Who Pays for Rental Damages in Dubai?

Damage in Rental Property? Who Pays in Dubai

Among residents in Dubai, it is a common question what happens when there is damage in a rental property—especially if it’s due to the tenant’s fault. The situation is not always clear, especially when it's not explicit what counts as normal maintenance and what the tenant is responsible for. In this post, we clarify the relevant rules based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007).

Maintenance is Primarily the Landlord’s Responsibility

According to Article 16 of the law, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the landlord is obliged to maintain the rental property properly and repair any defects that hinder the normal use of the property. This means that if, for example, the water heater breaks down or the light switch malfunctions and it wasn’t the tenant’s fault, the landlord is obligated to ensure repairs are made.

What if the Tenant Causes the Damage?

If the damage is caused by the tenant's negligence or improper use—for example, a major component of an air conditioner is damaged due to improper handling—the cost of repairs falls on the tenant. This is supported by Article 19 of the Dubai Rental Law, which states that the tenant must care for the property as if it were their own and cannot make any alterations or repairs without the landlord's consent.

Exception: Damage From Unavoidable Causes

Article 17 states that if the damage is due to causes beyond the tenant's control (such as external impacts, natural events, or system failures), then the responsibility falls on the landlord. This is particularly important in cases where it is difficult to clearly determine who caused the malfunction. If the tenant is not at fault, they should not be charged with repair costs.

What Must the Tenant Do at the End of the Lease Period?

The tenant is required to return the property in the condition it was received—except for normal wear and tear or damage due to reasons beyond their control. If a dispute arises about whether the damage is normal wear and tear or the fault of the tenant, the issue will be examined by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.

Summary

In Dubai, rental relationships are framed by clear rules. The landlord is responsible for basic maintenance and repairs due to external causes, but if the malfunction is due to the tenant's fault—like an AC part being damaged due to careless use—the tenant must bear the costs. To avoid long-term disputes and inconveniences, all important questions should be recorded in writing in the rental agreement, and it's advisable to always seek the landlord's permission before major interventions.

(Sourced from Dubai Rent Law.)