Understand Which Liability or Warranty Applies

The phrase “defects liability period” is often used broadly, but the applicable right may come from Dubai legislation, the sale contract, a manufacturer warranty or a building-management process. For jointly owned real property, Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 states that a developer remains liable for ten years from the completion certificate for structural defects, and for one year from unit handover for defective installations including mechanical, electrical, sanitary and sewerage works; if the owner refuses possession, that one-year period begins from the completion certificate. Start by identifying the property in the MKDXB property directory and then read the documents that govern that specific unit.

• Identify whether the issue is structural, an installation defect or a product warranty matter
• Use the completion certificate and handover date accurately
• Do not assume every defect follows the same period or process

Record the Defect So Another Person Can Verify It

Create a dated entry for each issue with the unit number, exact location, first-observed date, clear description, photographs or video, and any effect on safety or normal use. Preserve original files and avoid edits that remove metadata. Add the relevant contract, warranty or manual reference where known. The MKDXB developer directory can help confirm the correct developer identity, but the notice should follow the official contact route stated in your project documents.

• Use one evidence entry for each distinct issue
• Keep original dated photos, videos and correspondence
• Link the issue to the relevant contract, warranty or manual where possible

Report Promptly and Keep a Communication Trail

Send the notice through the designated developer, warranty or building-management channel and retain proof of submission. State the requested next step without diagnosing beyond your expertise. Track inspection appointments, access provided, responses, repair dates and whether the issue recurred. For help structuring the property record before escalation, contact MKDXB and seek qualified technical or legal advice when the issue requires it.

• Use the official reporting channel and keep submission proof
• Track access, inspections, responses and repair dates
• Escalate with organised evidence rather than repeated informal messages

Maintain the Record from Handover Onward

Open the record at handover, update it after every inspection or repair, and review unresolved items before any stated contractual or warranty deadline. Keep separate status labels such as reported, acknowledged, inspection booked, repair completed and recheck required. Documentation does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it makes dates, condition and communication far easier to establish.

• Start the log at handover rather than after a dispute begins
• Use clear status labels for every item
• Review open items before contractual or warranty deadlines