Maintenance Request Letter Dubai — Free Tenant Template

Quick answer

Article 16 of Dubai Law 26/2007 requires the landlord to keep the property in a fit condition and carry out major repairs unless the contract says otherwise. Put maintenance requests in writing, keep proof of delivery, and give a reasonable deadline. If ignored, you can arrange the repair and deduct from rent, or file at the Rental Dispute Centre.

Fill your details

The email, WhatsApp and Arabic versions update automatically as you type.

Your full name

Landlord full name

Property address

Describe the issue

Urgency level

Date of previous informal request

Deadline for repair

Today's date

Subject: Formal Maintenance Request — Unit 1502, Marina Diamond 5, Dubai Marina

Dear Mohammed Al Maktoum,

I am writing formally to request maintenance at Unit 1502, Marina Diamond 5, Dubai Marina.

Issue: Central AC unit in the master bedroom has not been cooling since 25 August, despite my requests. Room temperature is above 32°C.
Urgency: Urgent
Previously raised on: 27 August 2026

Under Article 16 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is responsible for keeping the property in a fit and habitable condition and for carrying out major repairs. This issue falls within that responsibility and requires prompt attention.

I request that the repair be completed by 16 September 2026. If this is not possible, please respond within 3 working days with a written explanation and a reasonable alternative timeline.

If the issue is not addressed by the deadline, I reserve the right to arrange the repair through a competent contractor and deduct the reasonable cost from the next rent payment, in line with Article 16, and/or to refer the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.

I would appreciate an acknowledgment of this request by return.

Yours sincerely,
John Smith
9 September 2026

Open in mail app

When to use this letter

AC, plumbing, structural or major appliance failure
Landlord ignored earlier informal requests
You need a paper trail before deducting repair costs from rent

What Dubai law says

Article 16 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 places the obligation to maintain the property in a habitable condition and to carry out major repairs on the landlord, unless the tenancy contract specifically shifts that duty. Minor day-to-day maintenance can be assigned to the tenant by the contract. Where the landlord fails to carry out a repair after formal notice, the tenant may perform the repair and offset the cost against rent, subject to the reasonableness of the cost.

How to deliver it

Email plus registered post for the formal record. Photograph or video the issue and attach.

If they ignore it

If the landlord ignores the deadline, you may (1) arrange the repair yourself and deduct from rent, keeping every receipt, or (2) file at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre for an order compelling the repair plus compensation.

Frequently asked

Who pays for repairs in a Dubai rental?

Article 16 of Law 26/2007 places major repairs on the landlord. Minor day-to-day repairs (light bulbs, small consumables) can be assigned to the tenant by the contract. AC, plumbing and structural issues are almost always landlord responsibility.

Can I deduct repair costs from rent in Dubai?

Yes, if you gave written notice, the landlord ignored the deadline, and the cost is reasonable. Keep every receipt and be able to justify the amount at the Rental Dispute Centre if challenged.

What if the landlord blames the tenant for the damage?

If damage was caused by tenant negligence, the tenant is responsible. Otherwise the burden of proof is on the landlord to show the damage is tenant-caused.

How long should I give the landlord to respond?

For non-urgent repairs, 5-7 working days. For urgent issues (no AC in summer, water leaks), 24-72 hours before escalating.

Do I have to accept the landlord's chosen contractor?

Usually yes if they arrange it promptly. If they delay past reasonable deadlines, you can appoint your own competent contractor at reasonable market rates.

What proof do I need for a Rental Dispute Centre claim?

Tenancy contract, Ejari, dated maintenance request letters, photos or video of the issue, contractor quotes, receipts if you paid, and any landlord communication.

Related templates

⚠️

Final Warning to Landlord Before RERA Dispute Filing

Need a new tenancy contract?

Generate the official DLD contract free in 3 minutes.

Generate Contract Free →