Why tenants book a move-in inspection
Security deposits in Dubai are commonly around 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and often more for furnished ones. That can be thousands of dirhams. When you move out, the landlord or agent compares the property against its condition when you moved in. Without your own record, it's your word against theirs.
A move-in inspection gives you a dated, room-by-room photo report of the property's condition on day one: every scratch, stain, crack, chipped tile and faulty appliance. Keep it with your tenancy documents, and if a deduction is disputed later you have independent evidence.
Why landlords book one too
Landlords and property managers use the same report the other way round: proof of condition when the tenant moved in, so genuine damage can be claimed fairly. An independent inspector is easier for both sides to accept than a report prepared by either party.
What we record
- Walls, ceilings, paint and any existing marks or damage
- Floors and tiles: chips, cracks, stains and wear
- Doors, windows, locks, wardrobes and kitchen cabinets
- Appliances: tested for operation and noted for condition
- AC performance, water heater, water pressure and leaks
- Bathrooms: sanitaryware, silicone, grout and drainage
- Furniture and inventory, for furnished properties
- Meter readings, where accessible
Move-out inspection
At the end of a tenancy we inspect again and compare against the move-in report. You see exactly what has changed, so you can fix small items yourself before the landlord's check-out inspection or challenge deductions for damage that was already there.
Already living in a property with problems?
If you've moved in and found leaks, AC faults or damp, an independent report documents the issues with photos so you can formally request repairs from your landlord.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book a move-in inspection?
Ideally on the day you receive the keys, before your furniture and boxes arrive. An empty property is quicker to inspect and nothing is hidden.
Does the report help get my deposit back?
It gives you dated, independent photo evidence of the property's condition when you moved in. That is the strongest evidence you can have if a deduction is disputed. It doesn't guarantee an outcome, but it removes the 'it was like that already' argument.
Can the landlord see the report?
Yes, and we recommend sharing it. When both sides acknowledge the move-in report, check-out is usually quick and dispute-free.
Do you inspect furnished apartments?
Yes. For furnished properties we also record the condition of the furniture and inventory items.
How long does a move-in inspection take?
Usually 1–2 hours for an apartment and 2–4 hours for a villa.