Who Pays for Maintenance in Dubai Rentals?

Maintenance responsibility in Dubai rentals depends on the tenancy contract, the type of fault, the cost threshold, and whether the issue is wear-and-tear or tenant-caused damage. In practice, the fastest path is to document the issue clearly before anyone approves repair work.

This guide is practical website information, not legal advice. For the broader property care framework, read our Dubai Landlord and Tenant Maintenance Manual. Always check your signed tenancy contract and seek qualified advice for disputes.

Common Pattern

Many Dubai tenancy contracts place minor maintenance below a set value on the tenant and larger structural or system repairs on the landlord. The exact value and wording vary, so RERA tenancy guidelines and the signed contract should be reviewed together.

Tenant-Common Responsibilities

• Replacing consumables.
• Damage caused by misuse.
• Basic cleaning and reporting issues promptly.
• Minor repairs if the contract says so.

Landlord-Common Responsibilities

• Major AC component failures.
• Building system faults.
• Hidden plumbing or electrical failures not caused by tenant misuse.
• Structural or pre-existing defects.

Practical Tip

Before approving repair work, document the issue with photos, videos, and WhatsApp messages. If a tower or villa community requires Emaar/Nakheel community entry approvals, share those details before the technician visit. If you need a clear inspection report, book a technician.