What does the contractor owe during the period?
To rectify notified defects within a reasonable time at its own cost, where they result from its work or materials. Defects caused by misuse or lack of maintenance may be excluded.
What if the contractor does not return?
The contract may allow the employer to engage others and recover cost, or to use retention or guarantees. Give written notice and a deadline first.
What disputes are common?
Cause, scope and cost. Technical assessment usually decides. See retention recovery.
Documents to have ready
- Defects liability clause
- Defect notices
- Rectification records
- Maintenance records
- Retention and guarantee documents
Send us the documentsA short message and the key papers are enough for a first assessment.
WhatsApp usCommon questions
Does the period restart after repairs?
Only if the contract says so. Check the clause.
Can I charge for investigations?
Where the defect proves to be the contractor's responsibility, often yes.
More on defects & engineering negligence
The ten-year structural liability rule is stated in general terms. UAE civil legislation has been revised recently, so the exact provision and period are checked against the current text before we advise on a specific claim. This page is general information, not legal advice.