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Property Maintenance Tips for Dubai Landlords

  • July 23 2024
Property Maintenance Tips for Dubai Landlords

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…
 

Key Property Maintenance Responsibilities of Landlords

property maintenance
 

As Per the Legalities

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.
 

As Per the Contract

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.
 

When It Comes to Major Maintenance

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.
 

What About Minor Maintenance? 

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.  
 

And what if the cost is too high?

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.  

Read also: Can Tenants Change the Locks Without Landlord Permission?
 

Property Maintenance Tips for Dubai Properties

Sahara apartment complex

Now, let’s discuss some useful property maintenance tips.
 

1- Tenant Selection and Screening

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.  
 

2- Relationship Management & Effective Communication

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.
 

3- Handling Tenant Departures

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…
 

4- Air Conditioning Maintenance

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.
 

5- Leak Detection & Plumbing

plumbing issues

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.
 

6- Electrical Safety

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.  
 

7- Maintaining Outdoor Spaces

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.
 

8- Safety and Security

Prioritize safety by ensuring that security systems, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are functioning correctly.
 

9- Ensure The Safety of Your Tenants  

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.  
 

10- Pest control

pest control

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.

Read also: When Should Landlords Get Involved In Tenant Disputes Between Neighbors?
 

How Can Property Management Companies in Dubai Help?

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.
 

FAQs


 

What is the maintenance law 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.
 

Where can I complain about building maintenance in Dubai?

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.
 

What are the rights of tenants in Dubai?

Tenants in Dubai are granted rights under the Dubai Rental Law to ensure their well-being and protection. These rights include:

  • Right to livable property: Tenants have the right to reside in a property that is maintained properly and meets safety standards.
  • Right to privacy: Landlords are required to respect tenants’ privacy and seek permission before entering the premises except during emergencies.
  • Right to a written lease agreement: Tenants should receive a rental agreement specifying terms like rent amount and lease duration.
  • Right to timely notice: Tenants must be given notice before facing eviction or rent hikes. Typically, this notice period is 90 days.
  • Security deposit returns: The return of the security deposit is an important aspect that must be considered when the lease comes to an end, with deductions applied as agreed upon.  

 

How often should landlords conduct property inspections?

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.
 

Are landlords responsible for pest control in Dubai?

pest infestation

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.  
 

Who pays the maintenance fees landlord or tenant in Dubai?

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.

Read also: Tenant Rights When Landlord Sells Property
 

What should be included in an emergency maintenance plan?

An emergency maintenance plan should cover the following aspects:

  • Emergency Contacts: A list of contacts including maintenance staff, emergency services and utility companies.
  • Detailed Procedures: Steps to deal with emergencies like plumbing leaks, electrical issues or heating problems.
  • Safety Guidelines: Instructions for ensuring safety during emergencies by shutting off utilities and leaving the property if needed.
  • Tools and Supplies: Inventory of tools and supplies with easy-to-access locations during emergencies.
  • Communication Strategy: Ways to inform tenants or residents about emergencies and provide updates on the situation.
  • Response Time: Expected response times for different types of emergencies to ensure solution.
  • Record Keeping: This is for documenting incidents actions taken and follow -up procedures to address issues effectively and prevent recurrence.


Read also: Best Places to Invest in Rental Property in Dubai
 

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