Move-In and Move-Out Maintenance in Dubai.

Moving home in Dubai happens a lot. Tenancies are usually yearly, people change jobs and communities, and landlords sell. Every move has two sides. When you move out, the landlord or the agent inspects the property, and anything that is not in the same condition as when you moved in can be deducted from your security deposit. When you move in, you want everything to work before the boxes arrive. Our move-in and move-out maintenance service covers both, in one or two visits.

Move-out maintenance

Most tenancy contracts in Dubai say the property must be returned in the condition it was received, apart from normal wear and tear. In practice, inspectors look for the same things again and again. We fix them before the inspection.

What we usually do before handover

• Remove fixings such as TV brackets, curtain rods, shelves, picture hooks and wall-mounted items you added.
• Fill and sand holes from screws and anchors so the wall is flat.
• Repaint in the original colour, usually white or off-white. Patch painting a few spots often shows, so a full room or apartment repaint is more reliable. See painting services.
• Reseal mouldy silicone around baths, showers and kitchen sinks.
• Fix doors and handles that are loose, sticking or not latching.
• Replace blown bulbs and downlights and broken switch plates.
• Fix kitchen cabinet doors that have dropped or have broken hinges.
• Service the AC, because some contracts require proof of servicing at the end of the tenancy.
• Remove partitions or wallpaper you added, and restore the original walls.

If you are not sure what the inspector will check, send us your move-in inspection report or photos from when you moved in. We will compare and focus on what matters.

Timing

Book move-out work a few days before the handover inspection, not the day before. Paint needs time to dry, and if anything else comes up during the work, there is time to fix it. A one or two-bedroom apartment is usually finished in one to two days.

Deposit disputes

Deductions from the security deposit are a common source of disagreement in Dubai. Doing the work properly and keeping photos of the finished property is the best protection. We take before and after photos for you. If a dispute does arise, the Rental Disputes Centre is the official route, and clear evidence of the property’s condition helps.

Move-in maintenance

New tenants and owners often find that the apartment is clean but not quite ready. A move-in visit gets everything working and set up the way you want.

What we usually do after you get the keys

• AC service and duct check before you start using the AC full time, especially if the property was empty in summer. See AC maintenance.
• Change the lock cylinder on the main door so previous keys no longer work.
• Check plumbing: taps, mixers, toilets, water heater, under-sink leaks and drains.
• Mount TVs and hang curtains, blinds, mirrors and pictures.
• Assemble furniture and fix tall units to the wall.
• Install appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and water filters.
• Fit light fittings where the apartment only has bare bulbs.
• Reseal bathrooms if the silicone is old, before mould takes hold.

Because one handyman or a small team can handle all of this, you do not need to book five different companies in your first week.

For landlords and property managers

The time between tenants is short, and every empty week costs rent. Landlords and property managers use us to turn properties around quickly: repaint, repair, reseal, service the AC and replace anything broken, then send photos so the unit can be listed straight away. We can collect keys from your agent or building reception if you are abroad. This is very common for owners of rental units in JVC, Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Dubai Sports City and Downtown Dubai.

Villas

Villa moves have more to check: several bathrooms, more AC units, garden irrigation, outdoor lights, gates and pumps. For villas in Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Mirdif and similar communities, we usually plan a full day and send two technicians. Many villa owners also book villa maintenance visits after moving in.

Snagging for new handovers

If you are receiving a brand-new apartment or villa from a developer, the developer is responsible for fixing defects during the defects liability period. A careful snag inspection before or right after handover helps you list issues such as uneven tiles, paint defects, door alignment and silicone gaps. Our technicians can walk through the property with you and note practical defects to report to the developer.

Book move-in or move-out maintenance

Send your move date, the property type and size, and a list or photos of what needs doing on WhatsApp. We will give you a clear quote and book the visit around your move.

Helpful guides from our team

• Move-out painting: what landlords check