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Snagging Report in Dubai –
Sample, Format & How to Use It
The document your developer uses to fix defects before you accept the keys. Every snag numbered, photographed and located — in 24 hours, from AED 999.
- Photo of every snag
- Express report in 6–12 hours
- Free re-inspection
What Is a Snagging Report?
A snagging report is a numbered list of every defect found in a new property before handover. Each entry shows the room, the exact spot, what is wrong and how serious it is, with a photo as proof.
In Dubai the report goes to the developer's handover or customer care team, who assign each item to a contractor. A clear report gets defects fixed; a vague one gets items closed without action.
The report is also your record. If something is not fixed, it shows the defect was raised before you accepted the property.
Who books it
When You Need the Report
The report has the most power at specific points in the handover:
Before signing the handover
The developer is still keen to complete the handover, and you have not yet accepted the unit's condition.
Before the final payment, where it applies
Defects raised before you pay in full tend to be resolved faster.
Before furniture arrives
An empty unit shows every surface; furniture hides damage and makes repairs harder.
If you already have the keys
Send the report within the defects liability period so repairs are still the developer's cost.
Handover coming up?Book now and get your report in 24 hours — or 6–12 hours with express delivery.
How a Zia Snagging Report Is Organised
Every report follows the same structure, so you, your agent and the developer can find any item in seconds.
Summary page
- Property, unit and inspection date
- Total snags by severity
- Top items to raise first
- Inspector name and credentials
Room sections
- Rooms in walking order
- Numbered snags with photos
- Exact location in the room
- Short, clear description
Test results
- Socket, DB board and earth tests
- Water pressure and drainage
- AC temperatures per room
- Thermal and moisture images
Sign-off
- Items fixed at re-inspection
- Items still open
- Notes for your handover
- PDF ready to share
What Each Entry Looks Like
These are typical examples of how items appear in a report (illustrative only):
#014 · Master bathroom · High
Grout gap and missing sealant where the shower tray meets the wall — water can reach the room behind.
#027 · Living room · Medium
Three hollow tiles near the balcony door, found by tap test — likely to crack under load.
#033 · Kitchen · Medium
Cabinet door misaligned and soft-close hinge not working.
#041 · Bedroom 2 · Low
Paint patch with uneven finish on the ceiling, visible in daylight.
#052 · Balcony · High
Floor falls toward the door instead of the drain; water pools at the threshold.
#060 · DB board · High
Earth-leakage protection did not trip within the test limit — electrician to check.
From Inspection to a Fixed Property
Inspection day
Our engineers inspect the unit against a 400+ point checklist and test the main systems.
Report delivered
Within 24 hours as standard, or 6–12 hours with express delivery.
Developer fixes
You send the report; the developer's team works through each numbered item.
Re-inspection
We return free of charge, check every item and update the report with what is closed and what is open.
Tools used on this inspection
Snagging app
Thermal imaging camera
Moisture meter
Hollow tile detectorHow to Send the Report to Your Developer
Email the PDF to the developer's handover or customer care team and ask for a reference number and a target date for repairs. Keep every reply and every version of the list they send back.
Only close an item when you have seen the repair, not when you receive a message saying it is done. That is what the re-inspection is for.
- Send before the handover appointment
- Ask for a reference number
- Request a written target date
- Book the free re-inspection
- Sign once key items are closed
Snagging Report Price
The report is included with every snagging inspection — there is no separate fee for it. Apartment snagging starts from AED 999; villas and townhouses are quoted by size.
If your handover is close, choose express delivery and receive the report in 6–12 hours.
Your Rights at Handover
These rules explain why the report matters and how long the developer is responsible:
Inspection before handover
RERA Circular No. 2 of 2021 supports owners inspecting their property before handover.
One year for installations
Under Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019, developers must repair defective electrical, mechanical and sanitary installations for one year from handover.
Ten years for structure
The same law makes developers liable for structural defects for ten years from the completion certificate, and DLD retains 5% of project escrow for one year as a defects guarantee.
General information, not legal advice. Check your contract and the relevant authority for your case.
Our Team at Work
Zia's engineers on snagging inspections across Dubai — the same team that will inspect your home and write your report.
Related Inspections
Who inspects your property? Every snagging report is written and checked by Zia's RERA-approved engineers before it reaches you.
Snagging Report FAQs
Straight answers to what people ask us about snagging reports in Dubai.
What is a snagging report?
It is a numbered list of every defect found in a new property before handover, with photos, exact locations and severity ratings. The developer uses it to fix the items before you accept the keys.
How long does it take to get the snagging report?
Standard delivery is within 24 hours of the inspection. Express delivery in 6–12 hours is available if your handover is close.
Can I send the report directly to my developer?
Yes. The PDF is designed to go to the developer's handover or customer care team as it is.
What if the developer refuses some items?
Ask for the refusal in writing with a reason. Our report gives the location, photo and severity for each item, which helps you follow up. For serious disputes, take technical or legal advice.
I already received my keys — is it too late?
No. Inspect as soon as possible and send the report within the defects liability period, so repairs remain the developer's responsibility.
Is the re-inspection included?
Yes. After the developer fixes the snags, we re-inspect free of charge and update the report to show what has been closed.
Book Your Snagging Inspection
Share your property type, community and handover date. A certified engineer will call you back to confirm the date and a fixed written price.
Mon–Sat, 24 hours · Office 1606, Empire Heights A, Business Bay, Dubai
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