Dubai: Are you moving out of your home in Dubai? Ensure this key item is on your move-out task list: deactivation of your electricity and water connection.Here’s why you need to cancel your Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) connection, and how to do so.Is it mandatory to deactivate electricity and water connection before moving out?Tenant should not assume their electricity and water connection disconnects automatically once they move out – it’s a process that must officially be completed via DEWA’s Move-Out service.In Dubai, DEWA’s deactivation or Move-Out service is linked with the Ejari cancellation process – the official process of removing a tenancy contract from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) register after the lease has expired, been terminated or the property has been vacated.Once the landlord or property owner begins Ejari cancellation, the tenant receives a notification from DEWA to proceed with electricity and water deactivation.Imran Khan, legal consultant at I K Lawyers, explained: “A tenant must formally submit a DEWA move-out request when vacating, as handing over keys alone does not end liability. Deactivation allows DEWA to record the official move-out date, take the final meter reading, issue the final bill and provide the clearance certificate.”What happens to my DEWA security deposit?When applying for an electricity and water connection in Dubai, tenants are required to pay a security deposit of Dh2,000 for apartments and Dh4,000 for villas. This amount is refundable and will be adjusted against your final bill, according to DEWA’s website.If your security deposit amount is higher than your final bill amount, you can receive the amount through any of the following routes:IBAN or international bank account numberChequeTransfer to another active DEWA accountHowever, if the final bill is higher than your security deposit amount, you will need to pay the outstanding.Once the final bill is settled, the tenant receives a clearance certificate automatically. It is also shared with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) as part of the Ejari cancellation process.Khan added: “Tenants should keep the move-out confirmation, final bill and clearance certificate as proof of account closure and the date their responsibility ended.”What are the deactivation fees?Here are the charges, according to DEWA:Disconnecting electricity and water (small meters): Dh125Disconnecting electricity and water (large meters): Dh300Knowledge and innovation fees: Dh20When does the disconnection take place?According to DEWA’s website, electricity and water disconnection occurs within 24 working hours from the date and time selected by the customer during the Move-Out application.The final bill is sent by email and SMS within 24 working hours from the requested disconnection date and time. This bill is due immediately, and only once it has been settled, can DEWA send across your clearance certificate, and officially complete the move-out process.How to use DEWA’s Move-Out service and deactivate a water and electricity connectionYou can deactivate your connection in several ways – through DEWA’s website or smart app, through the DubaiNow app, or through the DEWA Customer Care Centre.Deactivate via DEWA’s website or smart appVisit DEWA’s website at dewa.gov.ae or download the DEWA smart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your UAE PASS.Select your DEWA account – choose the specific Contract Account Number you want to close.Pay any outstanding bills, if applicable.Pick the date and time you want your utilities turned off, so that DEWA can take a final meter reading.Choose how you want your security deposit returned, such as an IBAN bank transfer, cheque, or transfer to another active DEWA account.Enter the verification code sent to your phone or email, and then submit your application.Deactivate via the DubaiNow appDownload the DubaiNow app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in using your UAE PASS.Navigate to ‘Services’ and select ‘Housing & Properties’. Tap on ‘Deactivation of Electricity and Water’.Select your DEWA account – choose the specific Contract Account Number you want to close.Pay any outstanding bills, if applicable.Pick the date and time you want your utilities turned off, so that DEWA can take a final meter reading.Choose how you want your security deposit returned, such as an IBAN bank transfer, cheque, or transfer to another active DEWA account.Enter the verification code sent to your phone or email, and then submit your application.Deactivate via DEWA Customer Care CentreYou can also deactivate your electricity and water connection by calling DEWA’s Customer Care Centre and using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) feature. However, note that this option is only available if there is no outstanding amount on your account. Pay all your bills before following these steps:Call 04-6019999. Have the following information ready before calling:Your 10-digit DEWA Contract Account Number: This can be found in the top section of any past monthly DEWA bill.Your 9-digit Premise Number: This can be found on your apartment or villa’s utility box, in the door frame of your front door, or on the top-right corner of any past DEWA bill.Provide the above details. Next, select your preferred move-out date and time.DEWA will confirm and send you a notification via your registered contact number and email address.
