If you've ever moved apartments in Dubai, you know the drill: your
landlord or property management company hands you an inspection
checklist longer than your tenancy contract. Miss one item — a dusty
AC vent, a single water stain on the bathroom silicone — and you
could lose thousands of dirhams from your security deposit.
We've compiled requirements from Dubai's biggest developers — Emaar,
Damac, Nakheel, Dubai Properties, and Meraas — into one
complete move in move out cleaning checklist for Dubai
apartments. Follow this and you're virtually guaranteed full deposit
recovery.
📋 The 48-Point Inspection Checklist
This is the actual checklist used by most Dubai property
management companies. We've organized it by room.
Kitchen (12 points)
-
Degrease all cabinets (inside & out)
-
Oven: interior glass, racks, door seal
-
Extractor hood: filters degreased
-
Sink: descaled, polished, trap cleaned
-
Fridge: fully defrosted & sanitized
-
Countertops: no stains or scratches
-
Backsplash tiles: grout clean
-
All drawers: emptied & wiped
-
Floor: deep-mopped, corners cleaned
-
Dishwasher: filter cleaned, run cycle
-
Light fixtures: dust-free
-
Window tracks: no dirt buildup
Bathrooms (10 points)
-
Shower glass: scale-free, streak-free
-
Grout & silicone: no mold, no stains
-
Toilet: fully sanitized, behind bowl
-
Mirrors & chrome: polished
-
Exhaust fan: dust-free, working
-
Vanity cabinets: emptied & wiped
-
Bathtub: no soap residue, no scratches
-
Floor drains: cleaned & deodorized
-
Ceiling: no water stains
-
Accessories: towel racks, holders polished
Living & Bedrooms (14 points)
-
AC vents: dust-free, no black spots
-
Walls: no scuffs, marks, or nail holes
-
Skirting boards: wiped, no dust
-
Windows: glass, frames, tracks — all clean
-
Curtains/blinds: dust-free, no stains
-
Doors & handles: sanitized
-
Light switches & sockets: wiped
-
Built-in wardrobes: emptied & wiped
-
Flooring: no scratches, fully mopped
-
Balcony: swept, glass door cleaned
-
Smoke detectors: dust-free
-
Ceiling corners: no cobwebs
-
Electrical panel door: wiped
-
All furniture: removed or cleaned
Utility & Misc. (12 points)
-
Washing machine: drum, seal, filter
-
Water heater: no leaks, dust-free
-
Maid's room & bathroom: fully cleaned
-
Storage room: emptied & swept
-
Parking spot: swept, no oil stains
-
Main door: polished, lock functional
-
Intercom: working & clean
-
All light bulbs: working
-
Water meter: accessible & clean
-
Pest control: certificate if required
-
Keys/access cards: all accounted for
-
Overall: no odors (smoke, cooking, pets)
Common Deductions & How Pro Cleaning Prevents Them
AED 800–1,500
AC vent mold. The #1 deduction. Professional
teams use steam and anti-fungal treatments. DIY wiping doesn't
reach inside the duct.
AED 500–1,000
Bathroom silicone replacement. If mold has
penetrated the silicone, it must be replaced — not just
cleaned. Professionals identify this early.
AED 300–800
Oven not professionally cleaned. Many
landlords require an oven-cleaning receipt. A standard maid
service often won't cut it.
AED 200–500
Window track dust. Inspectors run their
finger along the track. If it comes back dirty — deduction.
Small detail, big consequence.
Move-In vs. Move-Out: Key Differences
Move-in cleaning focuses on sanitization — you
want the space fresh and germ-free before your furniture arrives.
Priority items: kitchen cabinets, bathroom sanitization, AC vent
dust removal. Move-out cleaning is forensic —
it's about eliminating every trace of occupancy to satisfy an
inspection. It takes longer, costs more (AED 600–1,200 for a
1-bed), and should always be done by professionals.
Pro tip: Book your move-out clean
after all furniture is removed. Many tenants clean first,
then movers track dirt back in. Schedule the clean for the morning
of your handover inspection.
