Dubai snagging checklist (free PDF download)
A one-page printable checklist for inspecting a Dubai flat at move-in or at handover from the developer. Download the PDF, print it, and tick each item as you walk the flat.
Free, no sign-up. Email defects to your landlord or agent the same week with photos and dates, so you are not charged for them at move-out.
Entrance, walls, ceilings, floors
- Front door: closes flush, locks with every key, peephole and door closer work
- Walls: no cracks, uneven paint, patches, stains or nail holes; note any existing marks with a photo
- Ceilings: no damp patches, cracks or sagging, especially under AC units and bathrooms
- Floor tiles: tap for hollow sounds, check chips, cracks, uneven joints and missing grout
- Skirting and edges: firmly fixed, no gaps or chips
Doors, windows, balcony
- Internal doors: swing freely, latch and lock, no gaps or scratches
- Wardrobes and drawers: doors aligned, tracks smooth, handles fixed
- Windows and sliding doors: open, close and lock; rubber seals intact; no rattles
- Glass: no cracks, chips or scratches; fly screens fitted
- Balcony: drain flows, tiles level, railing firm, no rust stains
Kitchen
- Hob burners, oven and hood all work; hood filter and light present
- Fridge, washer, dishwasher (if supplied): power on, run a short cycle, no leaks
- Sink: hot and cold water, drain clears fast, no leaks under the cabinet
- Counters and cabinets: no burns, chips, swelling or missing handles
- Gas or electric connections labelled; no smell of gas
Bathrooms
- Toilet: flushes fully, stops running, seat secure, no leak at the base
- Shower and taps: pressure and hot water OK, drains clear, no leaks
- Silicone and grout: complete, no black mould or gaps
- Floor slopes to the drain; no standing water after a shower
- Exhaust fan works; mirrors, rails and holders fixed
AC, electrics, plumbing
- Every AC unit cools within 10 minutes; thermostat responds; no drips
- AC filters clean; remote controls present for each unit
- Every light, switch and socket works; no cracked covers or scorch marks
- Distribution board labelled; test the main breaker trip
- Water heater heats; no leaks under sinks or around the heater
- Smoke detectors fitted and testing
Meters, keys, documents
- DEWA electricity and water meter readings photographed on day one
- Chiller or district cooling reading taken, if separate
- Keys, access cards, parking tags and remotes counted and listed
- Ejari registered and a copy kept
- Defects emailed to the landlord or agent the same week, with photos and dates
- Walk-through filmed slowly, every room, on handover day
Ticks are not proof. Dated footage is.
If a deposit deduction reaches the Rental Dispute Centre, a ticked list carries little weight. Film a 2 to 3 minute walk-through on day one, upload it, and within 24 hours you get a room-by-room PDF with timestamped stills and every visible defect listed.
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