Is the DEWA deposit refundable if I rent a home in Dubai as a student, and which setup charges are not?
Yes, the DEWA deposit is typically refundable once you close the account and clear all pending bills. Ejari registration and utility activation charges are not refundable. The deposit is around AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa.
Yes, the DEWA deposit is refundable once you close the account and all pending bills are paid. Ejari registration and utility activation charges, however, are not refundable, so treat them as sunk costs when you plan your budget.
Refundable and Non-Refundable Charges
| Charge | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| DEWA deposit, apartment | AED 2,000 (approx INR 51,800) | Yes, after account closure and bill payment |
| DEWA deposit, villa | AED 4,000 (approx INR 1.04 L) | Yes, after account closure and bill payment |
| Ejari registration (website or Dubai REST app) | AED 177.75 (approx INR 4,604) | No |
| Ejari registration (service trustee centre) | AED 220 (approx INR 5,698) | No |
| DEWA activation charges | AED 155 (approx INR 4,015) | No |
How to Get Your Deposit Back
- Close your DEWA account when you move out.
- Pay every pending bill before closing.
- Keep the closure confirmation for your records.
My Advice
Keep the deposit in mind as money you will not have access to while you live there, and budget for it separately from your monthly spending. Charges can change, so confirm the amounts on the official DEWA and Ejari pages before you rent for your 2027 or 2028 intake.
How much will a month abroad cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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