Moving house in Dubai is often a high-stakes race against time. One moment you are coordinating with movers in the heat of Al Barari. The next, you are refreshing the Dubai REST app to check your Ejari status. At the center of this chaos is the cleaning. For tenants, a spotless exit is the only way to recover a 5% security deposit. For new residents moving into Arabian Ranches or Dubai Hills, a deep clean is about health and a truly fresh start.
This guide serves as the definitive resource for navigating the transition. We cover everything from RERA regulations to the exact cost of cleaning a 4-bedroom villa in Damac Hills. Whether you are vacating a studio in The Greens or preparing a luxury estate in Emirates Hills, these expert insights will save you money and stress.
Executive Summary: What You Need to Know for 2026
Moving in Dubai has become more regulated and expensive. The average cost for a professional move-out deep clean now ranges from AED 299 for studios to over AED 1,299 for large villas.
Key takeaways for a successful move include:
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Deposit Protection: RERA Law No. 26 of 2007 mandates that tenants return the property in the same condition they received it, minus normal wear and tear.
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Utility Timelines: DEWA disconnection takes about 24 hours and costs between AED 100 and AED 300 depending on meter size.
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Ejari Requirements: You cannot register a new Ejari until the old one is cancelled, which requires a final “Paid” DEWA bill.
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Professional Standards: To pass a landlord’s inspection, “basic cleaning” is rarely enough. Most landlords expect steam-sterilized kitchens and deep-scrubbed balcony floors.
Why is Move-out Cleaning Critical for Your Security Deposit?
In Dubai, the security deposit is usually 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished ones. For a villa in Nad Al Sheba, this can easily amount to tens of thousands of dirhams.
The RERA Standard of “Clean”
According to Article 19 of the Dubai Rental Law, tenants must maintain the property and return it in good condition. Landlords frequently use “cleaning fees” as a reason to withhold portions of the deposit. While they cannot charge for “normal wear and tear” (like minor scuffs on the floor), they can deduct for grease in the oven, dust in AC vents, or stained balcony tiles.
Avoiding the “Painting Trap”
Many landlords insist the property must be repainted. Unless your contract explicitly states you must repaint, RERA often views standard wall fading as wear and tear. However, if you leave the walls dirty or covered in marks, they will likely win a dispute at the Rental Dispute Center. A professional deep cleaning in Dubai often removes marks that tenants mistake for permanent damage.
The True Cost of Move-in and Move-out Cleaning in Dubai
Prices vary significantly based on property size and the level of “deep” cleaning required. Based on 2025 market data, here is what you should expect to pay:
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Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Furnished properties take longer because cleaners must vacuum upholstery and clean under furniture.
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External Areas: Cleaning a patio or pergola in areas like Arabian Ranches 2 or Layan often adds AED 150 to AED 300 to the bill.
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Post-Renovation: If you have done work on the property before moving in, the “construction dust” requires specialized industrial vacuums and multiple passes.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Areas We Serve
Moving requirements can change based on your community. We provide specialized teams across Dubai’s most popular residential hubs:
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Arabian Ranches & Al Reem: These villas often suffer from desert dust accumulation in garage areas.
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The Greens & Al Thanyah: Apartment living here requires focus on AC vents to prevent mold during the humid months.
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Damac Hills & Madinat Hind: New builds often have “handover dust” that requires a thorough move-in clean.
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Nad Al Sheba & Wadi Al Safa: Large family homes in these areas benefit from our housekeeping and maid services to maintain the property post-move.
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Emirates Hills: Luxury estates require high-end equipment to protect delicate marble and custom flooring.
The Technical Side: DEWA, Ejari, and Moving Logistics
A clean house is only half the battle. You must manage the administrative handoff to avoid legal roadblocks.
1. DEWA Disconnection
You should apply for your final bill via the DEWA website or app at least 24 hours before you move.
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Small Meters: AED 100 fee.
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Large Meters: AED 300 fee.
