Moving out of a rental in the UAE comes with a checklist that is longer than most people expect: the Ejari cancellation, the landlord handover, the cleaning, and somewhere in the middle, the utilities. If you are wondering How to Request a Final Meter Reading, the short version is that you ask your electricity and water provider to record the last consumption figure for your unit, and that figure becomes the basis of your final bill. Without it, your account stays open, charges can keep building up, and your deposit refund gets delayed.
The process is straightforward once you know the steps, and every major UAE utility provider lets you do it online in a few minutes. This guide walks you through what a final meter reading is, how to request one with each provider, what information you need, and how to avoid the mistakes that catch tenants out.
Quick Answer
To request a final meter reading, log in to your utility provider’s portal or app (DEWA in Dubai, SEWA in Sharjah, ADDC in Abu Dhabi, EtihadWE in the Northern Emirates), submit a move-out or deactivation request for your account, and provide the date you want the service ended. The provider records the final reading — either remotely through a smart meter or by a technician visit — and issues your final bill. Request it at least a few days before your move-out date so the reading lines up with your actual departure.
What Is a Final Meter Reading?
A final meter reading is the last recorded consumption figure on your electricity and water meters before your account is closed or transferred. It marks the exact point where your responsibility for the unit’s bills ends and the next occupant’s begins.
Why does it matter? Utility bills in the UAE are issued on estimated or smart readings throughout the month. When you move out without a final reading, the account may keep running in your name, and you could be charged for electricity and water used after you left. Landlords and property managers also commonly ask for the final bill and closure confirmation before releasing your deposit, so the reading is often the first step in getting your money back.
One important detail: in the UAE, electricity and water for a single unit are handled by one combined utility account in most emirates, so a single move-out request covers both meters. In some buildings, cooling (district cooling) is billed separately by a different company, and that needs its own closure request — your final utility reading does not cover it.
How to Request a Final Meter Reading
The exact steps vary slightly by provider, but the overall flow is the same everywhere. Below is the general process, followed by provider-specific notes.
Step 1: Log in to your provider’s portal
Sign in to the website or mobile app of your utility provider using the account number or contract number on your existing bills. Most providers also support login with UAE Pass, which saves time if you have it set up.
Step 2: Find the move-out or deactivation option
Look for a section labelled “Move Out”, “Deactivate Service”, “Close Account” or “Termination of Supply”. In Dubai, this sits inside DEWA’s official portal under the moving services section. Selecting it starts the final-reading workflow automatically — you do not request the reading as a separate service.
Step 3: Enter your move-out date
Choose the date on which you want the supply ended. Pick your actual last day in the unit, not the day after, because the reading will be tied to this date. If you are leaving the country, use your departure date.
Step 4: Confirm your contact details and new address (if applicable)
Provide a working mobile number and email so the provider can reach you about the reading visit or the final bill. If you are moving to another address within the same emirate, you may be offered a transfer instead of a closure — see our guide on closing utilities when moving out for how the two options compare.
Step 5: Submit and note the reference number
After submitting, save the request or reference number. You will need it to follow up, and it is also useful if your landlord asks for proof that the closure is in progress.
Provider-by-Provider Notes
The table below shows which provider handles your area and where the move-out request lives.
| Emirate / Area | Provider | Where to request |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | DEWA | DEWA website or app, moving services section |
| Sharjah | SEWA | SEWA’s website or customer service centres |
| Abu Dhabi | ADDC | ADDC website, app, or TAMM portal |
| Northern Emirates | EtihadWE | EtihadWE website or app |
Across the UAE, most meters are now smart meters, which means the provider can often pull the final reading remotely on your requested date without a visit. Where a manual reading is still needed, the provider schedules a technician — in practice this usually happens within a few working days of your request, which is why you should not leave the request to the last minute.
If you are unfamiliar with the overall setup process, our overview of UAE utility connection requirements covers the documents providers typically ask for, which are largely the same ones you will need for a move-out.
Information You Will Need
Have these ready before you start, so the request goes through in one sitting:
- Account or contract number — printed on every bill and inside your online account.
