Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allWho is responsible for the damages of a rented apartment due to water leaks?

1
Q: I have been renting an apartment for 1.5 years in Dubai.
Recently, the kitchen ceiling leaked and the water has gone into the wooden cabinets and 3 of the cabinets have completely rotted from inside. All of our food in there is destroyed.
Not only that, but the water from the leak mixed with the glue from the wooden cabinets and became brown and sticky. It is now all over the worktops and the floor and appliances in the kitchen.
There are puddles of brown water on the floor. The entire kitchen is unusable.
The main maintenance person first refused to visit the apartment to inspect the damage. He only came when we insisted and then told us we have to wait until next Thursday to get the work done.
Meanwhile, we cannot use the kitchen, every day the water is spreading more and more and there are now flies everywhere (and the smell is terrible).
Can I legally deduct the rent for the number of weeks we have been without a kitchen? I need to pay rent for the second half of the year in August.


Jun 7, 2021
1243
No A/C for a month, and maintenance hasn't fixed it. What to do?




2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I have had no A/C for over a month, and there is a constant leak in my kitchen ceiling that has stripped away plaster and paint. Maintenance has come multiple times, but nothing has been sorted out.
I have taken several hours off of work for this. The A/C was cut off because the landlord has not registered or paid with Empower directly.
Is there anything I can do?





+1
Jan 29, 2024
123
Fixing a persistent ceiling leak in an apartment with minimal hassle

2
Q: Dear Community,
I am seeking your support and guidance regarding an issue in my 2-bedroom apartment in Sharjah.
The hall of my apartment has been experiencing leakage from the center of the ceiling for the past 4 months. Despite my repeated complaints and requests to the real estate company, they have not repaired or solved the problem.
Can anybody advise me on how to resolve this issue with the least amount of hassle?
Thank you in advance!


Apr 6, 2023
107
What are a tenant's rights if the landlord fails to carry out necessary maintenance?




1
Q: Hello,
In the UAE, what are a tenant's rights if the landlord fails to carry out necessary maintenance on the property?





+1
Jan 20, 2025
221
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired?




0
Q: Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.





May 19, 2025
23
What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract?




0
Q: Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
We have a lot of small maintenance issues, such as kitchen cabinets that are coming loose, a sewage smell in the house, and a toilet upstairs that still doesn't work after four years (despite attempted maintenance).
How can we deal with him and get him to honor the contract and resolve all of our issues so we can use the house properly? What legal steps can we take?
We have informed him plenty of times over the four years about the problems, but he seems to "ghost" us and does not reply very often.
We have issued him a warning to get things fixed by the end of this month (via WhatsApp), but he doesn't seem to mind.
Hope you can help with advice and maybe RERA down the line.





May 22, 2025
13
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allWhat You Should Know While Renting a Property in the UAE 5
An interview-format article covering the topic of residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 24, 2020
4009
Online POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE 28
With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.
Jun 8, 2021
19294
Procedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.
Oct 20, 2018
21467
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 12
The provisions of this Law apply to real property leased out in the Emirate of Dubai, including vacant and agricultural lands, but excluding hotel establishments and real property provided by natural or legal persons as accommodation to their employees at no charge.
Nov 26, 2007
24384
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
This Decree establishes a specialised judicial system to hear rent disputes and develops the procedure for determination of such disputes through an expeditious and simple process for the purpose of realising social and economic stability for all persons involved with the real property rental and other related sectors.
Sep 18, 2013
7334
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
Provisions of this Law supersede articles (2), (3), (4), (9), (13), (14), (15), (25), (26), (29), and (36) of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.
Dec 1, 2008
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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
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What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
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What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
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Can the landlord send me an eviction notice for non-payment despite submitting an offer and deposit at RDC? 0
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