Can Dubai Tenants Reclaim Emergency Repair Costs?

Tenants' Rights in Dubai: Can Emergency Maintenance Costs be Reclaimed?

The Dubai real estate market is renowned worldwide for its dynamism and advanced infrastructure. However, even in the most modern residential complexes, unexpected technical faults or malfunctions can occur, requiring quick intervention—especially if these happen during weekends or holidays. More and more tenants face the question: if in an urgent maintenance situation the landlord or the management company does not act promptly, can the tenant reclaim the cost of repairs done at their own expense?

This question becomes particularly important when the repair involves significant expenses, such as unclogging or plumbing work necessitated by a flooded kitchen. Many are unaware of what exactly the landlord's responsibilities are in such cases and what legal options tenants have if the management company fails to fulfill its duties.

Legislative Background of Maintenance Responsibility

In Dubai, rental relationships are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, which clearly stipulates that unless otherwise agreed by the parties, it is the landlord's duty to carry out maintenance and repair work that affects the proper use of the premises. This applies to any defect removal that limits or obstructs the tenant's full use of the property, including a clogged drain leading to a kitchen flooding.

Therefore, if the lease does not contain a provision to the contrary—such as stating that minor or even all repairs are the tenant's responsibility—the repair of such failures is clearly the duty of the landlord or the real estate management company appointed by them.

What Happens if the Management Company Does Not Respond in Time?

It is common that during weekends or holidays, the maintenance team is not available or delays their response. If this is a more serious situation—such as water infiltration—and the tenant is compelled to call a technician at their own expense, the question rightly arises: can the resulting costs be reclaimed?

The answer is: yes, under certain conditions. If the lease stipulates maintenance as the landlord's duty and the management company demonstrably did not respond in time (e.g., documented email or SMS contacts, phone calls), the tenant may be entitled to claim back the repair costs.

Therefore, documentation is crucial in all such cases: request an invoice from the technician, keep email or message communication, and take photos of the defect as well as after the repair.

How to Claim Back Costs?

As a first step, the tenant should contact the real estate management company or directly the landlord in writing (by email) and attach the repair invoice along with documentation proving that they requested the fault to be rectified earlier but received no assistance.

If the management company refuses cost reimbursement or does not respond within a reasonable time limit, the next step can be for the tenant to file a formal complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Centre. This organization specializes in settling property-related disputes and has authority over examining maintenance obligations between landlords and tenants.

The complaint can be filed in person, but increasingly through an online system. It is important to know that the Rental Dispute Centre's decision is binding, and the landlord must comply if the tenant is favored.

What Should be Done for the Future?

Before entering a contract, always carefully read the rental agreement, especially the sections on maintenance and repair obligations. If the contract states that all repairs are the tenant's responsibility, it must be accepted, but in such cases, it makes sense to raise the issue of a lower rent.

Know who the primary contact for maintenance issues is. Many buildings have a separate 'maintenance hotline' or an online maintenance request system.

It is advisable to take out insurance that also covers emergency maintenance costs and damages. Some home insurances cover these types of repairs, especially if it involves urgent interventions.

If delays in maintenance have occurred multiple times, document it in writing and report it to the landlord. In case of recurring problems, legal action may become justified.

What Happens in Life-Threatening Situations?

If the fault is of a nature that could have directly caused life or accident threats—such as electrical short circuit, gas leak, severe water damage—and the management company does not take action in these cases, it could be considered a serious breach of contract. In such cases, not only is reimbursement of costs possible, but even termination of the lease contract may come up, and a complaint can be filed with the Dubai Municipality or other relevant authorities.

Summary

In Dubai, laws fundamentally serve to protect the tenant, especially if the fault hinders the property's proper use. However, tenants need to actively enforce their rights using proper documentation and official complaint mechanisms. The main point is that no repairs should be decided on imprudently, and no costs should be incurred without a legally sound basis for reimbursement.

If you find yourself in such a situation, do not remain passive: document, inform yourself, and if necessary, take official steps with the appropriate authority—be it cost reimbursement or even reconsidering the rental relationship.

(The article is based on rental contracts and laws related to leasing.)