Who is responsible for a ceiling leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai Municipality's Building Regulations and the Strata Law, the responsibility for a ceiling leak is typically determined by the source of the problem.

If the leak originates from a source within your own unit—such as an air conditioning condensate drain line, a kitchen appliance connection, or your own plumbing—then the responsibility for investigation and repair falls on you, the unit owner.

However, if the leak is coming from a common building element, the responsibility shifts to the building management. This includes leaks from the central chilled water system (district cooling), the main plumbing risers, the roof, or from the apartment above yours. Given your description of the leak being at the ceiling-wall junction in JLT, this is a very common symptom of a failed or blocked air conditioning drain pipe, which could be from your unit or a neighbor's.

The first step is to immediately notify your building management or Owners' Association in writing. They are obligated under Dubai Law No. (6) of 2019 to investigate. They will often send a technician to identify the source. For a proper assessment that documents the cause and extent of damage for insurance or liability purposes, a professional indoor environmental inspection is highly recommended. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact leak source and saturation levels without destructive investigation.

Don't let a small drip become a major mold issue. For a definitive inspection report, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.