Is landlord responsible for storm flood damage in apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the main building components falls squarely on the landlord. This includes damage to the building's structure, common areas, and essential systems that were not caused by the tenant's negligence.

In your case, the storm flood is an external event beyond your control, and the resulting damage to the baseboards and the AC system (which services the entire building) is likely the landlord's obligation to rectify. The carpets are a grey area; if they were provided as part of the furnished apartment, the landlord is typically responsible for their replacement due to such an event. The emerging mold smell from the AC vents is a serious indoor air quality issue that indicates microbial growth within the ductwork, a central system that is definitively the landlord's responsibility to remediate.

Your landlord's assertion is incorrect for the structural and systemic damage. I strongly recommend you formally notify the landlord and building management in writing, citing the law, and demand a professional inspection. Do not delay—mold proliferation in the UAE's climate accelerates rapidly and poses health risks.

For a definitive assessment and detailed report to present to your landlord, you need a professional environmental inspection. We can document the moisture levels, microbial contamination, and specify the exact remediation protocol required.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment. This is not something to wait on.