What is a defects liability period?

A defects liability period is the window of time after handover during which the developer remains responsible for fixing construction defects in your unit, at no extra cost to you. The principle is straightforward: if something that should have been built correctly turns out not to be, the developer is on the hook to fix it within this period. The exact length of this window is precised in your specific sale agreement rather than set by a single rule across every project, so it is one of the clauses worth reading carefully before you sign.

The principle behind a defects liability period

Construction defects are not always visible the moment you receive your keys; some only show up once a unit is lived in, such as a door that does not close properly after a few weeks or a fixture that was not installed to specification. A defects liability period exists precisely because of this gap between handover and everyday use, giving you a defined window to flag these issues rather than discovering them too late to have them addressed.

How snagging and the defects liability period connect

Reporting a defect typically works through the same snagging process used at handover: you note the issue, the developer logs it, and it gets addressed within the defects liability period rather than at your own cost. Our answer on what is handover and snagging in Dubai explains how this inspection and reporting process works in practice, which is the mechanism you use throughout the defects liability window, not only at the moment of handover itself.

Who handles maintenance once the period ends

Once the defects liability period ends, responsibility for repairs generally shifts away from the developer and toward ongoing building maintenance, covered by service charges and the owners' association rather than a developer obligation. Our guide on who handles maintenance after handover in Dubai sets out how that later stage typically works, which is a useful comparison for understanding what the defects liability period specifically covers versus what comes after it.

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Why the exact duration is not published here

Because the length of a defects liability period is set out in the sale agreement for each project rather than fixed by a single citywide standard, this guide does not quote a specific number of months. Reading this clause before you sign, or asking your adviser to walk through it with you, is the reliable way to know what applies to your own unit.

What to do if you spot a defect

If you notice an issue within what you understand to be your defects liability period, report it through the developer's snagging process as described in your handover documentation rather than waiting, since some processes require reporting within a set window. Keep a written record of what you reported and when, alongside the developer's response, in case you need to follow up.

To understand what your specific contract says about the defects liability period and how to report an issue, message Orven on WhatsApp at +971 52 776 1939 or by email at sales@orvenproperties.com.

FAQ

How long does a defects liability period usually last? This is precised in your specific sale agreement rather than fixed by a single rule across every project. Ask your adviser to confirm the duration set out in your contract.

Who pays to fix a defect found during this period? The developer, at no extra cost to you, provided the issue is reported through the correct snagging process within the defined window.

What happens to repairs after the defects liability period ends? Responsibility generally shifts to ongoing building maintenance, covered by service charges and the owners' association rather than the developer.

How do I report a defect I find after handover? Through the same snagging process used at handover, with a written record of what you reported and when, so there is a clear trail if you need to follow up.