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My bedroom’s ceiling has a large brown water stain that appeared after the heavy rain a couple of weeks ago, and now the paint is starting to bubble and peel. I've been in this JVC apartment for three years, and I’m not sure if this is something my landlord needs to fix or if it falls under my maintenance responsibilities as the tenant. What are the specific steps I need to take to get this repaired, and who is legally responsible for the cost?
Posted by Sandra White
Asked on March 16, 2026 10:09 pm
Based on UAE Civil Code and Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating landlord-tenant relationships in Dubai, structural repairs to the building, including the ceiling, are unequivocally the landlord's legal responsibility. This is especially true for water ingress resulting from external elements like heavy rain, which constitutes a structural or building envelope defect.

Your immediate steps are critical. First, document everything with clear time-stamped photos and videos of the stain, bubbling, and peeling paint. This is your primary evidence. Second, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and including your evidence. Under Dubai rental law, they are obligated to address this in a timely manner to maintain the property's habitability.

Crucially, do not attempt to repair this yourself. The visible damage is a symptom. The underlying cause—a leak in the roof or slab above—must be identified and permanently fixed by a professional to prevent mold growth, which is a serious health hazard in our humid climate. A simple paint job will only mask the problem, leading to recurring issues and potential structural compromise.

For a definitive assessment of the leak source and any resultant mold contamination, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts can provide a detailed report, which can be used to ensure your landlord completes the repairs to the proper standard.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection and protect your indoor air quality.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 12:45 am