Vietnam Commercial Maintenance Obligations: Landlord and Tenant Duties
Guide to maintenance obligations for commercial properties in Vietnam including responsibility allocation by lease type, CAM charges, and reinstatement.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Maintenance obligations in commercial leases in Vietnam are primarily governed by the Law on Real Estate Business 2023 (effective 1 August 2024) and the Civil Code 2015 (effective 1 January 2017). Responsibilities are largely determined by the contractual agreement between parties. Depending on the lease structure (Gross, Net, or NNN), maintenance responsibilities can vary significantly.
Responsibilities by Lease Structure
Landlord Obligations
Structural Maintenance (Typical)
- Foundation, columns, beams, load-bearing floors
- Roofing and waterproofing
- Building facade and exterior walls
- Common fire safety systems
Common Area Maintenance (CAM)
CAM fees typically cover:
- Cleaning and security
- Elevator maintenance
- Common area lighting
- Landscaping and grounds
Tenant Obligations
Interior and Fit-Out
- Installation and maintenance of tenant improvements
- Repair of tenant-caused damage
- Maintaining the premises in good condition
Reinstatement At lease end, tenants typically must:
- Remove added improvements and fixtures
- Restore the premises to original condition (reinstatement)
- Repair damage beyond normal wear and tear
Best Practices
- Detailed contracts — Define all maintenance responsibilities clearly
- Condition survey — Document baseline condition at lease start
- Preventive maintenance schedule — Plan regular servicing
- Maintenance reserve — Budget for unexpected repairs
- Qualified contractors — Use reputable service providers
Back to Vietnam Commercial Property Overview.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Vietnam?
Vietnam\'s residential rental sector is governed by the Housing Law 2023 (effective Jan 1, 2025) and the Civil Code 2015. 2026 marks a period of strict enforcement for fire safety standards across multi-unit dwellings. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
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The eviction process in Vietnam requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order. Self-help evictions are generally prohibited.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase limits and caps in Vietnam?
Vietnam has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. These rules may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. Landlords must comply with all applicable regulations when raising rent on existing tenancies.
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Vietnam has rules governing how much landlords can charge as a security deposit, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all statutory deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Vietnam?
Lease agreements in Vietnam must comply with applicable national and local laws. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation. Written leases may be required for certain tenancy types or durations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the landlord maintenance and repair obligations in Vietnam?
Landlords in Vietnam are generally required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, keeping the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services in proper working order. The specific allocation of maintenance responsibilities between landlord and tenant should be clearly documented in the lease agreement.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee and penalty rules for rental properties in Vietnam?
Vietnam has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on late fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Late fee provisions should be clearly stated in the lease agreement and must comply with local regulations to be enforceable.
Read the complete guide▶What property disclosures are landlords required to make in Vietnam?
Landlords in Vietnam must disclose relevant information about the property to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures typically include known material defects, environmental hazards, previous damage history, and any conditions that could affect the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property.
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