Can tenants fit curtains?
Most tenants fit their own curtains. What matters is how: some fittings need drilling, and your tenancy contract and building rules decide what is allowed.
This is general information, not legal advice.
A simple checklist
- Read your contract. Look for clauses on alterations, drilling and fixtures.
- Ask in writing. If fitting needs drilling, ask your landlord first by message or email and keep the reply.
- Photograph the windows at move-in. Note any existing holes, tracks or damage.
- Choose a fitting that suits your stay. If you may move soon, think about what you can take with you.
- Keep receipts and fitting details. They help if there is a question at move-out.
What the law says about holes and fixtures
Dubai tenancy rules say tenants must keep the property in good condition, and that unless agreed otherwise a tenant cannot remove leasehold improvements they have made when leaving. Reports on landlord rules about drilling wall holes point to Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007. Whether a curtain track counts as an improvement can depend on the contract, so check yours.
Taking curtains with you
Curtains are made to your window sizes, so they fit best in the apartment they were made for. If you move to a place with similar window sizes in the same building type, they can go with you. Otherwise, a new set is simple to arrange: we measure, quote and fit in under 3 days.
Where to look next
Sources and notes
- Khaleej Times: can landlords tell tenants not to drill holes on apartment walls?
- Disputes: RERA and the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre