What are the maintenance responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Dubai when moving?

Moving in Dubai can be a mix of excitement and stress, packing boxes, setting up utilities, and making sure your new place feels like home. But there’s one topic that often gets overlooked until something breaks: who’s actually responsible for maintenance? Whether you’re renting out a property or moving into one, knowing exactly what falls under your care makes life a lot easier. Let’s unpack how maintenance works in Dubai and what both landlords and tenants need to know before, during, and after moving.

Understanding home maintenance responsibilities in Dubai rentals

Getting familiar with the legal basics

In Dubai, rental relationships are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, later updated by Law No. 33 of 2008. These laws clearly outline what each party must do to keep the property in good shape. In plain terms, the landlord must provide a home that’s safe and fit to live in. That includes fixing anything major that stops the tenant from using the property properly, such as plumbing, wiring, or air conditioning. Tenants, on the other hand, are expected to take good care of the space and handle small issues that come with everyday living. All rental contracts in Dubai also need to be registered through EJARI, a government system that keeps things transparent and protects both parties in case a disagreement pops up.

Understanding landlord maintenance responsibilities in Dubai

If you own property, your biggest role is to make sure the home is livable and well-kept. This isn’t just about fixing problems when they happen, it’s about preventing them, too. Proper home maintenance keeps your tenants happy and protects your investment.

Here’s what landlords typically handle:

• Structural repairs – anything related to the building’s frame, foundation, walls, and roof
• Essential systems – keeping plumbing, water supply, electricity, and air conditioning in working order
• Major breakdowns – if something big fails that affects the tenant’s comfort or safety, it’s on you to fix it
• Wear and tear – replacing or repairing items that naturally age over time

Many landlords use the AED 500 rule as a guideline; smaller repairs under that amount might be handled by the tenant, while anything above usually falls to the landlord. This isn’t an official law but a common practice in Dubai. Taking a proactive approach to home maintenance not only keeps tenants longer but also helps your property hold its market value.

What tenants are responsible for

For tenants, home maintenance doesn’t mean fixing everything; it’s more about looking after the property day to day. That includes keeping things clean, using appliances properly, and reporting problems early before they get worse.

Here’s what’s usually on a tenant’s to-do list:

• Changing light bulbs, small fixtures, or simple repairs
• Keeping the space tidy and free from damage
• Reporting leaks, faults, or issues to the landlord quickly
• Avoiding any unauthorized changes to the property
• Returning the home in a similar condition to how it was handed over, allowing for normal wear and tear

Essentially, treat the place as if it were your own. A little care goes a long way in preventing problems and ensures you’ll get your deposit back without any drama at the end of the lease.

Before you move in: what to check

When you first get the keys, it’s tempting to focus on unpacking and decorating. But before you do, take some time to go over the property and clarify the home maintenance details.

1. Inspect everything carefully – note any existing damage, take photos, and share them with your landlord.
2. Read your lease closely – make sure the maintenance clause clearly defines who handles what.
3. Ask about limits – if the lease says you’re responsible for minor repairs, find out what’s considered “minor.”
4. Plan for servicing – things like air conditioning, pest control, and filter cleaning should be scheduled regularly.
5. Stay connected – good communication helps resolve issues quickly and keeps things friendly.

Doing this upfront helps you avoid confusion later and keeps both parties on the same page from day one.

Why communication makes all the difference

Most disputes over home maintenance happen because of poor communication. A small leak, an ignored repair request, or unclear clauses in the lease can quickly escalate. Being open and organized can prevent all that.

Here’s why it matters:

• You’ll avoid fights over the security deposit when the lease ends
• Problems can be fixed early before they become expensive
• Both sides feel respected and protected



Always put maintenance discussions in writing, even if it’s just a WhatsApp message or email. Keeping a simple paper trail can make a big difference if there’s ever a disagreement.

Practical tips for landlords and tenants

For landlords:

• Do regular property checkups — twice a year is ideal
• Keep contact details for trusted maintenance companies
• Respond quickly to repair requests — delays often lead to bigger problems
• Be clear in your lease. Tenants appreciate transparency, and it builds trust

For tenants:

• Don’t ignore small problems; report them right away
• Keep the place clean and well-ventilated to avoid mold or pest issues
• Don’t try to handle big repairs yourself; that could cause more damage
• Respect the property. It’s not just about rules; it’s about mutual respect
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When both sides take home maintenance seriously, it creates a positive renting experience and avoids most of the common disputes that pop up in Dubai’s rental market.

Mistakes to avoid

Even with good intentions, people often make the same simple mistakes. Here are a few to steer clear of:

• Waiting too long to report issues. Small leaks can lead to major damage
• Skipping regular cleaning. Neglect can cause long-term problems that are expensive to fix. It’s recommended to schedule professional home deep cleaning and AC cleaning every six months to maintain a healthy, well-functioning space.
• Not documenting anything. Always take photos or videos during move-in and move-out
• Forgetting the outside. Balconies, gardens, and external areas need attention too



Staying on top of home maintenance is about prevention, not just repair. Fixing something early is always cheaper and easier than waiting until it breaks completely.

At the end of the day, maintaining a home in Dubai is a shared effort. Landlords need to make sure their properties are in top condition, and tenants need to take care of the space they live in. When both sides understand their roles and communicate clearly, renting becomes simple and stress-free. Think of home maintenance as teamwork: the landlord provides a safe, functional home, and the tenant helps keep it that way. With cooperation, respect, and a little bit of diligence, everyone wins, and that’s what makes a successful rental experience in Dubai.