Moving-in checklist for Dubai

What paperwork do you need before you get the keys?

• Signed tenancy contract and any addendum, with all agreed repairs listed.
• Receipts for cheques, deposit and agency fee.
• Ejari certificate. See Ejari registration for tenants.
• Copy of the landlord's title deed and ID, or the manager's authority.
• Contact details for the landlord or property manager, and who to call for emergencies.

Which utilities and services need connecting?

Activate DEWA in your name using the Ejari number; our DEWA connection guide explains the steps. Check whether the building has a separate chiller provider for air-conditioning and open that account if so. Chiller fees explained covers how these charges work. Gas, internet and TV are separate set-ups; book internet early, as installation slots can take time.

Which building permissions do you need to move in?

Many towers and communities require a move-in permit before removal vans can use the service lift or loading bay. The building management office will usually ask for the Ejari, your ID and the removal company's details, and may take a refundable damage deposit. Ask the agent for the process a week ahead. Collect access cards, parking stickers and mailbox keys at the same time, and note how many you received.

Condition check: room by room

Walk through with the landlord or agent if possible. If not, do it alone on the first day and send the record by email.

• Walls, ceilings and floors: marks, cracks, stains, damp.
• Kitchen: hob, oven, extractor, fridge, washing machine, under-sink leaks.
• Bathrooms: water pressure, hot water, drainage, silicone seals, extractor fans.
• Air-conditioning: every unit cooling, no water dripping, filters clean.
• Windows and balcony doors: locks, seals, fly screens.
• Electrics: every socket and light, the distribution board labelled.

Photograph everything, including meter readings. These pictures protect your security deposit.

The first week

Report anything not working in one written message with photos and ask for a repair date. Find the main water valve and the electrical board. Test the smoke detectors. Save the building security and maintenance numbers. If the property is professionally managed, ask how maintenance requests are logged.

Moving day itself

Book the service lift and loading bay for the slot the building gives you, and share it with your removal company. Protect floors and lift interiors; buildings often hold the mover's deposit against damage to common areas. Keep valuables, documents and chargers with you rather than on the van.

Before the movers leave, check that nothing has been scraped or dented on the way in. If it has, photograph it immediately. Damage caused on moving day is easy to confuse with damage that existed before, and the building and the landlord will each want to know who is responsible.

What changes for furnished homes?

Check the inventory item by item before you sign it. Note the condition of sofas, mattresses and appliances, and list anything missing. It is far easier to correct the inventory on day one than to argue about it when you leave.

Settling into the community

Learn the building rules on noise, balconies, pets and parking early. Fines and neighbour complaints are an avoidable start to a tenancy. If you are still deciding where to live, our area rental pages such as renting in Dubai Hills Estate describe the trade-offs.