Should I fix ceiling water damage or tell my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and your tenancy contract, water damage originating from the building's common structure, like the roof or external walls, is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Given that the damage manifested after the heavy rain and is located above a window—a common penetration point—this is almost certainly a building envelope issue.

Your immediate step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and including clear photographs of the stained and cracking ceiling. They are obligated to address the source of the leak to prevent further damage to their asset and to ensure your right to a habitable property. Do not attempt to repair it yourself, as this could void your tenancy terms and mask the root cause, leading to more severe hidden problems like structural rot or mold growth behind the ceiling board.

Once the leak is fixed by the landlord, the internal cosmetic repair of the ceiling is also their duty. However, before simply repainting, the affected area must be properly assessed. The cracking and flaking indicate potential moisture retention, which creates a perfect environment for mould. A professional inspection is highly recommended to check for mould contamination within the ceiling cavity, which poses a health risk and requires specialized hygienization to remediate.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference RERA regulations. For a professional assessment of the water damage and any resultant mould, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.