Holiday Home Maintenance in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai's thriving holiday home market presents unique maintenance challenges. Whether you rent your property on Airbnb, manage it through a holiday home operator, or use it seasonally yourself, proper maintenance ensures guest satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and property value preservation.

DTCM Holiday Home Requirements

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) regulates holiday homes in Dubai. Maintenance-related requirements include:

Property Standards: - The property must be clean, well-maintained, and fully functional at all times - All furniture, appliances, and fixtures must be in working order - AC systems must provide adequate cooling - Hot water must be available - Pest-free certification may be required

Safety Requirements: - Functioning smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas - Fire extinguisher accessible and current (check expiry date) - First-aid kit available - Emergency exit plan posted - Electrical safety certificate current

Regular Compliance: - Annual DTCM license renewal - Property inspection readiness at all times - Guest safety documentation maintained - Building management fees current

Between-Guest Maintenance

Standard Turnover Cleaning Between every guest stay, the property needs: - Complete [cleaning](/home-services/cleaning) of all rooms - Linen and towel change - Kitchen deep clean (appliances, surfaces, inside fridge) - Bathroom sanitization - Floor vacuuming and mopping - Trash removal and bin cleaning - Balcony cleaning - Surface disinfection of high-touch points

Cost: AED 200-500 per turnover for a 1-2 bedroom apartment

Quick Maintenance Checks During each turnover, the cleaning team should also check: - All lights functioning - AC operating correctly - All taps and showers working - Toilet flushing properly - TV and WiFi working - Door locks and latches functioning - No signs of pest activity - All appliances operational

Seasonal Maintenance for Holiday Homes

Pre-Summer (March-April) - Full [AC service](/home-services/ac-services/ac-service) on all units - Deep clean including soft furnishings - Pest control treatment - Check and service water heater - Inspect window seals and weatherstripping - Test smoke detectors and replace batteries - Update WiFi password and test connection speed

Pre-Winter Season (September-October) This is Dubai's peak tourism season — your property must be in top condition: - Professional deep clean - Refresh any worn soft furnishings (cushions, throws, towels) - Touch-up paint in high-traffic areas - Check all electronics (TV, speakers, kitchen appliances) - Update welcome materials and guest guides - Professional [pest control](/home-services/pest-control) treatment - AC filter clean or replacement

Remote Property Management

If you manage a holiday home from abroad, maintaining it requires systems and trusted partners.

Smart Home Monitoring: - Smart thermostats to monitor and control AC remotely - Water leak sensors in kitchens and bathrooms - Smart locks for keyless guest entry - Security cameras (exterior only, per DTCM regulations) - WiFi monitoring to ensure internet uptime

Property Guardian Services: A property guardian or management company provides: - Regular property inspections (weekly or bi-weekly) - Coordination with maintenance providers - Emergency response for guest issues - Mail and package handling - Utility bill monitoring - Building management liaison

Cost: AED 500-2,000 per month depending on service level

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Monthly - AC filter check and clean - Run all taps and showers for 5 minutes to prevent drain drying - Flush toilets and run water heater briefly - Check for any signs of water leaks or pest activity - Test all electrical appliances - Check guest supplies inventory

Quarterly - Professional AC service - Deep cleaning beyond standard turnover - Check grout and sealant in bathrooms - Inspect soft furnishings for wear - Test smoke detectors - Check door locks and hardware

Bi-Annual - Professional pest control - AC duct cleaning - Deep carpet or upholstery cleaning - Replenish guest amenities stock - Review and update guest information materials - Professional window cleaning

Annual - Full property inspection by a maintenance professional - DTCM license renewal preparation - Replace worn items (towels, linens, kitchen utensils) - Paint touch-up or full repaint if needed - Replace AC filters and worn components - Safety equipment inspection and replacement - Update property listing photos after any refreshes

Common Holiday Home Maintenance Issues

AC Problems (Most Common): AC failure is the number one guest complaint. Prevent it with quarterly AC servicing and monthly filter checks. Keep a list of emergency AC service providers for rapid response.

Plumbing Issues: Running toilets, dripping taps, and slow drains are frequent complaints. Address these between guest stays, not during. Schedule preventive plumbing checks quarterly.

WiFi/Electronics: Guests expect fast, reliable WiFi. Invest in a quality router, consider a mesh system for larger properties, and have a backup plan (mobile hotspot). Label all remotes and provide clear instructions.

Pest Sightings: Even one cockroach can generate a negative review. Quarterly pest control and strict food waste management (between guest stays) prevents this issue.

Budgeting for Holiday Home Maintenance

Annual maintenance costs for a holiday home in Dubai:

1-Bedroom Apartment: - Cleaning (assume 150 turnovers): AED 30,000-45,000 - AC maintenance: AED 800-1,200 - Pest control: AED 600-1,000 - General repairs: AED 2,000-4,000 - Supplies (linens, amenities): AED 3,000-5,000 - Property management (if applicable): AED 6,000-24,000 - Total: AED 42,000-80,000/year

2-Bedroom Apartment: - Cleaning: AED 45,000-75,000 - AC maintenance: AED 1,200-2,000 - Pest control: AED 800-1,200 - General repairs: AED 3,000-6,000 - Supplies: AED 5,000-8,000 - Property management: AED 6,000-24,000 - Total: AED 61,000-116,000/year

These costs should be factored into your holiday home business plan to ensure profitability.

Conclusion

Successful holiday home management in Dubai requires systematic, preventive maintenance. The properties that earn the best reviews and highest occupancy rates are those that are consistently well-maintained, clean, and fully functional. ProKeep offers tailored maintenance packages for holiday home owners, including regular AC servicing, cleaning, pest control, and handyman services. Contact us to discuss a maintenance plan for your holiday home.