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Knowledge/Innovation Fees: AED 20 total. Once the final bill is paid, DEWA will issue a “Final Bill Clearance” which is mandatory for the next step.
2. Ejari Cancellation
The landlord is legally responsible for cancelling the Ejari once you vacate, but tenants often handle it to speed up their next move. You cannot have two active Ejaris under your name for different properties.
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Documents Needed: Emirates ID, final DEWA bill, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord.
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Cost: Free via the Dubai REST app or approximately AED 220 at a typing center.
Equipment Matters: Why We Use Industrial Tools
A standard household vacuum cannot handle a Dubai move-out. We utilize professional-grade machinery to ensure the “RERA-clean” standard is met.
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Karcher Steam Cleaners: Essential for sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms without harsh chemicals.
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Dyson V15 Detect: Used for final floor inspections to ensure no microscopic dust remains.
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Single-Disc Scrubbing Machines: These are used on tiled floors in villas to remove years of built-up grime that a mop cannot reach.
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Spray Extraction Cleaners: Critical for carpet cleaning in Dubai to remove deep-seated sand and allergens.
Personal Case Study: The “Sandstorm” Move in Al Barari
Last summer, a client was moving out of a 5-bedroom villa in Al Barari. The property had been empty for two weeks during a particularly dusty period. The landlord threatened to keep the entire AED 15,000 deposit because of “extensive dirt” on the outdoor terraces and window tracks.
Our team arrived with high-pressure Karcher washers and industrial vacuums. We spent 8 hours focusing on:
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Window Tracks: Removing the packed silt that prevented the sliders from closing properly.
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AC Vents: Using AC filter cleaning to remove the dust that was blowing back onto the walls.
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Kitchen Degreasing: Removing the sticky residue from the hood that had trapped desert dust.
The Outcome: The landlord signed the move-out inspection form that evening. The client recovered 100% of their deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a move-out cleaning take?
For a standard 2-bedroom apartment, expect it to take 4 to 6 hours with a team of three. Larger villas in areas like Arabian Ranches may require a full day.
2. Does the landlord pay for the move-out clean?
No. In Dubai, it is standard for the tenant to return the property in a clean state. If you don’t, the landlord will likely hire their own company and deduct a higher-than-market rate from your deposit.
3. Should I clean the property before moving in?
Yes. Even “clean” handovers often have dust in the AC ducts and grime in the kitchen cabinets. A move-in clean ensures your family is moving into a sanitized environment.
4. How much is the DEWA disconnection fee?
It is AED 100 for small meters and AED 300 for large meters, plus AED 20 in government fees.
5. Can I cancel my Ejari online?
Yes, you can use the Dubai REST app or the DLD website. It is usually processed within 24 to 48 hours if all documents are correct.
6. What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
If the property is clean and there is no damage beyond wear and tear, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC). The filing fee is 3.5% of the annual rent.
7. Do you clean the windows and balconies?
Yes. Our move-out service includes window cleaning and scrubbing balconies, which are often the dirtiest parts of a Dubai home.
8. Is carpet cleaning included?
Standard deep cleaning includes vacuuming. However, for stain removal, we recommend adding a specialized carpet cleaning service.
9. Do I need to be present during the cleaning?
It is not required, but we recommend a walkthrough at the end to ensure you are happy with the results before the landlord’s inspection.
10. Do you provide cleaning for Airbnb properties?
Yes, we offer specialized Airbnb and holiday home cleaning that includes linen changes and restocking.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Your Deposit to Chance
Moving is expensive enough without losing your security deposit to a “dirty kitchen” claim. By hiring professionals who understand the RERA standards and community-specific challenges of Dubai, you ensure a smooth transition. From solar panel cleaning in eco-friendly villas to ironing services for your first week in a new home, we handle the details so you can focus on the move.
Ready to book your move-in or move-out clean? Contact us today for a customized quote tailored to your specific Dubai neighborhood.