Prepared by OMEGA CFM Building Contracting L.L.C. · Property care and contracting guidance.
What the law says
Under Dubai Law 26 of 2007, the landlord hands over the property in good condition (Art. 15) and, “unless otherwise agreed by the parties”, is responsible for maintenance and for repairing any defect that affects the tenant’s intended use (Art. 16).
What the tenant must do
The tenant maintains the property as an ordinary person would maintain their own home, carries out repairs agreed in the contract or customary for tenants, and needs the landlord’s permission — and any required licences — before making changes (Art. 19).
Read the repair clause before using a cost threshold
Do not assume that a universal small-repair amount or a list of appliance types determines responsibility. Read the signed tenancy agreement and addendum alongside the applicable law, the cause of the defect and any building responsibility. If a threshold appears in the contract, ask how it applies to the complete repair and associated work.
Keep a clear fault and approval trail
Record the affected room, when the issue began, visible symptoms and previous reports. Notify the relevant contact and keep their reply. Before instructing chargeable work, clarify who can approve the quotation and who is arranging access. A technician’s report can describe findings and recommended work without deciding the legal allocation of costs.
Renewal notices
Unless otherwise agreed, either side wanting to change terms — including rent — at renewal must give at least 90 days’ notice before expiry (Law 33 of 2008, Art. 14).
When you disagree
Keep the contract, correspondence and dated evidence. An inspection records accessible findings; it cannot guarantee the cause or the outcome of a dispute. RDC filing fees depend on the claim type and may include additional charges; check the official fee schedule linked below.