Can my landlord sue me for stained or discolored floor tiles after three years of tenancy?

Dear Inquirer,

Normal wear and tear, such as minor discoloration or staining of floor tiles after three years of tenancy, is generally not considered legal grounds for a lawsuit under UAE tenancy laws.

However, if the damage is deemed excessive or due to negligence, the landlord may attempt to claim compensation.

To evaluate your specific situation and protect your rights, we recommend booking a consultation with us or assigning our office to represent you in the matter.

Hello,

Under Article 21 of Dubai Tenancy Law:

The tenant must return the property in the condition it was in at the time of possession, except for ordinary wear and tear or damage due to reasons beyond the tenant’s control.

This means that if the floor tile stains/discolorations are the result of normal usage over three years, your landlord generally cannot sue you successfully. Wear and tear is legally acceptable.

Contact us for more.

Thank You!

After three years of tenancy, if the stains or discoloration are due to normal wear and tear, the landlord cannot sue you for it.

However, if there is unusual damage or intentional harm to the property, the landlord can claim compensation for the damages.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your message!

Based on the UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendments, a tenant is not liable for damage that falls under normal wear and tear during the course of their tenancy.

After a period of three years, discoloration or minor staining of floor tiles is generally considered normal usage, not negligence or misuse.

Unless the landlord can prove that the damage exceeds normal wear and tear, through documented evidence such as photos from move-in or a professional assessment, they would likely not have legal grounds to pursue a claim against you.

Furthermore, under Article 21 of the Dubai Tenancy Law (if applicable), tenants are only required to return the property in the condition received, excluding normal wear and tear.

Should the landlord proceed with a formal complaint, the matter would be reviewed by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in your emirate, where these principles are typically upheld.

Please let me know if you need assistance in drafting a formal response or if you'd like help preparing documentation.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Dear questioner,

After three years of tenancy, it is highly likely that stained or discolored floor tiles would be considered normal wear and tear, and your landlord would likely not have strong legal grounds to sue you for this specifically.

However, the specific circumstances and the extent of the damage are important factors. Focus on communication and be prepared to defend your position based on the principle of normal wear and tear.

If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Under UAE law, a landlord may not have grounds to sue a tenant for damages such as stained or discolored floor tiles after several years of tenancy unless the damages were caused by neglect or intentional harm by the tenant.

However, the landlord can seek compensation for damages if specified in the lease agreement.