• The landlord must hand over the property to the tenant in Dubai in good condition and fit for habitation, as specified in the contract. However, in rare cases, it may be agreed that the tenant leases an unfinished property and completes it at their own expense. Article 15 specifies which party bears the cost of completing the property.
• Under Article 16, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the property and repairing any defect or malfunction that affects the tenant’s living conditions during the term of the contract, unless the parties agree otherwise.
• The property owner is not permitted to make changes or carry out renovation works that would affect the tenant’s intended use of the property. However, Article 17 allows the landlord to carry out renovation works provided the tenant’s approval is obtained.
Tenant Obligations and Related Rights
• If the tenant wishes to carry out any type of renovation or modification to the property, they must obtain the landlord’s permission and secure the necessary licenses from the relevant official authorities when required, as stated in Article 19.
• The tenant pays a refundable security deposit upon renting the property. According to Article 20 of the law, if the landlord refuses to refund the security deposit in whole or in part due to an unjustified deduction for alleged damage to the property, the tenant may seek assistance from the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee to resolve the matter.
• The tenant must return the property to the owner in a condition similar to that in which it was received at the time of signing the contract, excluding normal wear and tear or damage resulting from causes beyond the tenant’s control. In the event of a dispute between the parties, the matter may be referred to the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee in accordance with Article 21.
• Article 22 obliges the tenant to pay all costs and taxes due for the use of the property to government entities and departments, as well as any fees or taxes imposed on subleasing, unless the lease contract provides otherwise.
• Under Article 23, upon vacating and handing over the property to the owner, the tenant is not permitted to remove any permanent improvements that they have made to the property.
