The Dubai Municipality housing fee in your DEWA bill

Every month the DEWA (electricity and water) bill of a residential unit occupied by non-UAE nationals includes a Dubai Municipality housing fee. For tenants it is 5% of the annual rent in the Ejari tenancy contract, spread over the months of the contract. For owners who live in their property it is 5% of the estimated rent from the DLD/RERA rental index, updated every year. UAE nationals are exempt, and the fee does not apply to commercial units. The fee starts when the DEWA account is activated and follows the tenancy start and end dates, so an empty flat with an active account is still charged. If the amount looks wrong (rent changed, Ejari not updated, a second meter for the same flat, a commercial unit billed as residential, or a UAE national charged), you can ask Dubai Municipality to adjust it. The request is free, is made on the Dubai Municipality website or app or Dubai Now (not at DEWA), needs only the DEWA number (plus the Ejari number for tenants), and is answered in about 3 working days. If DM agrees, the difference is credited to your DEWA account. Tip: register or renew your Ejari first, because the fee is calculated from it. Our centre can submit the request for you.