Who Pays for Repairs in a Dubai Rental? Landlord and Tenant Maintenance Duties

The Short Answer

What Usually Falls to the Landlord

What Usually Falls to the Tenant

Read the Maintenance Clause Before You Sign

How to Report and Document a Problem

When You Cannot Agree

For Landlords and Buyers of Tenanted Units

Talk to Banke

Conclusion

Dubai Tenancy Who Pays for Repairs in a Dubai Rental? Landlord and Tenant Maintenance Duties In a Dubai rental, the landlord is generally responsible for major maintenance and structural repairs, and the tenant for minor, day-to-day upkeep and damage they cause. The exact split is set by the tenancy contract and Dubai's tenancy law, so the wording you sign matters. This Banke UAE guide explains

how the split usually works, how to document a problem, and what to do when the two sides disagree. The Short Answer Dubai's landlord and tenant rules put the burden of keeping the property fit for its intended use on the landlord. That normally covers major repairs: structure, plumbing and electrical faults that are not caused by misuse, and the main air conditioning system. Tenants

are normally expected to handle minor maintenance and anything they or their guests damage. Contracts can allocate some costs differently, which is why a clause-by-clause read is worth the time. What Usually Falls to the Landlord Structural defects, leaks from the building fabric and major plumbing or electrical faults. Failure of fixed equipment that comes with the property, such as the main AC unit or

water heater, unless damage was caused by the tenant. Repairs needed to keep the unit usable for the purpose in the contract. What Usually Falls to the Tenant Minor upkeep: light bulbs, filters, small fittings and keeping the unit clean. Damage caused by the tenant, family, guests or pets. Routine AC servicing where the contract says the tenant arranges it. Many contracts do say this,

so check. Utility connections and bills, including DEWA and district cooling where relevant, are usually the tenant's. Our guide to Banke UAE guide to district cooling fees explains why that line deserves attention. Read the Maintenance Clause Before You Sign Look for three things: a threshold (for example, repairs below a stated amount are the tenant's), a named responsibility for AC servicing, and a notice

process for reporting faults. If a clause tries to move all repairs to the tenant, ask for it to be changed or reflect it in the rent you are willing to pay. How to Report and Document a Problem Photograph or film the problem and note the date. Tell the landlord or property manager in writing, by email or message, not only by phone. Allow

a reasonable time for a response and keep every reply. Do not carry out major repairs yourself and deduct the cost unless the contract or a written agreement allows it. A signed move-in inventory with photographs is the best protection for both sides, because it shows what condition the unit was in on day one. This also protects your deposit: see Banke UAE guide to

what landlords can hold, deduct and return . When You Cannot Agree If a landlord refuses a repair that appears to be their responsibility, or a tenant refuses to pay for damage they caused, the dispute can go to the Rental Disputes Centre. The Centre's process and fees are set by the authorities, so check the current position before filing. Our guide to the Banke

UAE guide to the Rental Disputes Centre explains how cases generally run. For Landlords and Buyers of Tenanted Units Landlords protect their asset by responding to repair reports promptly, since small leaks and AC faults become expensive when ignored. If you are buying a tenanted apartment, ask for the maintenance history and any open repair requests along with the Ejari contract. Talk to Banke If

you would like help applying this to a specific property, contact the Banke UAE team and tell us your budget, timeline and goals. You can also read more in the Banke blog . Conclusion Clear contract wording, written reports and a signed inventory prevent most repair disputes. Confirm current rules with the Dubai Land Department and the Rental Disputes Centre. This is general information, not

legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and procedures change, so confirm the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you commit money.