Guide for relationship between landlord and tenant in Dubai

Governing the relationship between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The provisions of Act No. 26 of 2007 shall apply.

A tenant has to maintain the rented apartment in good condition. This is in accordance with Article 19 of the Dubai Tenancy Law.

Tenant's obligation to make any alterations, renovations, or repairs to the Real Property without Landlord's consent is without prejudice to Tenant's obligation to make any restorations that Tenant agrees to or undertakes.

A tenant must pay rent on its due dates and maintain the real property in good condition as a reasonable person would maintain his own property.

At the time of vacating an apartment, the tenant must return it to the real estate agent in the same condition as he/she received it, except for reasonable wear and tear. This is in accordance with Article 21 of the Dubai Tenancy Law, which states: “Upon the expiry of a lease, the tenant must hand over the real property to the landlord in the same condition that the tenant is in possession of the real property. The time the rental agreement is entered into, except for normal wear and tear or damage due to causes beyond the control of the tenant. When a dispute arises between the parties in this regard, it shall be referred to the Tribunal to pass a decision on the same.

It may be necessary to drill holes in the walls to hang home decorations or curtains, which you can count as fair wear and tear. However, the real estate agent may consider drilling in the walls as damaging to the structure of the building. So, since the real estate agent has informed you that they do not allow you to drill holes, you may have to comply with this condition. It is at the discretion of the Real Estate Agent to make any structural changes or use of the Apartment on its own terms unless such conditions are inconsistent with applicable laws in Dubai

Generally, if the lease agreement does not impose any restrictions on drilling holes in the walls, the tenant may do so.  Holes should be repaired when he/she vacates the apartment.