Can I deduct repair costs from my rent in Dubai?

No. Dubai law has no repair-and-deduct right, and you must keep paying rent on time (Article 19 of Law 26/2007). If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs after written notice, file at the RDC for an order that the landlord carry out the repairs and pay compensation. Deducting from rent yourself could give the landlord grounds to seek eviction.

My AC is broken and the landlord will not fix it. What can I do?

Send a formal written maintenance notice giving a reasonable deadline (14 days). If the landlord still refuses, file at the RDC. Central A/C is normally the landlord responsibility under Article 16 of Law 26/2007 unless your contract says otherwise. In emergencies (summer with no AC), the RDC can issue expedited orders.

Landlord Maintenance Responsibilities in Dubai: What They Must Fix

Q: What maintenance is the landlord responsible for in Dubai?

Article 16 of Law 26/2007 makes the landlord responsible, unless the contract says otherwise, for maintenance and for repairing any defect or damage that affects your use of the property. In practice this usually covers structural items, central A/C, main plumbing and electrics. Tenants are typically responsible for minor day-to-day maintenance.

One of the most common disputes in Dubai is over who pays for repairs. The law is clear on this: here is what your landlord must maintain.

Landlord Responsibilities (Article 16, Law 26/2007)

Article 16 makes the landlord responsible, unless the contract says otherwise, for maintenance and for repairing any defect or damage that affects your use of the property. In practice that usually covers:

Structural repairs: walls, roof, foundations, windows
Central A/C systems: chiller units, ductwork, central cooling
Plumbing: main pipes, water heaters, sewage systems
Electrical systems: main wiring, circuit breakers, distribution boards
Common areas: hallways, elevators, parking, building facilities
Pest control: major infestations (not caused by tenant negligence)

Tenant Responsibilities

You are typically responsible for:

Day-to-day minor repairs (changing light bulbs, unblocking drains you caused)
Damage you or your guests cause
Split A/C unit maintenance (window/wall units in your apartment)
Keeping the property clean and in reasonable condition

What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses to Repair

Send a formal written notice: Use our maintenance notice generator citing Article 16 of Law 26/2007
Set a deadline: Give 14 days for non-urgent repairs, shorter for emergencies
Document everything: Photos, videos, dates, written communications
File at the RDC: File a case if the landlord ignores your notice

Can Contract Clauses Override the Law?

Some landlords include clauses making tenants responsible for all maintenance. Under UAE tenancy law, clauses that contradict the law are unenforceable. Scan your contract to check if your maintenance clauses are fair.

Related Resources

Complete Guide to Tenant Rights in Dubai
How to File a Rental Dispute at the RDC
Generate a Maintenance Notice
Ask Our AI Rights Assistant about maintenance issues