Who is Responsible for Property Maintenance in Dubai?

Regarding property maintenance in Dubai, landlords and tenants often wonder who is responsible. While a quick Google search might suggest landlords handle maintenance, the reality is a bit more complicated. This blog will give you a clear and simple guide on who takes care of property maintenance in Dubai in various situations.

As Per Law

According to Article 16 of the Dubai Rent Law, unless the landlord and tenant agree otherwise, the landlord is responsible for property maintenance and fixing any problems that prevent the tenant from fully using the property during the lease.

The law clearly says landlords are mainly responsible for property maintenance.

As Per Tenancy Agreements

However, it is possible that the landlord can make the tenant responsible for maintenance by including a clause in the tenancy contract. Rental agreements often assign minor maintenance tasks to tenants. These agreements in Dubai add to the legal rules and clearly outline the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.

The responsibility of addressing the major maintenance issues is that of the landlord, while minor issues are to be fixed by the tenants. But what exactly are these major and minor maintenance issues? Let's understand them.

Major Maintenance Issues

Major maintenance issues in Dubai rental properties include important repairs that affect the property's main functions and safety, like air conditioning, electrical wiring, plumbing, and the building's structure. Landlords must fix these problems quickly to keep the property safe and livable.

Minor Maintenance Issues

Minor maintenance issues are small repairs and everyday problems that can be fixed quickly and cheaply without special skills. The tenant is usually responsible for changing light bulbs, fixing minor leaks, and unclogging drains. This is because tenants are in the best position to handle small problems arising from the daily use of the property.

But what happens if the major or minor repair cost is too high or too low?

Usually, if the repair cost is less than AED 1,000, the tenant is responsible. The landlord takes care of the cost of more than AED 1,000. This simple rule helps divide maintenance duties fairly without putting too much burden on either the tenant or the landlord.

However, another question arises: What if the maintenance cost is above AED 1000 and has risen due to tenant negligence?

It is unfair and unlawful to hold the landlord responsible for certain damages. Therefore, the tenant must pay for any damage they cause to the property, whether intentional or accidental, as long as it isn't normal wear and tear. For example, if the tenant breaks a window, they must fix it. Similarly, if an appliance stops working because the tenant used it incorrectly, they must get it repaired.

Please read: Dubai Tenant and Landlord Rights in 2024

Tips for Ensuring Effective Property Maintenance

Landlords and tenants have specific responsibilities to ensure effective property maintenance in Dubai.

• Landlords should conduct regular inspections of the property to identify potential issues and ensure that the property is well-maintained.
• Tenants should report any maintenance concerns to the landlord, enabling timely repairs and preventing minor issues from escalating.
• Adhering to the maintenance guidelines outlined in the tenancy agreement is essential for both parties.
• Tenants should report major structural damage or safety hazards to the relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Municipality, to ensure prompt attention and necessary action.
• Considering insurance coverage for unexpected maintenance costs can provide peace of mind for both landlords and tenants.

Role of Real Estate Management Companies

Real estate management companies play a crucial role in property maintenance in Dubai by acting as intermediaries between landlords and tenants. They provide various services to ensure that properties are well-maintained and any maintenance issues are addressed promptly.

One of the key services real estate management companies offer is property inspections. Regular inspections help identify potential maintenance issues early on, preventing them from becoming major problems. Management companies also coordinate and oversee maintenance work, ensuring that repairs are carried out efficiently and to a high standard.

Real estate management companies also assist in rent collection and enforcing tenancy agreements. They act as a liaison between landlords and tenants, ensuring that rent payments are made on time and that the tenancy agreement terms are adhered to. Management companies handle tenant complaints and requests, provide a single point of contact for tenants and ensure that their concerns are addressed without delays.

By outsourcing property maintenance tasks to a real estate management company, landlords can save time and resources while ensuring their properties are well-maintained. Tenants also benefit from the services of a real estate management company, as they can rely on a dedicated team to address any maintenance issues or concerns they may have. Overall, real estate management companies play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of properties in Dubai.

At Betterhomes, we specialise in delivering top-tier real estate management services. Our dedicated team is an expert in handling tenant relations and property maintenance. Contact us today for consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a property manager make the maintenance process easier?

Working with a property management company ensures fair and unbiased representation from both the tenant's and landlord's perspectives.

As property managers, Betterhomes ensure that both parties' interests are protected and that all prevailing rental laws and regulations are adhered to.

What if a maintenance issue doesn't get resolved?

Unfortunately, a tenant and landlord sometimes fail to agree on who is responsible for the maintenance cost. When this happens, the issue can be brought to the attention of the rental committee. They will review the situation and decide on the appropriate next steps.

Who pays service charges in Dubai?

According to Article (25) of the Apartments Law, the landlord must pay the service charges to the management company unless the unit rental states otherwise.

Is hiring a maintenance company worth it?

Yes, hiring a maintenance company is worth it. Our trusted partner, Octopus Home Maintenance, is the perfect choice for all your home maintenance needs. 

Call 800 3993 or email info@octopus.ae.