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Snagging for Landlords: Prepare a New Unit Before Renting
Why to snag before the first tenant, why the defects clock is already running, and which repairs to finish before you list.
On this page
- Why snag before the first tenant
- The defects clock starts at handover
- Fix now, before move-in, or later?
- From handover to tenant
- What snagging can't do
- Landlord snagging FAQs
Quoted after a short scope call, all costs listed upfront.
Get a quoteSnagging for landlords before renting in Dubai means inspecting the new unit at handover, getting the developer to fix defects while it's empty, re-checking the repairs, and only then letting a tenant move in. Problems are cheaper and easier to fix with no one living there.
If you bought off-plan to rent out, the weeks between handover and your first tenant are the best time to deal with defects. This guide explains why, which repairs to finish first, and the order that gets the unit ready to let. It's written by the engineers at Property Snagging DXB, who inspect new units for landlords and owner-occupiers.
Why snag before the first tenant moves in?
Once a tenant is living in the unit, every repair needs their agreement, a time slot and access. Contractors work around furniture, and small jobs drag on. With the unit empty, the developer's team can come and go until each item is closed.
There are three other reasons:
- First impressions. A tenant notices stained grout, a door that doesn't close or a weak AC on the first viewing.
- Fewer complaints. Leaks, faulty sockets and poor cooling found now won't become maintenance calls in the first month.
- Clean evidence. A unit that's been snagged and re-checked gives you a clear starting point for the tenant's move-in record, which matters for any deposit discussion later.
Our apartment snagging before tenants move in uses testing tools and gives you a numbered photo report to send straight to the developer.
Does the defects clock start at handover, even if the unit is empty?
Yes. Under Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019, the developer must fix defective installations, such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing works, for one year from handover. Structural defects stay the developer's responsibility for ten years. The one-year period runs from handover, not from the day your first tenant moves in.
Installations
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing defects, counted from handover.
Structure
Structural defects remain the developer's responsibility.
If the unit sits empty for a few months while you look for a tenant, part of that year has already gone. Snag early, so the developer fixes what's wrong while you still have most of the period left.
General information, not legal advice. Check your Sales and Purchase Agreement for your own terms.
Which defects should you fix now, before move-in, or later?
Not everything needs to be finished before you list. Use this order to decide.
| Priority | Examples | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Before you list | Leaks, blocked drains, faulty sockets or wiring, AC that doesn't cool, doors or windows that won't lock | Safety and habitability; a tenant would report these in the first week |
| Before move-in | Chipped tiles, paint marks, stained grout, gaps in sealant, loose fittings | Visible on viewings and in the move-in record |
| Log for the defects period | Items the developer has acknowledged in writing with a date, but can't fix yet | Keep the record so the developer still fixes them within the year |
From handover to tenant: what order works best?
The steps are simple. Doing them in this order avoids a tenant living through repairs.
- 01
Snag at handover
Inspect the unit with testing tools before or at handover, and send the numbered report to the developer in writing.
- 02
Get the developer's repairs done
Ask for written acknowledgement against the item numbers, and chase each one by email while the unit is empty.
- 03
Re-check the repairs
Check every fixed item against the original list. Anything still open goes back to the developer with the same number.
- 04
Clean and prepare the unit
A deep clean after repairs, so the unit is ready for photos and viewings.
- 05
Record the condition at move-in
Test and photograph every room with the tenant, numbered and signed by both sides, so the move-out inspection has something to compare against.
What can snagging not do for a landlord?
If you're not sure an inspection pays off for your unit, see whether snagging is worth it before you book.
Snagging for landlords before renting: FAQs
Can defects still be reported after handover?
Yes. The developer must fix defective electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations for one year from handover, and structural defects for ten years. Report each defect in writing as soon as it appears, with a photo and location, whether you or your tenant found it.
Should I accept handover before snagging is complete?
It's better not to. Inspect first and send the snag list before you sign the handover documents. If you do accept handover with items still open, make sure the developer has acknowledged each one in writing with a date, so they remain the developer's responsibility.
Do I need a snagging company, or can I check the unit myself?
You can check a small unit yourself if you have time to test everything. A snagging company adds instruments, such as a thermal camera and moisture meter, and a numbered photo report that's easy to send to the developer. That helps most if you live abroad or own several units.
Is professional snagging worth it for an investment unit?
For most landlords, yes. Defects fixed before a tenant moves in avoid repair visits, early complaints and arguments over who caused what. The inspection also gives you a clear, dated starting record for the unit before its first tenancy begins.
Renting out a new unit?
Snag it before the first tenant sees it. To arrange it, book an inspection. Your inspection is quoted after a short scope call, with all costs listed upfront.
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