As a landlord in Dubai, you want to make sure that your property is well-maintained and in good condition.
Apart from attracting new tenants and keeping the already existing ones, this also increases the value of your property.
That’s why it’s important to know property maintenance tips to manage your home for good upkeep.
Before that, let’s discuss…
As per the Dubai law, landlords are responsible for property maintenance. The law focuses on the requirement that the owner of the property ensures that it is in good condition and fit for use.
Even though the law states that it is the primary responsibility of the landlord to do the upkeep, some part of the lease agreement includes the tenant’s responsibility to do the maintenance.
Rental agreements in Dubai work as regional extensions of the law. So, read carefully what’s written in the agreement.
Major maintenance means landlord’s responsibility!
Big repairs that affect the property’s basic performance and safety come under major maintenance.
Important equipment and systems are all covered by major maintenance. This means plumbing, electrical, wiring, and HVAC issues are your responsibilities as a landlord.
You should resolve these problems in a timely and efficient manner. This guarantees that the property maintains its standard when rented and remains livable and useful.
Minor maintenance issues are not on your plate as a landlord!
Small fixes and everyday concerns come under the umbrella of minor maintenance.
They can be frequently handled quickly and cheaply without the need for specialized knowledge and expensive equipment. This includes clearing clogged drains, fixing small leaks, changing lightbulbs, etc.
The cost of the repair can also determine how big or small the issue is. In general, a repair that costs less than AED 1000 is considered minor. And it is, therefore, the tenant's responsibility.
Similarly, if the expenses increase by AED 1000, it qualifies as major maintenance, and the landlord should cater to them.
This cost-based criteria provides a clear maintenance task guide. It guarantees efficient property maintenance without putting unnecessary strain on either side.
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Now, let’s discuss some useful property maintenance tips.
Of course, that’s very important.
Careful tenant screening is crucial for effective property management. To ensure that reliable tenants are chosen, extensive background checks, verification of rental history, and income evaluations are all part of the process.
By following these steps, the chances of missing payments, property damage or tenancy issues are reduced.
It’s important to build clear modes of communication. Landlords are required to keep lines of communication open with the renters. As a landlord, you should respond to any problems or concerns right away.
Taking care of vacancies and coming up with smart lease renewal plans are ideal for managing tenant departures.
Landlords must ensure quick turnovers, minimize vacancy periods, and quickly handle empty units in order to speed up the turnover process.
Reducing turnover rates and retaining quality tenants can be achieved by putting lease renewal strategies into practice. These practices include providing incentives or maintaining open communication.
Let’s talk about maintaining the physical appeal of your property…
Don’t forget to take good care of your air conditioning system, keeping Dubai’s scorching heat in mind. Keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan with detailed maintenance, filter cleaning and leak checks.
Keep an eye out for water leaks to prevent damage. Regularly inspect your plumbing and fix any drips immediately. Also, consider installing leak detection devices for added protection.
Stay safe from electrical hazards by ensuring all outlets, switches, and wiring are in good condition. As a landlord, you can do this by thorough routine checks.
Boost the look of your home by maintaining your garden and landscape through pruning and pest control measures. A well-kept outdoor space adds charm to your property.
Prioritize safety by ensuring that security systems, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are functioning correctly.
Protect your property by prioritizing the well-being of its tenants. Regular property inspections play a key role in detecting issues and allow you to maintain your property effectively.
Get rid of pests that may be attracted due to Dubai’s climate by getting help from professional pest control services. Regular inspections and treatments can help protect your property from damage.
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Landlords can ensure their properties are well-maintained while saving time and money by getting help from a property management company. Such companies also handle property maintenance duties, along with rent collection and tenancy agreements.
They serve as a point of contact for both landlords and tenants, guaranteeing that the conditions of the lease are followed. They also make sure that the rent is paid on time.
They handle tenants’ requests and complaints, which gives tenants a single point of contact and guarantees quick solutions to their problems. As a tenant, you can rely on a dedicated team to handle any issues or complaints.
So, we can say that property maintenance companies are important for the upkeep and proper functioning of the real estate sector in Dubai.
According to Article 16 of Law 26 (2007), the landlord is usually responsible for handling all property maintenance unless stated, it is common for tenants to be responsible for maintenance tasks while major maintenance falls under the landlord’s responsibilities.
If you need to report any building maintenance issues in Dubai, you can contact the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. Here, you can lodge a complaint against the building owner who has neglected their maintenance responsibilities.
Tenants in Dubai are granted rights under the Dubai Rental Law to ensure their well-being and protection. These rights include:
Usually, landlords should conduct property inspections every 6 months to ensure that the property is well maintained, and any potential issues are detected early on. These routine checks allow landlords to assess damages, verify compliance with lease terms and address maintenance requirements.
It is essential to provide tenants with advance notice 24 to 48 hours before an inspection in order to respect their privacy. Regular inspections play a key role in preserving the property’s condition. Also, it can help prevent more serious problems from arising.
It helps in striking a balance between conducting checks and respecting tenants’ privacy. This contributes to creating a pleasant rental experience for both parties.
Yes. Landlords are generally accountable for handling pest control matters in rental properties. As per the Dubai Rental Law, landlords are obligated to maintain properties in a good state, which encompasses addressing pest infestations. Landlords should ensure that their properties remain free from pests and take measures to prevent and manage any pest related issues.
If tenants come across a pest problem, they should immediately notify the landlord. It is expected that the landlord will promptly address the issue by arranging for pest control services when needed. Please also note that: tenants might have to handle pest problems if mentioned in the lease agreement.
The responsibility of property maintenance typically depends on the specifics outlined in the tenancy agreement and the type of maintenance required. In some cases, landlords take care of major maintenance issues and for minor issues, tenants are responsible. However, there can be variations; this means that certain agreements may relate to maintenance expenses to tenants. To avoid any confusion, it's advisable to have a proper agreement in place.
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An emergency maintenance plan should cover the following aspects:
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