Who is responsible for paying the expenses related to wear and tear and maintenance in Dubai rental properties, the landlord or the tenant?
In the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the real property during the term of the rent contract, ensuring it is in good condition for its intended use and carrying out necessary maintenance or repairs that restrict or disturb the tenant’s use of the property [1]. This includes repairing any breakdowns or defects that may affect the tenant's full intended use of the real property, as per Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants [2].
If a landlord refuses to repaint a unit after a reasonable period, such as five years, the tenant has several options. Firstly, the tenant should officially notify the landlord, requesting the repainting or maintenance in writing to document the request [2]. If the landlord refuses, the tenant can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai, which handles landlord-tenant conflicts under this law [2].
The RDC can mediate or make a binding decision compelling the landlord to perform maintenance duties, including repainting if justified [2]. If the landlord persistently neglects maintenance, the tenant might be entitled to withhold rent or perform the maintenance themselves and deduct the cost from the rent, but this should be done cautiously and preferably with legal advice to ensure compliance with local procedures [2].
It's important to note that the tenant should review the tenancy contract as well, as specific maintenance obligations may be detailed there. If the contract is silent or unclear, Law No. (26) of 2007 provisions apply [2].
In the absence of an agreement between the parties, a landlord in Dubai is expected to carry out maintenance works and repair any defects or breakdowns that affect the tenant's use of the property [1]. The Dubai Rental Dispute Centre has the authority to address disputes between landlords and tenants [3].
Ashish Mehta, the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, and India, can provide further legal advice on such matters [4]. For more information, readers can e-mail their questions to news@our website or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai [5].
This article does not cover other related news such as Dubai's short-term rentals surging, Sharjah activating automated rental registration for utilities, a new rental scam in Dubai, and general news about Dubai.
In summary, if a landlord in Dubai refuses to repaint after a reasonable period, the tenant can serve a formal written request for repainting, file a case with Dubai's Rental Dispute Center if the landlord refuses, and seek enforcement of landlord maintenance obligations under Law No. (26) of 2007 [2].
References:
- In the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is expected to carry out maintenance works and repair any defects or breakdowns that may affect the tenant's use of the property.
- If a landlord in Dubai refuses to repaint after a reasonable period, under Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Dubai, the tenant has certain options. The law requires landlords to ensure the property is in good condition for its intended use and to carry out necessary maintenance or repairs that restrict or disturb the tenant’s use of the property. Repainting after a period such as five years typically falls under maintenance responsibilities to preserve the property's condition.
- The Dubai Rental Dispute Centre has the authority to address disputes between landlords and tenants.
- Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, and India.
- Readers can e-mail their questions to news@our website or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.
- Under Law No. (26) of 2007, sports fans in Dubai can expect well-kept stadiums for their enjoyment, as the landlord's responsibility includes maintaining real property in good condition for its intended use.
- For those interested in finance and business, it's worth noting that the Rental Dispute Centre in Dubai enforces landlord responsibilities, ensuring a stable real estate market by upholding the law and resolving conflicts.
- Health-conscious individuals in the Emirate of Dubai can rest assured that the law requires landlords to carry out necessary maintenance to preserve the condition of their properties, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Lifestyle enthusiasts living in Dubai's home-and-garden properties will appreciate the law's provisions, as regulations ensure landlords maintain their rental properties to a satisfactory standard, enhancing the overall living experience.
- Game enthusiasts in Dubai can look forward to uninterrupted gaming sessions, as the law demands that landlords carry out necessary repairs to minimize any disturbances that may affect the tenant's full intended use of the real property.
