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Renters: who does what in an emergency

When a pipe bursts, the power fails or a fire damages a rented flat, tenants often do not know what is theirs to handle and what is the landlord's. This page sets out the usual split, plus insurance, reporting and record keeping.

Foundation for every scenario

Each step names the official source it comes from. Tap the name to see the source.

In the UAETenancy disputes go to Dubai's Rental Dispute Centre, Abu Dhabi's Rent Dispute Settlement Committee, Sharjah's Rental Regulation Department, or the local municipality in other emirates.u.ae

Prepare

  • Read your contract: in Dubai, unless agreed otherwise, landlords maintain the unit and fix defects you did not cause.Dubai Land Department
  • Register your lease. In Dubai, lease disputes are not heard unless the contract is registered.Dubai Land Department
  • Get your own contents insurance, as the landlord is not responsible for your belongings.GOV.UK
  • Ask your landlord where the water and gas can be switched off in an emergency.GOV.UK
  • Make sure everyone knows where the water valve, electrical panel and extinguisher are.Canada
  • Check there is a working smoke alarm and test it regularly.GOV.UK
  • Keep your renters insurance details with your other important documents.Canada

Use and maintain

  • In a fire, call 997, leave at once without belongings and never use the lift.u.ae
  • Report serious hazards such as faulty wiring to your landlord or agent straight away.GOV.UK
  • For a power failure, call 991 or your local electricity and water provider.u.ae
  • Follow authorities on whether to switch utilities off or leave them on.Canada
  • If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave at once and call for help once safe.Red Cross
  • Put repair requests in writing, by email or text, and keep copies.GOV.UK

Review and restock

  • Do not go back in until police or Civil Defence say it is safe.u.ae
  • Photograph damage to the home and your belongings.Red Cross
  • Tell your insurer promptly when, where and how the damage happened.Red Cross
  • List damaged items and keep them until the insurance adjuster has seen them.Red Cross
  • Keep receipts for repairs, supplies and temporary lodging.Red Cross
  • Expect to cover damage you caused; defects and wear you did not cause are the landlord's.Dubai Land Department
  • Do not hold back rent while waiting for repairs; seek advice instead.GOV.UK
  • If repairs stall, take the matter to your emirate's rental dispute body.u.ae

Watch: 60-second guides

Renters: who does what in an emergency

Videos need an internet connection. Some videos mention numbers for other countries: in the UAE call 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire. More on our YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get started with emergencies in a rented home?
  • Read your contract: in Dubai, unless agreed otherwise, landlords maintain the unit and fix defects you did not cause.Dubai Land Department
  • Register your lease. In Dubai, lease disputes are not heard unless the contract is registered.Dubai Land Department
  • Get your own contents insurance, as the landlord is not responsible for your belongings.GOV.UK
  • Ask your landlord where the water and gas can be switched off in an emergency.GOV.UK
What are the key steps for emergencies in a rented home?
  • In a fire, call 997, leave at once without belongings and never use the lift.u.ae
  • Report serious hazards such as faulty wiring to your landlord or agent straight away.GOV.UK
  • For a power failure, call 991 or your local electricity and water provider.u.ae
  • Follow authorities on whether to switch utilities off or leave them on.Canada
What should I do after an emergency (emergencies in a rented home)?
  • Do not go back in until police or Civil Defence say it is safe.u.ae
  • Photograph damage to the home and your belongings.Red Cross
  • Tell your insurer promptly when, where and how the damage happened.Red Cross
What should I have ready for emergencies in a rented home?
  • Copy of the registered tenancy contractDubai Land Department
  • Contents insurance policy detailsCanada
  • Note of where the water valve and electrical panel areCanada
  • Copies of repair requests sent to the landlordGOV.UK
  • Phone or camera for damage photosRed Cross
  • Folder for repair and lodging receiptsRed Cross
  • Electricity failure number 991u.ae
Is there anything specific to know in the UAE?

Tenancy disputes go to Dubai's Rental Dispute Centre, Abu Dhabi's Rent Dispute Settlement Committee, Sharjah's Rental Regulation Department, or the local municipality in other emirates.u.ae

Answers are based only on the sourced steps on this page and their official sources.

Official sources

  1. Dubai Land Department (RERA): Tenancy Guide
  2. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Leasing a property in the UAE
  3. UK Government (GOV.UK): How to rent a safe home
  4. UK Government (GOV.UK): Private renting: Repairs
  5. Government of Canada: Make an emergency plan
  6. Government of Canada: Emergency kit checklist
  7. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies
  8. American Red Cross: Recovering Financially
  9. American Red Cross: Safety Steps for Returning Home After the Flood

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

Last reviewed against these sources: 27 October 2026.

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