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How to activate DEWA when you move in
DEWA's refundable deposit is AED 2,000 for a flat, AED 4,000 for a villa. Small-meter activation costs AED 155 (AED 125 connection plus AED 10 each for registration, knowledge and innovation); large meters cost AED 300 to connect. Once Ejari is issued, DEWA opens the account automatically and connects within 15 working hours.
Sources checked 20 Oct 2026 · official sources first · Sources
“Put DEWA in your name before move-in day. The deposit comes back when you leave, so keep the receipt.”
How to activate DEWA when you move in
DEWA's refundable deposit is AED 2,000 for a flat, AED 4,000 for a villa.
Step by step
- Give the 9-digit DEWA premises number (on the door) when registering Ejari.
- Tenants outside free zones get an email and SMS from DEWA with a contract account number, the deposit amount and a payment link.
- If no email arrives, apply on the DEWA website or app with your Ejari number. No other documents are needed with a valid Ejari.
- Free-zone tenants and owners apply through the DEWA website or app with a tenancy contract or title deed.
- Save the notification number and pay the deposit and activation fees.
- Supply is connected within 15 working hours; if not, call 04-601 9999.
What it costs
| Item | AED | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit, flat (refundable) | 2,000 | source |
| Security deposit, villa (refundable) | 4,000 | source |
| Connection/activation, small meters | 125 | source |
| Connection/activation, large meters | 300 | source |
| Registration fee | 10 | source |
| Knowledge fee | 10 | source |
| Innovation fee | 10 | source |
| UAE nationals with Thukher/Sanad cards | 50% off activation charges | source |
Documents you need
- Ejari number (tenants, replaces the tenancy contract)
- Tenancy contract (free-zone tenants)
- Title deed or SPA (owners)
- Passport or Emirates ID (GCC nationals and investors)
- Trade licence (commercial customers not registered with DED)
How long it takes: Within 15 working hours of paying the deposit and fees (DEWA).
The numbers behind Dubai renting: 480,371 residential Ejari leases started in Dubai between 1 Jan and 15 Oct 2026: 187,978 new market leases (39%) and 286,377 renewals (60%). Source: Dubai Land Department Ejari open data.
Thinking of buying? Sale prices for every Dubai tower: BUY DUBAI →
Questions
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes. DEWA describes the deposit as refundable; owners get it back only when the premises is sold.
Do I need to apply separately after Ejari?
Usually not. DEWA is integrated with Ejari and creates the account automatically.
What about non-residential premises?
The deposit is calculated from the premises' consumption (DEWA).
Sources (checked 20 Oct 2026)
More guides: Register Ejari · Ejari online · Renew Ejari · Ejari certificate · Tenancy contract · Security deposit · Rent cheques · Eviction notice · Rental disputes
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Sale prices, resale and off-plan, tower facts and developer photos: BUY DUBAI, our sister site for buyers. Rents: Dubai Land Department Ejari leases.