- Emirates ID — the account holder’s ID, used to verify the request.
- Premise or meter number — identifies the exact unit; useful in large buildings.
- Move-out date — the date the reading should be tied to.
- Ejari or tenancy contract details — some providers ask for these, especially in Dubai, where Ejari registration is linked to utility accounts.
- A forwarding contact — mobile number and email for the final bill and deposit refund.
What Happens After the Reading
Once the final reading is recorded, the provider calculates your last bill: consumption between your previous bill and the final reading, plus any fixed monthly charges up to the disconnection date. Here is the typical sequence:
- Final bill issued — usually within a few days of the reading. Read our guide on requesting a final utility bill to understand exactly what should appear on it.
- Outstanding balance settled — pay the final bill through the portal, app, or at a payment machine. Some providers deduct it from your security deposit automatically.
- Deposit refund processed — whatever remains of your security deposit is returned to your bank account or issued as a cheque, typically within a few weeks. The timeline varies, so check our article on requesting a utility deposit refund for what to expect.
- Account closed — you receive a closure confirmation, which is worth keeping for your records.
Timing: When to Request It
Submit your move-out request at least 3 to 5 working days before your move-out date. This gives the provider time to process the request and, if a technician visit is needed, to schedule it. Requesting too early is less of a problem than requesting too late — you can usually amend the date — but requesting on the day you hand over the keys risks the reading being taken days later, after the new tenant has already started using electricity and water.
Also plan around weekends and public holidays. Utility customer service and technician scheduling slow down on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in most emirates, and during long public holidays nothing moves at all. Build a buffer into your moving schedule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the landlord handles it. Unless your tenancy contract says otherwise, the utility account is in your name and closing it is your job. A landlord cannot close an account they do not hold.
- Closing before the handover inspection. If the final reading is taken while you still have belongings in the unit and the inspection happens days later, disputes about damage versus consumption get messy. Align the reading date with the actual handover.
- Forgetting district cooling. In buildings with central cooling, the chiller company bills separately. Your DEWA or SEWA final reading does not close that account.
- Using an old phone number. If the number on your account is one you no longer use, update it before submitting — the final bill and refund notifications go there. Our Dubai rental guide for tenants covers the broader move-out responsibilities this falls under.
- Not saving the reference number. Without it, following up on a delayed reading means starting from scratch with customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be present for the final meter reading?
Usually not. With smart meters, the reading is taken remotely. If a technician visit is required, the provider normally accesses the meter without you — meters are typically in common areas or meter rooms. You will only be contacted if there is an access problem.
Is there a fee for requesting a final meter reading?
The reading itself is part of the move-out process. Providers typically charge a small disconnection or final-bill fee, and the exact amount varies by provider — check the official portal when submitting your request rather than relying on old figures you find online.
Can I request a final meter reading if I am leaving the UAE permanently?
Yes, and you should. Submit the move-out request online before you fly, give a forwarding email and your bank details for the deposit refund, and make sure the final bill is paid. An unpaid utility balance can cause problems if you return to the UAE later and try to open a new account.
What if the final reading seems too high?
Compare it against your previous bills and your actual usage in the final month. If the number looks wrong, contact the provider immediately with your reference number and ask for a re-read. Do this before paying the final bill if possible, because corrections are simpler before settlement.
How long does the whole process take?
The reading itself is usually recorded within a few working days of your request. The final bill follows within days, while the deposit refund can take a few weeks depending on the provider. Start the process early so none of this overlaps with your moving week stress.
Can my landlord request the final reading instead of me?
No — the request must come from the account holder. However, once you have submitted it, you can share the reference number with your landlord so they can see the closure is underway, which is often enough for them to proceed with the deposit paperwork.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a final meter reading is a five-minute online task that protects you from post-move-out charges and unlocks your deposit refund. Log in to your provider’s portal, submit a move-out request a few working days before you leave, keep the reference number, and follow through on the final bill. It is one of the smallest jobs on a moving checklist and one of the most expensive to skip.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.