Dubai is a popular destination for people worldwide, who often rent properties in the city to enjoy its vibrant lifestyle and diverse community. While renting offers flexibility, it also comes with responsibilities, especially regarding property maintenance. Many tenants wonder who is responsible for maintaining rented apartments in Dubai.

The primary responsibility for property maintenance falls on the landlord, according to Law No. 26 of 2007, unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement. However, landlords and tenants can divide the maintenance tasks per their agreement, which often depends on the nature and cost of repairs.

Typically, major maintenance tasks, such as those related to significant appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters, and water pumps, are the landlord’s responsibility. In contrast, the tenant is responsible for minor maintenance issues, like leaking faucets, faulty light bulbs, and blocked drains.

The cost of repairs can also play a role in determining the maintenance responsibilities. Repairs that cost less than AED 1,000 usually are considered minor and become the tenant’s responsibility, while those exceeding this threshold are classified as primary and fall under the landlord’s purview. However, relying solely on repair costs to determine responsibility can lead to conflicts, especially if tenants seek higher quotes to shift the financial burden to landlords.

Tenant negligence is another factor that must be considered regarding property maintenance responsibilities. While landlords usually handle maintenance due to normal wear and tear, tenants are responsible for damages resulting from intentional or unintentional negligence that goes beyond normal wear and tear.

To avoid conflicts and ensure smooth property maintenance, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the terms outlined in the rental agreement. If any disputes arise, seeking resolution through the rental committee is advisable to ensure a fair judgment that both parties must comply with.

To minimize conflicts and ensure smooth property maintenance, it’s crucial to:

1. Have a detailed rental agreement that comprehensively outlines maintenance clauses.

2. Clearly define major and minor maintenance issues in the agreement.

3. Make sure that landlords and tenants know their respective maintenance responsibilities.

4. Follow practical property maintenance tips to minimize maintenance issues.

5. Hire property management firms to handle maintenance matters efficiently, especially if the landlord has multiple properties or resides remotely.