Home >> Blog >> Who is responsible for the maintenance of properties in Dubai?
A considerable number of the varied residents and visitors to Dubai opt to lease real estate. Although renting can provide convenience and flexibility, it also entails certain obligations on the part of both lessees and lessors. The maintenance of the property, which can influence the safety and convenience of residents as well as the property’s value, is among the most crucial. This article investigates the allocation of maintenance responsibilities for rental properties in Dubai. drawing upon pertinent legal statutes, regulations, and optimal methodologies to furnish an all-encompassing synopsis of this pivotal matter.
Regarding maintenance, who is accountable?
Article 16 or Law 26 of 2007 stipulates that, unless otherwise agreed, the proprietor is responsible for all property maintenance. Nevertheless, the majority of tenancy agreements in Dubai stipulate that the tenant is liable for trivial maintenance and the landlord is in charge of significant upkeep.
Even this is open to interpretation with regard to minor or significant maintenance. In practice, the landlord is typically responsible for significant equipment issues (air conditioning, water heaters, water pumps, etc.). whereas the tenant is obligated to address trivial issues (e.g., faulty faucets, clogged toilets, and lightbulbs).
A cost of repairs is frequently used to distinguish between minor and significant maintenance as specified in tenancy agreements. Therefore, if the cost of maintenance is less than AED 1,000, that could be considered minor and the tenant’s responsibility. Iif it exceeds AED 1,000, that would be considered major and the landlord’s responsibility.
What is the opinion of Betterhomes Property Management?
As stated previously, the landlord is accountable for major maintenance. The tenant is responsible for minor maintenance, as per the tenancy agreements with Betterhomes Property Management.
However, should a predetermined financial threshold exist beyond which the proprietor is obligated to assume maintenance responsibilities?
In general, attributing responsibility on the basis of cost can be problematic. This is due to the fact that some tenants may procure exorbitant quotations on purpose. Thereby requiring the landlord to assume liability. However, this can be circumvented by employing a property manager to procure bids from reputable contractors for any necessary maintenance services.
What if a tenant is negligent?
Obviously, it would be unjust for a landlord to be responsible for repairs that occurred due to a tenant’s negligence.
The tenant is liable for any intentional or unintentional damage to the property or equipment that occurs outside the scope of normal wear and tear. An instance could be a window fractured as a result of an impact, or undetected leakage that subsequently harmed cabinets.
Will the employment of a property manager facilitate the maintenance procedure?
Unquestionably, working with a property management company guarantees impartial and equitable representation for both the lessee and the lessor.
Betterhomes guarantees the protection of the interests of both parties and ensures compliance with all applicable rental laws regulations in their capacity as property managers.
What occurs if a maintenance problem remains unresolved?
Sadly, disputes between tenants and landlords regarding who is responsible for maintenance costs do occur on occasion. The matter may then be brought before the rental committee. After analyzing the circumstances, they will determine the most suitable course of action.