DEWA move-in in Dubai: security deposit, fees and getting your deposit back

When you rent a home in Dubai, electricity and water are connected by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). For tenants the service is linked to Ejari: once your tenancy contract is registered, DEWA creates your account and sends a welcome email and SMS with the account number, the deposit to pay and a payment link. Supply is connected within 15 working hours of payment.

What you pay when you move in

Large meters cost AED 300 to connect instead of AED 125. For non-residential premises, the deposit is set by expected consumption. Holders of the Thukher card (senior citizens) and the Sanad card (people of determination) get 50% off the activation charges.

How it works

Tenants outside free zones

1. Register your tenancy contract in Ejari. You only need the 9-digit DEWA premises number, shown on the door of the home; no DEWA receipt is needed.
2. Wait for DEWA’s welcome email and SMS with your account number.
3. Pay the deposit and fees through the link, or any DEWA payment channel.
4. Electricity and water are connected within 15 working hours.

If the welcome email does not arrive, usually because the property manager entered a wrong email address, apply yourself on the DEWA website or app with your Ejari number. With a valid Ejari number, no other documents are needed.

Free zone tenants and owners

Free zone tenants exempt from Ejari, and owners moving into their own property, apply on the DEWA website or app. Tenants need a valid tenancy contract; owners need the title deed or sale and purchase agreement. An owner’s deposit is refunded only when the property is sold.

If the supply is not on within 15 working hours of paying, DEWA asks you to call its Customer Care Centre on 04 601 9999.

Moving out and getting your deposit back

1. Pay any outstanding DEWA bills first; this is required before a move-out request.
2. Apply on the DEWA website or app, with or without logging in (without login you need the account number and the 9-digit premises number).
3. Choose the date and time to disconnect, and how to receive the refund: to an IBAN, by cheque, or moved to another active DEWA account.
4. For an IBAN refund, attach bank proof showing the IBAN and a beneficiary name identical to the name on your DEWA account.

Supply is cut within 24 working hours of the time you chose, and the final bill arrives within 24 working hours. The deposit is set against the final bill: you pay the difference if the bill is higher, or receive the balance if the deposit is higher. Disconnection costs AED 125 for small meters (AED 300 for large) plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees. A clearance certificate is sent once the final bill is settled.

More on renting in Dubai: Ejari registration, rental disputes, and the rent increase calculator.

Checked against the DEWA service pages on 5 October 2026. Fees can change; DEWA shows the amount due when you apply. General information, not legal advice. See our editorial policy.