The defect liability period is the time after handover during which the developer or contractor is responsible for fixing defects in the property at their own cost. It gives buyers a window to have genuine construction faults remedied.
Where you’ll see it
You’ll see a defect liability period for new builds, set out in the sale contract. In the UAE, developers typically carry liability for general defects for a period after handover, with longer statutory liability for major structural elements.
Why it matters
The period defines how long, and for what, a buyer can require the developer to put things right. Knowing its length and scope — and reporting defects promptly — is how a buyer protects their right to free remediation before it lapses.
What it is not
The defect liability period is not a catch-all warranty for everything forever — it covers defined defects for a defined time, with structural issues treated separately and for longer. It is also not the same as snagging, which is the inspection that identifies issues.
Example
Shortly after moving in, an owner notices a recurring leak. Because it falls within the defect liability period and is a genuine construction fault, the developer is responsible for fixing it at no cost to the owner.
Connected documents and parties
SPA, handover and snagging records, defect reports; buyer, developer, contractor.
Going deeper: related reading: construction defects claim.
Related Terms
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