FAQ: The landlord fails to fulfil maintenance obligations — what can be done?

Plan

1. Review the lease agreement: determine which repair obligations are assigned to the landlord.

2. Send a written demand requesting rectification of the defects.

3. Document the defects (photos, correspondence, reports).

4. In case of inaction — apply to the RDC seeking an order compelling performance or compensation of expenses.

Legal Basis

Pursuant to Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008), the landlord is obliged to:

• deliver the property in a condition fit for its intended use;

• maintain such condition throughout the lease term;

• carry out major and substantial repairs, unless otherwise expressly provided in the contract.

The lease agreement may allocate minor maintenance obligations to the tenant; however, major defects (engineering systems, leaks, malfunctioning air conditioning, structural elements, etc.) as a rule fall within the responsibility of the owner.

Prior to initiating court proceedings, the tenant is entitled to:

1. Send a formal written notice to the landlord requesting rectification of the violations within a reasonable period.

2. Propose a joint insp...