Maintenance Responsibility Checker
Decide and document who pays for what in a UAE tenancy. Set each item, from DEWA and cooling to minor and major maintenance, to landlord or tenant, and the tool builds a clear responsibility split and a clause you can add to the contract to prevent disputes.
- Landlord vs tenant split
- Addendum-ready clause
- No sign-up to start
- Copy or download
Who usually pays for what
There is no single rule that fits every tenancy, so the split is agreed between the parties and written into the contract. A common starting point is that the tenant covers day-to-day items and minor repairs, while the landlord covers major and structural repairs. The tool lets you set each item and see the result.
| Item | Common default |
|---|---|
| DEWA and utilities | Tenant |
| Air conditioning and chiller | Often tenant for running cost, landlord for major repair |
| Minor maintenance | Tenant, up to an agreed threshold |
| Major and structural maintenance | Landlord |
| Service charges | Landlord |
The minor-maintenance threshold
Many contracts set a value below which the tenant handles minor repairs and above which the landlord takes over. Agreeing this threshold in writing avoids arguments later. Record it in the contract or in an addendum.
Put it in writing
Once you agree the split, add it as a clause so both sides are clear. The tool produces a copy-ready clause. You can also build a full tenancy addendum to attach to the contract.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for maintenance in a Dubai tenancy?
It is agreed between the parties and written into the contract. Commonly the tenant covers minor items and the landlord covers major and structural repairs.
Is the landlord or tenant responsible for AC maintenance?
It varies by contract. Running costs often sit with the tenant, while major repairs sit with the landlord. Agree it clearly and record it.
What is the maintenance limit in Dubai rentals?
Contracts often set a minor-maintenance threshold. Below it the tenant handles repairs, above it the landlord does. The exact figure is agreed between the parties.
How do I document the maintenance split?
Add a clause to the contract or an addendum. The tool builds a copy-ready clause from your choices.