Can my Dubai landlord enter my apartment for repairs without notice?
My Dubai landlord says he has the right to enter my apartment to carry out maintenance and repairs without giving me advance notice. He entered while I was at work last week. Is this allowed under Dubai law?
1 Answer
27 Jun 2026
Notice Required Before Entry in Dubai
Under UAE tenancy law, a landlord cannot enter a rented property without the tenant's prior consent and reasonable advance notice, even to carry out maintenance or repairs. The standard interpretation is a minimum of 24 hours notice. The only exception is a genuine emergency where immediate access is required to prevent serious damage to the property or risk to safety, such as a burst pipe or electrical fault.
Maintenance and Repair Access Rights
While landlords have the right to inspect their property and carry out necessary maintenance, this right must be exercised with proper notice and at reasonable times. Routine maintenance inspections, contractor visits, or works that can be scheduled in advance all require notice. The fact that repairs are needed does not give a landlord the right to enter without warning.
What You Can Do
Send your landlord a written message via WhatsApp or email clearly stating that you require at least 24 hours notice before any entry and that entering without notice is not acceptable. Keep a record of all unauthorised entries with dates and times. If the behaviour continues, file a complaint with RERA through the Dubai REST app.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE tenancy law varies by emirate and individual circumstances. For disputes or formal complaints, consult a licensed legal professional or your relevant tenancy authority (RERA for Dubai, ADREC for Abu Dhabi, SRAA for Sharjah).
Arranging Your Own Maintenance in Dubai
If your landlord is slow to arrange repairs, you can post your maintenance job on BidMyJob.ae and get quotes from professionals, then discuss cost recovery with your landlord separately.
— BidMyJob Advice Team | support@bidmyjob.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse entry to my Dubai landlord?+
You can refuse entry if proper notice has not been given, except in genuine emergencies. You cannot permanently refuse access for legitimate maintenance and inspection purposes. The right approach is to ask for proper notice to be given and reschedule the visit.
What is considered an emergency entry in Dubai tenancy law?+
Emergency entry without notice is generally limited to situations where immediate access is necessary to prevent significant property damage or risk to safety, such as a burst pipe flooding the unit, a fire, or a gas leak. Non-urgent repairs or inspections do not qualify as emergencies.
Should I change my locks if my Dubai landlord keeps entering without notice?+
You are entitled to change the locks with your landlord's knowledge in Dubai, but you must provide them with a copy of the new key. This protects your right to peaceful enjoyment while preserving the landlord's access for legitimate purposes. Changing locks without informing the landlord could create issues at end of tenancy.