Leasing Property And Maintenance Responsibilities

Overview

Leasing property in the UAE is governed by a well-established framework of rental laws that aim to balance the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants. One of the most important aspects of this relationship relates to maintenance and repair responsibilities, as disputes often arise over who is legally responsible for certain costs.

Under UAE rental legislation—most notably Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) and similar regulations in other Emirates—the general principle is that:

Landlords are obliged to hand over the property in a condition fit for its intended use, maintain the property's structure and major repairs, and ensure utilities and essential services remain functional.