An Overview of Building and Contents Insurance
The following is a general overview of the building insurance landscape for residential properties in Dubai: If anyone has insurance needs then it is always advisable to consult a reputable insurance expert.
1) 🏠 Owner‑occupier of an apartment
Building insurance: Typically required if you have a mortgage. This covers the structural elements—walls, floors, roof, built-in fixtures—against fire, floods, natural disasters, vandalism, etc. (propertyeportal.com)
Contents insurance: Strongly recommended even if not mandatory. This protects your own furniture, electronics, appliances, and personal possessions against perils like theft, fire, water damage, accidental loss, or liability. (propertyeportal.com)
2) 🏢 Landlord letting an apartment
Mandatory building insurance: If mortgaged, the landlord must insure the structure. Many landlords also choose to add rental income protection. (metropolitan.realestate)
Chattel insurance: If the apartment is let furnished or with appliances, landlords often insure those items separately—covering repair/replacement, fixtures, and major fittings. (mondaq.com)
Tenants’ responsibility:
Tenants should obtain contents insurance to cover their personal belongings. This is essential because landlord or building insurance typically excludes tenant-owned items. (khaleejtimes.com)
Liability cover: A tenants’ policy often includes coverage for accidental damage to the landlord’s fixtures (known as “tenant liability”).
Responsibility for appliances/furniture:
Under Dubai tenancy law and common lease terms (e.g. Article 16), landlords maintain major appliances/furniture—including fridge, A/C, cooker—unless explicitly stated otherwise. (mondaq.com, dacha.ae)
Tenants are liable only for tenant-caused damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Bottom line: If the lease includes furniture or appliances, the landlord is responsible for insuring and maintaining them. The tenant must insure personal belongings and may need liability cover for accidental damage to landlord’s items.
3) 🏢 Insurance in apartment buildings (via building management / strata)
Master (Strata/POA) insurance: Developers and owners associations must insure the building’s structural shell and common areas—lobbies, lifts, stairwells, exterior, etc. (dubaisurvivalguide.com)
Building management role: The management company arranges and supervises these communal insurances using service charges collected from owners but doesn't insure individual interiors.
Summary Table
Practical Advice
Owner‑occupiers: Get a comprehensive policy covering both building (if mortgaged) and contents.
Landlords: Ensure building insurance is in place and pay extra to cover any appliances or fixtures in a furnished unit. Consider adding loss-of-rent coverage.
Tenants: Always take out contents insurance with liability cover. Review lease to confirm landlord’s obligations toward fixtures and appliances.
In Dubai, risk coverage typically layers across four different policies:
Strata insurance covering the whole building & common areas
Landlord/building insurance for the specific unit plus landlord-owned chattels
Tenants' contents and liability insurance
Personal belongings insurance, often bundled with contents
Together, they provide comprehensive protection depending on your role.
The above information is a general guide at the time of publishing. If anyone has insurance needs then it is always advisable to consult a reputable insurance expert.
