In the United Arab Emirates, homeowners, landlords, and tenants have the option to get a residential annual maintenance contract (AMC).
A residential AMC is an agreement between the owner or resident of a house and a maintenance company. The former pays the latter a fixed amount. In exchange, the latter is bound to provide the former with services that are enumerated in the contract, subject to the terms specified in the agreement. Clarity in the contract’s terms is essential to prevent misunderstandings and ensure all parties are on the same page.
These contracts set the foundation for a reliable relationship between homeowners and service providers. Having a well-defined maintenance contract gives homeowners, landlords, and tenants confidence that their property will be properly cared for.
Introduction to Property Maintenance Contracts
Property maintenance contracts are essential agreements designed to keep both commercial and residential properties in optimal condition. These contracts outline a clear partnership between property owners and maintenance service providers, specifying the scope of maintenance, repair, and other essential services required to maintain the property’s value and functionality. By setting out the expectations, costs, and responsibilities in detail, a maintenance contract ensures that all parties understand what is covered and how services will be delivered.
For businesses and property owners, property maintenance contracts provide peace of mind by guaranteeing that repairs and upkeep will be handled efficiently and professionally. This proactive approach helps prevent small issues from escalating into costly problems, protecting the long-term value of the property. Whether managing a single building or a portfolio of properties, having a well-structured maintenance contract in place is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring that the property continues to meet the needs of its occupants. By understanding and creating effective maintenance contracts, property owners can confidently manage their assets and ensure they receive the highest standard of service.
What’s Included in an AMC?
What is included in annual maintenance contracts? Inclusions vary from one service provider to another, but they typically include the following: The offer may vary depending on the provider, but most contracts cover a comprehensive range of maintenance services.
A typical AMC outlines the types of work, maintenance tasks, and features included to ensure the property’s operational integrity. These contracts specify the type and scope of maintenance services, detailing the different types of tasks and features that will be performed throughout the year.
- Electrical inspection: One-time; checks for loose wires, overloaded circuits, and potential electrical fire hazards
- Electrical repairs: Available on demand; performs repairs of electrical issues that arise throughout the contract year
- Plumbing inspection: One-time; checks for hidden leaks, faulty water fixtures, clogged drains, and water pressure issues
- Plumbing repairs: Available on demand; performs repairs of plumbing and drainage issues that arise throughout the contract year
- Air conditioner inspection and preventative maintenance: Quarterly; comprehensive assessment, disinfection, and troubleshooting of covered AC units
- Air conditioner repairs: Available on demand; repairs covered AC units as needed throughout the contract year
- 24/7 emergency service access: Round-the-clock access to urgent or emergency electrical, plumbing, and AC maintenance and repair services throughout the contract year; e.g., emergency service at your doorstep within 90 minutes
- 24/7 customer service access: Round-the-clock access to the customer hotline throughout the contract year
- Free labour: Free labour for non-emergency repairs and maintenance
- Free small parts and consumables: Payment only for big parts and major hardware
- Free warranty: Twelve-month warranty coverage for all supplied/paid parts
- Discounts: Discounted rates for services not covered by the annual maintenance contract
The features of an AMC are designed to ensure all essential maintenance services, maintenance tasks, and types of work are covered for the property.
Customized Maintenance Plans
Every property is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance rarely delivers the best results. Customized maintenance plans are designed to address the specific needs of each property, ensuring that all critical aspects—such as plumbing, electrical testing, cleaning, and roof maintenance—are covered. By creating a tailored maintenance plan, property owners can prioritize essential services, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that their property remains in excellent condition year-round.
A well-designed maintenance plan not only addresses current needs but also anticipates potential issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected repairs and minimizes downtime, which is especially important in the south east, where weather conditions can be unpredictable and harsh. By focusing on the unique requirements of each property, customized maintenance plans help owners and managers meet their maintenance goals, protect their investment, and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all occupants.
Electrical Safety and Testing
Electrical safety and regular testing are fundamental components of any effective property maintenance strategy. Ensuring that all electrical systems are functioning correctly is vital for the safety of tenants, employees, and visitors. Regular electrical testing helps identify potential hazards such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances, reducing the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other dangerous incidents.
A comprehensive electrical testing program should include thorough inspections of wiring, circuit breakers, electrical appliances, emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems. This is particularly important in London and the south east, where many properties are older and may be more susceptible to electrical issues. By prioritizing electrical safety and maintenance, property owners can ensure compliance with safety regulations, minimize liability, and create a secure environment for everyone in the building. Investing in regular electrical testing not only protects the property but also provides peace of mind for both owners and tenants, knowing that all safety aspects are being properly managed.
