Property maintenance in Dubai can be a complex topic for both landlords and tenants. While a quick search might suggest that landlords handle maintenance, the reality is a bit more nuanced. This blog will provide a clear and simple guide on who takes care of property maintenance in Dubai in various situations.

As Per Law

According to Article 16 of the Dubai Rent Law, unless agreed otherwise by the landlord and tenant, the landlord is responsible for property maintenance and fixing any problems that prevent the tenant from fully using the property during the lease. The law clearly states that landlords are primarily responsible for property maintenance.

As Per Tenancy Agreements

However, landlords can transfer some maintenance responsibilities to tenants by including specific clauses in the tenancy contract. Rental agreements in Dubai often assign minor maintenance tasks to tenants, supplementing the legal rules and outlining the responsibilities of both parties. Generally, landlords handle major maintenance issues, while tenants take care of minor ones. But what exactly are these major and minor issues? Let's break them down.

Major Maintenance Issues

Major maintenance issues in Dubai rental properties include essential repairs that affect the property's primary functions and safety, such as air conditioning, electrical wiring, plumbing, and the building's structure. Landlords must address these problems promptly to ensure the property remains safe and livable.

Minor Maintenance Issues

Minor maintenance issues are small repairs and everyday problems that can be resolved quickly and inexpensively without specialized skills. Typically, tenants are responsible for tasks like changing light bulbs, fixing minor leaks, and unclogging drains. This is because tenants are best positioned to handle small problems arising from daily use of the property.

Cost Division for Repairs

A general rule of thumb is that if the repair cost is less than AED 1,000, the tenant is responsible. If the cost exceeds AED 1,000, the landlord takes care of it. This simple rule helps divide maintenance duties fairly, avoiding excessive burdens on either party.

Tenant Negligence

If the maintenance cost is above AED 1,000 due to tenant negligence, it is neither fair nor lawful to hold the landlord responsible. Tenants must pay for any damage they cause to the property, whether intentional or accidental, as long as it isn't normal wear and tear. For instance, if a tenant breaks a window, they must fix it. Similarly, if an appliance stops working due to incorrect use by the tenant, they must get it repaired.

Tips for Ensuring Effective Property Maintenance

Both landlords and tenants have specific responsibilities to ensure effective property maintenance in Dubai:

• Landlords: Conduct regular property inspections to identify potential issues and ensure the property is well-maintained.

• Tenants: Report any maintenance concerns to the landlord promptly to prevent minor issues from escalating.

• Adherence: Follow the maintenance guidelines outlined in the tenancy agreement.

• Reporting: Report major structural damage or safety hazards to relevant authorities, like the Dubai Municipality, for timely attention.

• Insurance: Consider insurance coverage for unexpected maintenance costs to provide peace of mind for both landlords and tenants.

Role of Real Estate Management Companies

Real estate management companies play a crucial role in property maintenance in Dubai by acting as intermediaries between landlords and tenants. They offer various services to ensure properties are well-maintained and maintenance issues are addressed promptly.

Key services provided by these companies include:

• Property Inspections: Regular inspections help identify potential maintenance issues early, preventing major problems.

• Maintenance Coordination: Overseeing maintenance work to ensure efficient and high-standard repairs.

• Rent Collection and Tenancy Enforcement: Ensuring timely rent payments and adherence to tenancy agreements.

• Tenant Relations: Handling tenant complaints and requests, providing a single point of contact for tenants.

By outsourcing property maintenance tasks to a real estate management company, landlords save time and resources while ensuring their properties are well-maintained. Tenants benefit from a dedicated team to address any maintenance issues or concerns they may have. Overall, these companies play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of properties in Dubai.

Conclusion

At Range International Property Investments, we specialize in delivering top-tier real estate management services. Our dedicated team is expert in handling tenant relations and property maintenance. Contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a property manager make the maintenance process easier? Yes, working with a property management company ensures fair and unbiased representation from both the tenant's and landlord's perspectives. Property managers at Range International ensure that both parties' interests are protected and that all prevailing rental laws and regulations are adhered to.

What if a maintenance issue doesn't get resolved? If a tenant and landlord fail to agree on who is responsible for the maintenance cost, the issue can be brought to the attention of the rental committee. They will review the situation and decide on the appropriate next steps.

Who pays service charges in Dubai? According to Article (25) of the Apartments Law, the landlord must pay the service charges to the management company unless the unit rental states otherwise.

Is hiring a maintenance company worth it? Hiring a maintenance company can be highly beneficial as it ensures that maintenance tasks are handled professionally and promptly, saving both landlords and tenants time and stress.