Who is responsible for peeling paint: landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and the specifics of the Dubai rental market, the responsibility for peeling and bubbling paint on a ceiling almost always falls on the landlord, not the tenant.

This type of damage is a classic symptom of a building envelope or moisture issue, not tenant-caused wear and tear. In the humid climate of Dubai, especially in buildings like those in JVC, the primary culprit is often water vapor condensation within the concrete slab (efflorescence) or a small, hidden leak from an AC condensation drain line or pipe above. The paint fails because the substrate is compromised by moisture.

The landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing moisture intrusion and its resulting damage. Normal tenant "wear and tear" refers to superficial scuffs on walls or minor carpet fading, not systemic failures of the building fabric.

Your landlord's claim that it's "inside" and therefore your responsibility is incorrect. I strongly recommend you push back, citing these reasons. For your lease renewal, it's crucial to get this documented and resolved. The underlying moisture issue can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks.

We offer professional inspections to definitively identify the moisture source and provide a detailed report you can present to your landlord. This is often the key to getting them to fulfill their obligation. For a proper assessment, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.