Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Dubai Tenants: Get Your Deposit Back

Before handing back a Dubai rental, clean the kitchen appliances inside and out, descale the bathrooms, wipe every cupboard, clean the AC vents, wash the balcony and remove wall marks where the paint allows. Compare the flat with your move-in photos. A professional move-out deep clean with Zigy costs from AED 380 for a studio and AED 580 for a 1-bedroom.

Six Weeks Before You Move

• Re-read your tenancy contract for anything about cleaning, painting or handover condition.
• Find your move-in photos or inspection report.
• Book movers and, if you want it, a professional clean for the day after they leave.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Kitchen

• Oven, hob and extractor hood degreased, including filters
• Fridge and freezer emptied, defrosted and wiped inside
• Washing machine drum and door seal cleaned
• Cupboards and drawers wiped inside and out
• Sink and taps descaled; tiles and counters degreased

Bathrooms

• Limescale removed from taps, shower screen and tiles
• Grout scrubbed; toilet cleaned including the base
• Mirrors and cabinet exteriors polished
• Drains cleared of hair

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Wardrobes empty and wiped inside
• Skirting boards, doors and door frames wiped
• Light switches and sockets cleaned
• Washable wall marks removed; nail holes noted for the landlord

Throughout

• AC vents and grills wiped; consider AC duct cleaning if they are dusty
• Windows and frames cleaned inside
• Floors vacuumed and mopped, including under where furniture stood
• Balcony swept, washed and railings wiped

Handover Day

• Take dated photos and a video of every room after the clean.
• Do the inspection with the landlord or agent, and ask them to note any issues in writing.
• Arrange the final DEWA reading and settle outstanding utility bills.
• Return all keys and access cards, and get a written confirmation.

DIY or Professional?

A professional clean takes the most time-consuming jobs off your list: oven degreasing, bathroom limescale and grout. It works best in an empty home. See move-in and move-out cleaning or general deep cleaning in Dubai.

If There Is a Dispute

If you and your landlord cannot agree about deductions from the deposit, keep your photos and written records. In Dubai, rental disputes can be taken to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I clean before moving out in Dubai?

Kitchen appliances inside and out, bathroom limescale and grout, cupboards, AC vents, windows, balcony and floors, plus washable wall marks.

How much is a professional move-out clean in Dubai?

With Zigy, from AED 380 for a studio, AED 580 for a 1-bedroom and AED 789 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Should I clean before or after the movers?

After the movers leave. Cleaning works best in an empty home.

How do I protect my security deposit?

Clean thoroughly, compare with your move-in photos, take dated photos at handover and get any issues noted in writing.