Moving Out of Cairo Checklist: 5 Steps to Get Your Deposit Back

You have packed the boxes, booked the flight, and said your goodbyes. Now comes the final boss battle of your Egypt experience: The Security Deposit.

For many expats, getting the deposit back (often thousands of dollars) is a struggle. Landlords may try to charge for “phantom damages” or delay payment until after you have left the country. The key to a smooth exit is preparation. You cannot leave this to the last day. At Edara Property Services, we manage the check-out process for hundreds of tenants. We know exactly what landlords look for and how to ensure you get your full refund. This Moving out of Cairo checklist is your roadmap to a clean, profitable departure.

How to get security deposit back Egypt?

To secure your deposit refund, notify your landlord 30 days in advance, repair any tenant-caused damage (beyond fair wear and tear), and pay all outstanding utility bills to obtain a “Mokhalesa” (clearance receipt). Never return the keys until the refund terms are agreed upon.

The Departure Timeline:

• 30 Days Out: Send a formal written notice via Email or WhatsApp.
• 14 Days Out: Host a “Departure Sale” on local community boards.
• 7 Days Out: Repair nail holes, touch up scuffs, and clean AC filters.
• 3 Days Out: Obtain your Mokhalesa (Utility Clearance Receipt).
• Moving Day: Complete the final walkthrough and secure your cash-in-hand.

1. The Notice Period: Put It in Writing

The most common excuse for withholding a deposit is “Insufficient Notice.” Check your contract. Most leases require a 1-month notice (or 2 months for corporate leases). Do not rely on a casual conversation. Send a formal email or a WhatsApp message stating: “As per our contract, this is my formal notice that I will vacate the property on [Date].”

• Tip: Request a “confirmation of receipt” to ensure there is no dispute regarding your move-out date.

2. The “Pre-Checkout” Fixes (Paint and Holes)

Maadi landlords are particularly attentive to wall conditions. While “fair wear and tear” is a legal standard, many owners view nail holes as damage.

• The 1,000 EGP Hack: Hire a local painter to patch holes and touch up high-traffic areas. This small investment can save you significant deductions from your deposit.
• Deep Cleaning: A professionally cleaned kitchen and bathroom remove any justification for the landlord to hire a premium cleaning crew at your expense.

3. The “Mokhalesa” (Utility Clearance)

You cannot just leave the bills on the counter. You must go to the electricity and gas companies (or use an electronic payment service like Fawry) to pay the final balance up to your moving day. You need a Mokhalesa (Clearance Receipt) or a screenshot of the “Zero Balance.”

• Why it matters: Landlords often hold back $200-$300 “just in case” a bill comes later. Providing the receipt forces them to release the full amount immediately

4. The Departure Sale (Selling Your Stuff)

Expats accumulate a lot of stuff. Furniture, electronics, and plants that you can’t take home. Don’t throw them away. The Cairo expat market is hungry for used goods.

• Where to sell: Post your items on Maadi Community or CSA Facebook groups.
• Timing: Do this 2 weeks before you leave. You don’t want to be negotiating the price of a toaster on your way to the airport.
• Charity: For clothes or items that don’t sell, we can connect you with local charities (like African Hope Learning Centre) to pick them up.

5. The Refund: Currency and Timing

This is the critical moment. If you paid your deposit in USD, you must be refunded in USD. Do not accept Egyptian Pounds unless you plan to spend them (converting EGP back to USD is difficult).

• The Golden Rule: Try to arrange the inspection 2-3 days before your flight. Do not hand over the keys until you have the cash in hand or a confirmed bank transfer. Once you are on the plane, your leverage drops to zero.

If you are moving within Maadi, we can help you transition seamlessly. Check our latest listings for your next step:

Conclusion

Leaving Cairo should be a celebration of your time here, not a financial headache. By following this checklist and treating the property with respect, you ensure a handshake and a full refund at the door.

Stressed about the move? Let us handle the exit. Our Move-Out Management service handles repairs, cleaning, and deposit negotiations so you can fly out worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can the landlord charge me for painting?

A: If the walls are just faded from sun or time, no (that is wear and tear). If there are drawings, deep scratches, or dirty marks, yes.

Q: What if the landlord refuses to return the deposit?

A: If you have a registered contract and an inventory list, you can threaten legal action (calling the police to document the refusal helps). Usually, the threat of legal trouble is enough to make them pay.

Q: Can I use the deposit to pay the last month’s rent?

A: No. Most contracts explicitly forbid this. The deposit is for damage, not rent. Doing this puts you in breach of contract and risks legal escalation.

Blog Excerpt

Moving Out of Cairo Checklist: Follow these 5 steps to ensure you get your full security deposit back. From utility clearance to painting tips, learn how to close your lease smoothly.