Who’s Got the Fix-It Job? A Guide to Property Maintenance in Dubai 

In a city where the skyline is breathtaking and the lifestyle is full of glamour, taking care of your property may not seem like the most thrilling task. However, Dubai real estate is a place where luxury is the norm and everything seems larger than life – and dealing with property maintenance can sometimes feel like a job for a superhero.  

So, when that annoying dripping faucet starts its nightly concert, or your air conditioner decides to go on strike during the hottest month of the year, who’s actually responsible for fixing it? 

Are you expected to take care of the small fixes, or does your landlord have that covered? 

This blog will outline the responsibilities so that you know precisely who is responsible for the everyday repairs versus the major overhauls. Feel free to kick back, relax and after this, you’ll always be well-informed and prepared to handle any maintenance challenge effortlessly. 

The Maintenance Task: Who Does That? 

If you’ve ever pondered whether repairing a leaking faucet is your responsibility or the landlord’s, you’re not alone.  

The division of responsibility for property maintenance in Dubai hinges on whether you’re the tenant or the landlord—and believe us, being aware of this from the start can spare you numerous headaches. 

Tenant Responsibilities: Keeping the Place Running Day-to-Day 

As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to keep things running smoothly. While you don’t have to fix a broken AC unit (more about that later), there are a few things you need to handle to avoid uncomfortable landlord phone calls. 

Minor Repairs and Daily Upkeep 

We’re referring to the small tasks here—like changing lightbulbs, tightening a loose cupboard hinge, or unclogging a drain. These are the everyday tasks that come with living in a home, and as a tenant, they fall under your responsibility.  

No one’s going to come over to change a bulb for you! 

Maintaining Cleanliness 

This one’s a given. It’s essential to keep your place clean and hygienic, not only for your own comfort but also to ensure you don’t risk losing part of your deposit. 

Reporting Significant Issues 

If something major breaks—like the air conditioning (a real crisis in Dubai!)—it’s your responsibility to promptly inform the landlord.  

Don’t allow the situation to worsen by delaying. Additionally, the sooner you report it, the sooner it can be fixed. It’s a win-win. 

Pest Control and Utilities 

Paying for your water, electricity, and internet? Yes, that’s all on you.  

Pest control may also fall under your responsibility, unless your rental agreement states otherwise. 

Landlord Responsibilities: The Big Stuff 

So, what’s the landlord’s role? Essentially, they take care of the big-ticket items. If something significant needs fixing, the landlord steps in to save the day (hopefully). 

Major Repairs 

Consider broken plumbing, malfunctioning electrical systems, or a faulty AC. These are the landlord’s responsibility.  

Anything that renders the property unliveable—or is simply beyond your DIY skills—falls under their jurisdiction. 

Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) 

In Dubai, it’s common for landlords to enter into Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) with service companies. This covers routine checks on things like your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.  

If your landlord is proactive, they may have already arranged regular servicing, and you’ll hardly notice when something needs fixing. 

Common Area Maintenance 

If you reside in a building, there are likely shared areas such as pools, gyms, and lobbies. The maintenance of these spaces?  

That’s the responsibility of the landlord or the Owner’s Association (we’ll discuss them in a moment). 

Compliance with Regulations 

Landlords in Dubai must ensure that the property meets safety and health regulations. This includes ensuring that fire alarms are operational, smoke detectors are installed, and the property meets basic safety standards. 

If there are any issues in this area, it’s the landlord who’s in trouble—not you. 

What’s About Property Management Companies? 

If your landlord is occupied, resides abroad, or simply prefers not to deal with the day-to-day tasks, they might enlist the services of a property management company.  

These companies intervene and handle maintenance requests, ensuring that everything operates smoothly.  

It’s a win-win situation again—you receive faster service, and the landlord gains peace of mind. 

Owner’s Association and Common Areas 

For individuals residing in apartments or gated communities, there’s another entity involved: the Owner’s Association (OA). They oversee everything in the common areas, such as elevators, lobbies, and shared gardens.  

The OA collects service fees from property owners, and it’s typically the landlord who covers these costs (although some landlords might attempt to transfer a portion of the fees to tenants). 

If your building has an OA, they’re the ones you should contact if the elevator malfunctions or if the pool appears to need a thorough cleaning. 

Disputes Over Maintenance? Here’s What to do 

Even with everything written in black and white, things can still get messy. If you and your landlord (or tenant) can’t agree on who should pay for what, Dubai has the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) to help settle things.  

Before it reaches that point, try to resolve the issue directly. But if all else fails, the RDC is there to sort things out quickly. They’ve got your back if talks break down. 

Dubai’s Rental Laws 

The regulations concerning maintenance in Dubai are set out in the rental laws. Articles 16 and 17 in Dubai Rental Law No. 26 of 2007 spell out who is responsible for keeping the property in shape.  

Landlords have to make sure the place is livable, and tenants need to do their part by keeping the property in good condition. 

The Bottom Line: Split Responsibilities 

So, who’s responsible for property maintenance in Dubai? It boils down to this: tenants handle the small stuff, and landlords take care of the big things. If you’re ever unsure, check your lease agreement—it should lay out the details.  

And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your landlord or property manager to clear things up. 

Maintenance doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you know who’s responsible for what. Whether you’re renting or you own property in Dubai, staying informed is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress. Keep your place in good shape, and when the big things break, you know who to call.