Snagging and Property Condition Reports in the UAE
A snagging or property condition report is a documented check of a home’s condition, with photos and a list of any defects, done before you move in. It protects your deposit by proving what was already there, and for a new handover it flags builder defects to fix under warranty. Do it on the day you take the keys, list every issue, photograph it, and share the report with the landlord in writing.
- Records condition before move-in
- Photos plus a defect list
- Protects your deposit at move-out
- Flags builder defects on a new handover
Why it matters
Most deposit disputes come down to what was already wrong when you arrived. A condition report with dated photos settles that, because you can show a mark or a broken fitting existed before you moved in. On a brand-new property, a snagging list is how you get the developer to fix defects under the handover warranty.
What to record
- Walls, paint, floors and ceilings, room by room.
- Doors, windows, locks and handles.
- Kitchen and bathroom fittings, taps and drainage.
- AC operation, sockets and light fittings.
- Any existing marks, cracks, stains or damage.
How to use it
Complete the report on move-in day, photograph every issue with a timestamp, and email it to the landlord or agent so there is a shared, dated record. Keep it with your contract. At move-out, the same photos show what is genuine wear rather than new damage.
Prefer to do it yourself?
Work through the Move-In Checklist as you inspect, and keep the deposit rules in mind.
Frequently asked questions
What is a snagging report?
A documented check of a home’s condition with photos and a defect list, done before move-in, that protects your deposit and flags builder defects.
When should I do it?
On the day you take the keys, before you move belongings in.
Do I need one for a rented apartment?
Yes. A condition report protects your deposit whether the home is new or resale.
How does it protect my deposit?
It proves what was already there, so you are not charged at move-out for damage that predates you.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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