Landlord Obligations Under Dubai's Building Safety Law 2026

Dubai's Law No. (3) of 2026 on Quality and Safety of Buildings places clear duties on property owners and landlords. If you own a building that is 20 years or older (from the Completion Certificate date), you must assess its safety, prepare a Technical Report, and obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings. This applies to all buildings, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, and failing to comply can result in significant fines.

Who Is Responsible?

The law designates the 'Owner' as the primary responsible party. This includes the legal owner, a legitimate possessor, or the management entity for jointly owned properties under Law No. (6) of 2019. As a landlord, you cannot transfer this responsibility to tenants; you must ensure the building meets safety standards and comply with the certificate requirements.

1. Identify whether your building is at least 20 years old from the Completion Certificate date.
2. Engage a Dubai Municipality (DM) registered engineering firm to conduct a safety assessment.
3. Submit the required Technical Report and supporting documents to the authorities.
4. Obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings within the specified validity period.
5. Undertake any necessary remedial works identified in the report to maintain compliance.

For help obtaining your certificate, Wasleen Approvals manages the full Dubai Building Quality Safety Certificate process — from Technical Report preparation to submission and follow-up until approval.

The law came into force 60 days after publication in the Official Gazette, and compliance is required within 1 year from the effective date (this period may be extended). The Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is not required for all buildings immediately—only those completed at least 20 years ago. For buildings under 40 years old, the certificate is valid for 10 years; for buildings 40 years or older, it is valid for 5 years.

After initial approval, you have 6 months to submit the Technical Report, with the possibility of an extension up to 2 years on request. If the report is approved, occupants have 3 months to vacate the building. If you choose the voluntary demolition route, you have up to 1 year to demolish the building.

For more detail, see our guide on Tenant Rights & Demolition Under Law 3 of 2026 Dubai.

Violating any provision of the law can lead to fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation. The exact amounts for each type of violation will be set by a follow-up resolution from the Executive Council Chairman. If you commit a repeat violation within 2 years, the fine is doubled, with a maximum cap of AED 2,000,000.

Additionally, if you opt to demolish the building instead of certifying, you must pay a refundable security deposit of AED 50,000. This deposit is returned if the demolition is completed within the grace period. Note that certificate fees are not fixed in the law; they will be determined by the Executive Council Chairman's resolution.

For more detail, see our guide on Jointly Owned Property & the Safety Certificate in Dubai.

The law also affects tenants. If the Technical Report requires major remedial works, occupants must vacate within 3 months of the report's approval. This can disrupt tenancy contracts and may lead to rental disputes. As a landlord, you must handle such situations in accordance with the law, ensuring proper notice and compensation if applicable.

Handling Rental Disputes

If disputes arise due to eviction for building works, both landlords and tenants can seek resolution through Dubai's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. It's crucial to document all communications and follow legal procedures to avoid penalties. The law does not specify dispute resolution steps, but standard rental laws apply.

Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.

For more detail, see our guide on Building Management Obligations Under Law 3 of 2026 Dubai.

Navigating the requirements of Law No. (3) of 2026 can be complex. At Wasleen Approvals, we specialize in obtaining Dubai building quality and safety certificates. Our experts handle the entire process—from identifying your obligations to submitting the Technical Report and securing the certificate. We also advise on fines, extensions, and demolition options to keep you compliant.

Contact us today to ensure your property meets all safety standards and avoid costly penalties. With our assistance, you can focus on your investment while we manage the regulatory details.

You may also need these related Dubai approvals:

• Dubai Building Quality and Safety Certificate (Law No. 3 of 2026)
• Dubai Municipality Building Permit
• Dubai Civil Defense Approval
• Dubai Municipality NOC