Renting in Dubai: Essential Moving Tips for Tenants

The Tenant's Moving Protocol

Renting in Dubai is a contract-heavy process. Moving in is the moment where you set the baseline for your entire tenancy relationship (and your future deposit refund).

1. Document Everything

Before the movers bring the first box:

• Photo Audit: Take high-res photos of every room, floor scratch, scuffed doorframe, and chipped tile.
• Email the Landlord: Send these photos immediately with a timestamp. This is your proof that the damage existed before you arrived.

2. Painting and Decorating

You want to make it feel like home, but check your contract.

• Wall Colors: Most contracts require you to return the walls to "original color" (usually white/off-white) upon exit. That dark blue feature wall will cost you a repainting fee later.
• Drilling: hanging TV mounts is standard, but you'll need to fill and paint the holes when you leave.

3. Move-In Permit (MIP)

We cannot stress this enough: No Permit, No Move.

• Building security will turn your truck away without a printed Move-In Permit.
• To get it, you usually need your Ejari, passport, and sometimes the moving company's trade license.
• Apply for this 3-5 days in advance.

4. Lock Change

It's legal and recommended to change the lock cylinder on your apartment door for security. Just keep the old cylinder to reinstall when you move out, or give a spare key of the new lock to the landlord (check your contract terms).

Conclusion

Treat your rental move as a legal transaction as much as a physical one. Documentation is your best defense against unfair deductions later on.