As a tenant in Dubai, understanding who is responsible for repairs during your tenancy is crucial to maintaining a smooth relationship with your landlord. Dubai’s rental laws are quite clear when it comes to repair responsibilities, but it's always essential to have these details outlined in your rental agreement. Here's a breakdown of how repair obligations are typically divided between landlords and tenants in Dubai.

1. Landlord’s Responsibilities

   Under Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai, the landlord is primarily responsible for the maintenance and structural repairs of the property. This includes:

   • Major repairs: Structural issues such as leaks, electrical faults, or air conditioning breakdowns that occur without tenant interference fall under the landlord’s duties.

   • General maintenance: The landlord must ensure that the property is in a livable condition. This includes making sure all utilities like water, electricity, and air conditioning are functioning properly at the start of the tenancy.

   • Wear and tear repairs: Any general wear and tear that occurs naturally over time, such as paint peeling, appliance malfunction, or plumbing issues, are typically the landlord’s responsibility.

   
   

2. Tenant’s Responsibilities

   While the landlord handles the more significant repairs, tenants are expected to keep the property in good condition and address minor repairs and damages. These include:

   • Minor maintenance: Small fixes like replacing light bulbs, unclogging drains, and maintaining cleanliness are considered the tenant’s responsibility.

   • Damages caused by tenant: If something breaks due to misuse or negligence by the tenant, they are responsible for the repair costs. This includes broken windows, damaged furniture, or appliances.

   • Routine upkeep: Tenants are generally expected to keep the property tidy and inform the landlord immediately if there are any issues that require urgent attention.

   
   

3. Contractual Clauses

   In some cases, landlords and tenants may agree on specific repair responsibilities beyond what is stated in Dubai’s rental laws. These terms should be clearly outlined in the rental agreement. For example, some landlords may include clauses stating that tenants are responsible for repairs under a certain value—usually around AED 500 to AED 1,000.

   It’s important to carefully review these terms before signing a lease so that both parties are on the same page about repair responsibilities. If anything is unclear, it’s always a good idea to negotiate these points upfront.

   
   

4. Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC)

   If a disagreement arises over repair responsibilities, either party can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). The RDSC will assess the situation based on Dubai’s rental laws and the terms of your contract. This legal process can help resolve disputes if a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs or if a tenant fails to maintain the property properly.

   
   

5. Preventive Maintenance

   To avoid any complications during the tenancy, it’s recommended that tenants report potential issues as soon as they arise. Regularly checking for any signs of wear and tear or potential faults can prevent bigger problems later on. Landlords should also be proactive in scheduling routine inspections or servicing of major appliances like AC units, as this falls under their duty to ensure the property remains in good condition.