How do I activate my building access card?

1. Ask reception or management how activation works in your building.
2. Hand over your documents: usually Emirates ID, Ejari or tenancy contract, and sometimes your move-in permit.
3. Landlord registration: in some buildings the landlord or property manager has to register you as the new tenant first.
4. Cards are linked to your apartment or resident profile.
5. Test each card at the main entrance, lift, your floor, parking and facilities.

A card that opens the lobby may still need your floor or the gym enabled. Parking often uses a separate card, remote or number-plate system.

Usually possible. Management may cap cards per apartment, register each card to a named resident, and ask for ID. Expect a fee or refundable deposit per card.

It depends on the building. Ask before ordering:

• Is it a fee, a refundable deposit, or both?
• Is a faulty card replaced free?
• How long does it take?

Keep your receipt for any deposit.

Report it straight away so it's deactivated, then order a replacement. If a card just stops working, ask for it to be reprogrammed before paying for a new one. Need access meanwhile? Ask security for a temporary arrangement.