, complete the job to a high standard, and leave without a trace.
Book your move-in or move-out handyman support today. Call 800-FIX (800-349) or WhatsApp us on +971501027586 for move-out painting in Dubai and other handyman services that will ensure your handover is hassle-free, deposit-friendly and professionally handled.
