How to Check the Defect Liability Period (DLP) in Dubai Apartments During Snagging
- The Property Marketing
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
When you take handover of a brand-new apartment in Dubai, many buyers believe the hard part is over. In reality, this is the most critical phase of ownership—because this is when hidden construction defects, incomplete finishes, and system failures often surface.
This is where understanding the Defect Liability Period (DLP) becomes essential, especially during professional property inspections. If you miss this window, you may end up paying out of pocket for defects that should have been fixed by the developer.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to check the Defect Liability Period in Dubai apartments during a snagging inspection, what documents to review, common mistakes buyers make, and how expert inspections help you fully protect your rights.
What Is the Defect Liability Period (DLP) in Dubai?
The Defect Liability Period is a legally defined timeframe during which the developer is responsible for repairing construction defects at no cost to the owner.
In Dubai, the standard DLP duration is:
🕒 12 months from the official handover date
Applies to construction defects, not misuse or wear and tear
Legally enforceable through contract and Dubai regulations
Defects typically covered include:
Cracked tiles or hollow flooring
Poor paint finishing or wall cracks
Plumbing leaks and drainage issues
Electrical faults and loose wiring
AC cooling inefficiencies
Door, window, and cabinet misalignment
Identifying and reporting these issues during the valid DLP window is crucial—and that’s where inspections play a decisive role.
Why Checking DLP Is Critical During Snagging
Many apartment owners mistakenly assume the DLP starts from the day they receive keys. In reality, the official start date may differ, depending on the developer’s documentation.
During a professional inspection:
Inspectors identify all visible and hidden defects
Each defect is documented with photos and technical notes
Issues are submitted to the developer before DLP expiry
Owners gain written proof in case of dispute
If defects are discovered after DLP expires, developers are no longer obligated to fix them making inspections time-sensitive and legally significant.
To understand what happens once defects are reported, you can also read:👉 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/what-happens-after-you-submit-your-snag-list-developer-fixes-handover
How to Check the Defect Liability Period in Your Apartment
Here is a step-by-step process every Dubai property owner should follow:
Review Your SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement)
Your SPA clearly states:
The DLP duration
The start date
The developer’s obligations
Look for clauses titled:
“Defect Liability”
“Warranty Period”
“Maintenance Responsibility”
If you are unsure how to interpret the legal wording, professional inspection companies routinely assist owners in clarifying this.
Confirm the Official Handover Date
The DLP countdown begins from the official handover notice, not:
The first site visit
The snag inspection date
The move-in date
Always confirm:
Handover email from developer
Completion certificate
Handover acknowledgment form
Even a few weeks’ delay can impact your ability to claim repairs.
Cross-Check With the Developer or Property Management
If documents are unclear:
Request written confirmation of DLP validity
Ask for remaining months on record
Keep all communication via email for documentation
Professional inspectors often liaise with developers directly to ensure timelines are not misrepresented.
How Professional Inspections Protect Your DLP Rights
A professional inspection ensures:
No defect is missed
No issue is wrongly rejected
Reports are submitted in developer-accepted formats
To understand exactly what a professional inspection includes, read:👉
Experienced inspectors:
Use thermal cameras for moisture detection
Test AC airflow and cooling performance
Inspect concealed plumbing lines
Check electrical loads and socket grounding
Examine finishes against Dubai building standards
This technical depth is impossible through a casual walkthrough.
Common DLP Defects Found in Dubai Apartments
Based on thousands of inspections across Dubai, the most common defects reported within DLP include:
Uneven or hollow tiles
Water seepage in bathrooms
Balcony drainage slope issues
AC duct leakage
Poor silicone sealing
Kitchen cabinet alignment problems
You can explore real examples with photos and repair insights here:👉 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/top-50-snagging-issues-found-in-dubai-properties-real-photos-fix-cost-guide
Smart Homes & DLP: A New Risk Area
Modern Dubai apartments increasingly feature smart systems:
IoT lighting
Smart thermostats
Automated curtains
Centralized control panels
These systems also fall under DLP, but only if issues are reported correctly and on time.
To understand how these systems are inspected:👉 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/smart-home-snagging-in-dubai-inspecting-iot-automation-features-in-2025
Missed automation defects can become expensive once warranties expire.
Choosing the Right Inspection Partner Matters
Not all inspection companies understand:
Developer acceptance standards
DLP legal boundaries
Proper report formatting
A poor inspection can lead to:
Rejected defect claims
Delayed rectification
Missed DLP deadlines
Before hiring, review this expert guide:👉 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/how-to-choose-a-snagging-company-what-to-look-out-for
Always work with inspectors experienced in Dubai’s regulatory and construction environment.
Final Checklist: Protecting Your DLP Successfully
Before your DLP expires, ensure you have:
✔ Confirmed official handover date
✔ Conducted a professional inspection
✔ Submitted a documented defect list
✔ Followed up with the developer
✔ Re-inspected after rectifications
A single missed step can result in permanent financial loss.
For expert guidance and trusted inspections, always rely on specialists who work exclusively in this field.
Visit 👉 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/ to learn more about professional inspection services in Dubai.
Contact the Experts in Dubai Property Inspections
If you want to fully protect your Defect Liability Period and ensure developers fix every issue they are responsible for, our team is here to help.
📍 Website: https://www.propertysnagging.ae/
📧 Email: hello@propertysnagging.ae
📞 WhatsApp / Call: +971 56 790 7966
With 810+ five-star reviews and extensive experience across Dubai developments, PropertySnagging.ae ensures no defect goes unnoticed and no right goes unprotected.
