RENT ADVICE
In the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, apartment rental rules regarding plumbing repairs typically follow these general guidelines in 2025:
Landlord’s Responsibilities:
- Major plumbing infrastructure repairs
- Structural plumbing issues
- Repairs due to normal wear and tear
- Systemic pipe/drainage problems
- Water heater malfunctions
- Main water line issues
Tenant’s Responsibilities:
- Minor repairs caused by tenant’s misuse
- Fixing clogged drains from personal usage
- Replacing small fixtures like faucet washers
- Repairing damages caused by negligence
- Maintaining basic plumbing cleanliness
Specific Variations by Country:
- UAE: More tenant-friendly regulations
- Saudi Arabia: Stricter landlord maintenance obligations
- Egypt: Negotiable terms in rental contract
- Lebanon: Depends on specific rental agreement
- Syria: A Special Case (as of today)
Recommended Actions:
- Review rental contract details
- Document existing plumbing conditions before moving
- Communicate with landlord immediately about issues
- Get repairs in writing
- Consider rental insurance
Typical Cost Allocation:
- Structural repairs: Landlord (80-90%)
- Minor repairs: Tenant (10-20%)
In Syria (2025), apartment rental plumbing repair rules:
Landlord’s Responsibilities:
- Major structural plumbing repairs
- Water supply system maintenance
- Sewage system infrastructure
- Building’s primary water lines
- Water heater replacements
- Pipe network repairs
Tenant’s Responsibilities:
- Minor fixture repairs
- Unclogging personal usage drains
- Replacing small components
- Repairs caused by tenant’s negligence
- Basic maintenance of bathroom fixtures
Specific Syrian Context:
- Limited formal rental regulations (At the moment, changes are being made to the legislation.)
- Heavily influenced by local customs
- Often depends on personal agreements (as of today)
- War-affected infrastructure impacts rules
- Rental contracts might be less standardized (especially applies to illegally built real estate such as Mazze 86, Damascus)
Additional Considerations:
- Most repairs typically landlord’s responsibility
- Economic challenges affect maintenance
- Verbal agreements common
- Limited legal enforcement
- Negotiation between tenant and landlord crucial
Recommended Tenant Actions:
- Document all damages before moving
- Get repair agreements in writing
- Communicate clearly with landlord
- Take photographic evidence
- Understand local neighborhood practices
Typical Cost Distribution:
- Structural repairs: Landlord (90-95%)
- Minor repairs: Tenant (5-10%)
Disclaimer: Consult local legal real estate experts for precise current regulations.