Disputes Over Property Maintenance
Who Bears Responsibility Under UAE Law? Maintenance is one of the most common causes of rental disputes in the UAE, especially when the landlord and tenant disagree on who is responsible for repairs. With the diversity of properties between residential and commercial, understanding the legal framework that determines each party's responsibilities has become essential.
Dispute Explanation: The dispute arises when one party refuses to carry out the required maintenance, whether it is: Routine maintenance. Emergency maintenance. Structural maintenance. Maintenance of common facilities. Often, each party claims the responsibility lies with the other. UAE Legal Framework: The law distinguishes between two types of maintenance: Major maintenance: Falls on the landlord (e.g., structural faults, main installations). Minor maintenance: Falls on the tenant (e.g., light bulbs, filters, simple repairs). Dispute Resolution Procedures: Include: Property inspection. Engineering expert report. Determining the type of maintenance. Issuing a decision obligating the responsible party. Role of the Legal Consultant: They: Analyze the contract. Determine responsibility. File the lawsuit. Follow up on execution. Conclusion: Maintenance is a shared responsibility, but the law specifies it precisely to avoid disputes.
