Ceiling paint peeling in Dubai apartment: whose responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described – peeling and bubbling paint on the ceiling in JVC – this is almost certainly a sign of excess moisture accumulation. In the UAE's climate, the primary culprits are typically a leak from the apartment above (from an AC drain line, plumbing, or a balcony) or, very commonly, condensation forming on the underside of the concrete slab due to a lack of proper insulation (a phenomenon known as "cold bridging").

Regarding responsibility, this is a structural and maintenance issue. According to standard Dubai tenancy contracts and Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's main structure, including the roof and ceiling. The building management or Owners' Association is typically responsible for the common property and infrastructure between units, like main AC drainage lines.

Here are the proper steps to get this resolved:

1. Immediately notify your landlord and the building management/property company in writing, with clear photos. This creates a formal record and starts the clock on their obligation to respond.
2. Do not attempt to repaint it yourself. This will not solve the underlying moisture issue and could make you liable for covering up a serious problem.
3. The responsible party must engage a professional to conduct a proper inspection. This involves moisture mapping with a thermal camera and hygrometers to pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Guessing is not an option, as repairing the wrong thing is costly and ineffective.

For a precise diagnosis and a certified report that you can present to your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our team specializes in exactly this kind of forensic moisture investigation in Dubai properties.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can identify the source and provide the documentation needed to ensure the correct party performs the permanent repair.