Moving to another place is one of the most exciting yet somewhat frightening things in life. When you settle into a new place in Dubai, you need to be mindful of the utilities and the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) security deposit.
This guide on DEWA security deposit covers:
- How DEWA works
- Why does this security deposit exist
- How can you move in without any stress
- What actually affects your chances of getting that refund when you are moving out
What is DEWA & Why is a Security Deposit Required?
DEWA stands for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority.
What DEWA Does in Dubai
You interact with DEWA when you are either moving in, renewing your lease, setting up your office, or moving out. DEWA is the authority managing electricity and water services across Dubai for residential and commercial properties.
It will link the usage, billing, and service continuity to your name or company when you apply for a connection with them. This way, the system gets accountability tied to a verified user while you get uninterrupted utilities.
Why DEWA Charges a Security Deposit
DEWA will charge you a security deposit. The reasons for this include:
- Possibility of unpaid bills
- Unexpected usage at the end of a tenancy or ownership
DEWA Security Deposit Amounts and Charges in 2026
The exact amount for the deposit differs based on property type and usage profile.
DEWA Security Deposit for Apartments and Villas
Consumption patterns vary among apartments and villas. Thus, they are charged the DEWA security deposit differently. When you are estimating the amount, take these into account:
- Size of your property
- Layout
- Historical usage
Connection Fees and Other One-Time Charges
Along with the security deposit, you will be required to pay a one-time connection fee. This will cover the activation and setup of services at your place.
Additional or Increased Security Deposits for High Usage
Higher consumption will incur a higher deposit. This is a usage-based adjustment, meant for reducing billing risks.
You might fall under this category if you possess:
- Larger home
- Property with additional facilities
- Usage trends that exceed typical residential patterns may fall into this category
When DEWA May Ask for an Extra Deposit
DEWA might ask you for an extra deposit. This will be for either of the following reasons:
- Spike in consumption levels
- Change in property usage
- Conversion of a residential unit into a working space
- Addition of high-load equipment
How to Pay and Manage Your DEWA Security Deposit
It is time to pay your DEWA security deposit. Managing it is quite easy.
Paying the DEWA Security Deposit for New Connections
You will use the official digital channel to make the required payment. The connection will quickly activate once your application is processed. When you receive a confirmation, save it for receipt purposes.
Viewing Your Deposit and Bills in the DEWA Portal or App
You should check your DEWA portal or app monthly, even if your bills look fine. Your account on there will show you everything, including:
- Deposit balance
- Bills
- Usage trends
This will help you catch any discrepancies early on.
Updating Contact and Bank Details for Refunds
Always provide accurate and up-to-date information. Refunds are often delayed because you haven’t updated your old phone number or your outdated bank information.
DEWA Security Deposit Refund and Move-Out Process
Now it is time to get that refund for your DEWA security deposit when you are moving out.
Steps to Get Your DEWA Security Deposit Refund
Follow these steps to get your deposit refund:
- Request your account closure through official channels.
- The refund process will automatically start once the final bill is generated and cleared.
How Long Does the DEWA Security Deposit Refund Take?
Processing time for receiving your DEWA security refund varies based on certain factors, such as:
- Verification
- Billing closure
- Refund method
You should initiate closure early if you plan to leave the country or shut down an office.
Refund Methods: Bank Transfer and Other Options
Refunds return through approved channels linked to your account. Bank transfer remains the most common method.
Common Issues That Delay DEWA Refunds
Most of the time, delays usually trace back to:
- Final bill disputes
- Incorrect IBAN details
- unresolved service requests
- unread mail notifications
Tips for Tenants and Owners to Reduce DEWA-Related Costs
Here are some tips for you to reduce DEWA-related costs:
Choosing the Right DEWA Connection for Your Property
Match your connection type to how you actually use the space. Overestimating only leads to unnecessary adjustments later. This matters a lot if you are one of the startups, consultants, and remote teams using flexible offices or business centers.
Managing Consumption to Avoid Additional Deposits
Small habits add up when consumption history gets reviewed:
- Consistent usage stays predictable
- Sudden spikes raise questions
- Smart monitoring keeps things stable
Keeping Records for a Smooth Security Deposit Refund
Keep your lease, Ejari, closure confirmation, and payment receipts in one folder. Maintaining a digital record works fine, too.
Conclusion
Understanding why the deposit exists, how to manage it, and what affects refunds makes the DEWA process an easy administrative step. If you are a tenant moving apartments, a business owner setting up a new office, or scaling across multiple locations, it saves you time.
At our business centers and coworking spaces, we guide clients through setup details every day, including utilities and move-in coordination. The smoother your foundation, the faster you focus on actual work. Contact us for our services.
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