The Benefits of Annual Maintenance Contracts
For businesses, the annual maintenance contracts’ benefits are clear. If a restaurant’s air conditioners are not working, it cannot open its doors to customers, and it loses an entire day of earnings. Leaky pipes mean irate customers and extensive (and expensive) damage to hotels.
Annual maintenance contracts also give property owners the chance to avoid unexpected expenses and disruptions by ensuring regular upkeep and timely repairs.
How about residential properties? Why would you—a tenant, landlord, or homeowner—sign a residential annual essential maintenance contract? When selecting a maintenance contract, it is important to consider specific criteria such as response time, coverage, and reliability to ensure you receive the best service. Managing maintenance without a contract can be difficult, especially for those with multiple properties or when facing emergency repairs. Find the maintenance contract that best fits your needs to enjoy peace of mind and long-term savings.
The Benefits for Landlords
If you’re a landlord, it’s in your favour to procure an annual maintenance contract for the following benefits:
- Compliance
The services covered in annual maintenance contracts adhere to minimum UAE municipality requirements for landlords and help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Thus, an AMC ensures you can meet safety and maintenance standards.
- Reduced Tenant Complaints
Since you have annual electrical and plumbing inspections as well as quarterly AC maintenance, you can stay ahead of potential issues and prevent major problems. Consequently, your tenant’s stay will be much smoother and relatively trouble-free, which means you will receive fewer complaints, too.
- Fewer Interruptions
Tenants can contact the service provider directly for any issues. They won’t need to call you for service requests.
- Streamlined Property Management
Managing multiple properties is easier when you have a single point of contact for all of your property maintenance needs. Performance metrics can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance services, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Cost-Efficiency
Preventative maintenance helps you avoid major repairs, which tend to be costly. With an AMC, you can protect and maintain your property for less.
- 24/7 Emergency Service Access
Clear response times are a key part of the contract, ensuring prompt attention to urgent issues whenever they arise.
The Benefits for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner, why would you consider getting an annual maintenance contract for your house?
- Time-Saving Convenience
You save time when you have an annual maintenance contract. If your kitchen floods due to a leaky pipe, the power goes out because of an electrical fault, or the AC dies because of a damaged part, you’ll know immediately whom to call for service. You won’t have to spend time scouring the web for options and don’t have to risk calling an unreliable provider. Technology and innovation in maintenance management now streamline the process of scheduling and managing repairs, making it even more efficient for homeowners.
- Maintained Property Value
The annual electrical and plumbing checks, plus the quarterly AC maintenance, keep your house in good condition.
For instance, you can avoid burst pipes because you can get damaged pipe fittings replaced before they give out. This means no leaks that can gradually cause mould, mildew growth, wood rot, and furniture/furnishings damage. There should be no peeling paint and unsightly cracks. Thus, annual maintenance contracts are instrumental in keeping your property value high.
- Cost Savings
An annual maintenance contract will save you money because labour comes free.
Paid services (those not covered in the contract) also come at a discount. Finally, since you have assured preventative maintenance, you can avoid major costly repairs.
- Peace of Mind
The annual inspections can provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything in your house is in order. For instance, you won’t need to worry about an unchecked electrical fault that can cause a house fire. Using software or a suite of digital tools allows homeowners to easily track service history and contract details, further enhancing confidence and control over home maintenance.
Benefits for Tenants
Major maintenance is, of course, the purview and responsibility of landlords. However, if your landlord does not have an annual maintenance contract, maybe you should get it instead and enjoy these benefits:
- Easier Maintenance Management
You get direct access to reliable service. You won’t need to submit service requests to your landlord or the property manager. By partnering with a trusted maintenance provider, you ensure prompt and professional support whenever needed.
- Deposit Protection
Regular maintenance reduces the risk of property damage. This increases your likelihood of getting your full security deposit back at the end of your contract.
- Cost Savings
An annual maintenance contract helps prevent major problems that may cost you a considerable sum to address or resolve.
- Less Stress
Save time and effort by having a reliable, on-call service provider for all essential maintenance needs. With a skilled team whose ability covers a wide range of maintenance issues, you can be confident that any problem will be handled efficiently and professionally.
Annual Maintenance Contract: You Need It
An annual maintenance contract assures you of support if your pipes, wires, or AC fails. A maintenance contract ensures that all maintenance and repair projects are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
A good provider will deliver comprehensive services that can transform the condition of your property, overseeing each project from start to complete. Responsible disposal and recycling of materials are also part of ethical maintenance practices, helping to protect the environment.
It can also help prevent these from failing. So yes, you need it, whether you’re a tenant, a homeowner, or a landlord.
For more tips and information on residential maintenance contracts, visit our blog.
