A property snagging in Dubai inspection records defects at handover that the developer must fix. Article 40 of Dubai Law 6/2019 distinguishes installations from structural parts in jointly owned property.
Covered installations include mechanical, electrical, sanitary, and sewerage works. Structural liability lasts ten years from the completion certificate. An agreement contradicting these protections is void.
Quick Answer
Property snagging in Dubai involves inspecting a newly completed property and recording defects before or during handover. Article 40 of Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 provides separate developer liability periods for certain installations and structural parts of jointly owned property.
Installation liability generally lasts one year from handover, or from the project’s completion certificate if the owner refrains from possession. Structural liability lasts ten years from the completion certificate.
Owners should document defects with photographs and written reports, notify the developer promptly, request repairs and retain evidence if the matter becomes a dispute.
property snagging in Dubai: developer liability
| Defect | Developer’s liability | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installations: mechanical, electrical, sanitary, sewerage and similar | One year from handover of the unit to the owner. If the owner refrains from taking possession for any reason, the year runs from the date the project’s completion certificate is obtained | Dubai Law 6/2019, Art 40(b) |
| Structural parts of the jointly owned property | Ten years from the date of the project’s completion certificate | Dubai Law 6/2019, Art 40 |
| Contracting out | An agreement that contradicts these protections is void | Dubai Law 6/2019, Art 40 |
| Collapse or defects threatening stability | The contractor and engineer are jointly liable for ten years, and a claim must be brought within three years of the collapse or discovery | Civil Transactions Law, Arts 821, 824 |
Important: Different Defects Have Different Liability Periods
Defects in mechanical, electrical, sanitary and similar installations are treated differently from defects affecting structural parts of jointly owned property.
The date of handover, the project’s completion certificate and the nature of the defect are therefore important when assessing developer liability. The separate Civil Transactions Law provisions concerning structural collapse should also be considered where relevant.
Found Defects in Your Newly Handed-Over Property in Dubai?
Discuss your handover documents, snagging report and developer’s repair obligations with Leaders Advocates. The applicable liability period depends on the type of defect and relevant completion dates.
How to snag a new unit
- Book the handover inspection and take a checklist covering walls, floors, doors, windows, plumbing, electrics, air conditioning and appliances.
- Test every outlet, tap, drain and fitting, and photograph each defect with the date.
- Record all defects on the developer’s snagging form, and keep a signed copy.
- Ask for a written timetable for the repairs.
- Re-inspect before you sign a final acceptance, and note any items still open.
- Report new defects in installations in writing within the one-year period.
Property Handover Inspection Checklist
During the snagging inspection, check the condition and operation of the main areas and installations in the unit.
- Walls and ceilings: Cracks, paintwork, water stains and visible damage.
- Floors: Broken tiles, uneven surfaces and damaged finishes.
- Doors and windows: Locks, hinges, alignment, seals and operation.
- Plumbing: Water pressure, taps, leaks, drains and sanitary fittings.
- Electrical installations: Switches, sockets and installed lighting.
- Air conditioning: Cooling performance, airflow and visible leaks.
- Fixtures and appliances: Check that supplied items operate as agreed.
- Evidence: Take dated photographs and obtain a copy of the signed snagging report.
Need Help Reviewing Your Property Snagging Report?
A documented snagging report can help identify disputed defects, repair obligations and evidence for a potential claim. Discuss your report and developer correspondence with Leaders Advocates.
If the developer does not fix the defects
The Civil Transactions Law and Law 6/2019 give owners remedies.
- Send a written notice listing the defects and giving a reasonable deadline.
- Keep the snagging list, photos, reports and correspondence as evidence.
- For defects in common areas, involve the owners’ association and the management entity.
- File a claim if the defects are not fixed, keeping within the one-year and ten-year periods and the three-year claim period for structural collapse.
- Signing a handover document does not waive these statutory protections, because a contrary agreement is void.
Documents to Prepare for a Developer Defect Dispute
If the developer has not repaired the reported defects, organize the following records before seeking legal advice:
- Property sale and purchase agreement.
- Handover notice and acceptance documents.
- Project completion certificate details, where available.
- Original snagging inspection report.
- Photographs and videos showing the defects.
- Independent inspection or engineering reports, if obtained.
- Written repair requests sent to the developer.
- Developer responses and proposed repair schedules.
- Evidence of incomplete or unsuccessful repair work.
- Correspondence involving the management entity for common-area defects.
Is Your Developer Refusing to Repair Property Defects?
Discuss outstanding defects, written notices, inspection evidence and the relevant statutory liability periods with Leaders Advocates to assess potential remedies.
If your developer has not fixed defects in your new home, you can send us the snagging list on WhatsApp.
Questions about property snagging in Dubai
To discuss a defect claim, speak to our lawyers on WhatsApp.
Related reading
Sources
Need Legal Help With Property Snagging or Developer Defects in Dubai?
Leaders Advocates can discuss property handover disputes, snagging reports, developer repair obligations, installation defects and structural liability. The available legal options depend on the property documents, defect evidence, statutory periods and relevant Dubai real estate laws.
