How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in United Arab Emirates?
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Key takeaways
- Most end of tenancy cleaning jobs in United Arab Emirates land between AED 300–AED 1,600 — known locally as move-out deep cleaning.
- Rental relationships in Dubai are regulated by RERA with contracts registered via Ejari; deposit refunds are contractual and disputes go to the Rental Disputes Centre. Cleaning companies must hold a trade licence, and services carry 5% VAT.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
End of Tenancy Cleaning prices by job size in United Arab Emirates
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed apartment Empty-unit deep clean with kitchen degrease and bathroom descale | AED 300 | AED 450 | AED 650 |
| 2-bed apartment Full move-out deep clean including balcony and AC vents dusted | AED 450 | AED 650 | AED 900 |
| 3-bed villa Villa move-out deep clean; carpets and AC duct cleaning extra | AED 700 | AED 1,000 | AED 1,600 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour (per cleaner) | AED 30 | AED 40 | AED 60 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in United Arab Emirates typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a end of tenancy cleaning pro in United Arab Emirates
- Check your tenancy contract — Dubai (Ejari-registered) and Abu Dhabi (Tawtheeq) contracts typically require the unit returned professionally cleaned and repainted or with paint deductions agreed
- Book a licensed cleaning company (trade licence from DED/ADDED) rather than an unlicensed freelancer
- Confirm scope: AC vent dusting, kitchen degrease, balcony, and limescale removal from hard water
- Coordinate timing with your move-out inspection and final DEWA/utility disconnection
- Get a tax invoice (5% VAT) for the deposit negotiation
- Ask about add-ons commonly requested at handover: carpet shampoo, sofa cleaning if furnished, AC duct cleaning
Red flags
- Unlicensed operators without a trade licence or insurance
- Quotes without VAT invoices
- No re-clean commitment before your inspection date
- Companies subcontracting to untraceable day labour
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to AED, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: ServiceMarket Dubai move-out cleaning price guide; UAE cleaning company rate cards (Justmop, Urban Company).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the end of tenancy clean myself?
Legally yes in most markets — you are obliged to meet a cleanliness standard, not to hire a company. In practice, ovens, limescale, and carpet stains are where DIY cleans fail checkout inspections, so budget serious time and proper products if you go that route.
What is included in an end of tenancy clean?
A full top-to-bottom clean of the empty property: inside the oven and appliances, inside cupboards, limescale removal, skirting boards, windows inside, and a deep clean of the bathroom and kitchen. Carpet steam cleaning is usually a paid extra.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A one-bedroom flat typically takes a two-person team 3-5 hours. A three-bedroom house can take 6-10 hours or a larger crew. The property should be empty of furniture and belongings for the fastest result.
Is end of tenancy cleaning guaranteed?
Reputable companies offer a re-clean guarantee, usually 48-72 hours, meaning they return free of charge if the landlord or agent flags missed areas at checkout. Always confirm the guarantee window in writing before booking.
Do I need professional cleaning to get my deposit back?
You need to return the property in the same state of cleanliness as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Cleaning disputes are the single most common reason deposits get docked, so a professional clean with an invoice is cheap insurance on larger deposits.
Should carpets be professionally cleaned at move-out?
If the carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in, or your lease requires it, yes — keep the receipt. Otherwise vacuuming plus spot-cleaning to match the move-in condition is generally enough.
Is move-out cleaning required to get my deposit back in Dubai?
Most Dubai leases require the apartment handed back clean and often freshly painted, with the landlord otherwise deducting from the (typically 5%) security deposit. A licensed company's tax invoice for a deep clean materially strengthens your refund position at the Rental Disputes Centre.
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