Who is responsible for flood damage in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract procedures, the liability for flood damage repair in a rental property is generally determined by the source of the water.

If the flood was caused by a structural or building-wide failure—such as a burst main pipe, a leaking central AC unit, or damage to the building's exterior from the storm—then the responsibility for all repairs falls squarely on the landlord. This is considered a failure to provide a habitable property as per the lease agreement.

However, if the floodwater entered purely due to an act of nature (an "act of god") like the recent record rainfall, the situation becomes more nuanced. The landlord is responsible for restoring the structural integrity of the property, including fixing walls, floors, and electrical systems. But, the tenant is typically responsible for the contents and, crucially, the subsequent damage from the water, such as the soaked carpet and the resulting mold growth, especially if it's determined that the tenant did not take immediate and reasonable steps to mitigate the damage (like reporting it immediately and removing saturated items).

The strong damp smell you describe is a major red flag for active microbial growth. This is a serious health hazard and requires professional remediation. We strongly recommend you insist on a professional indoor environmental quality inspection to properly assess the moisture levels in the slab and walls, which a simple carpet cleaning will not fix. The landlord may be liable for the underlying damage that caused this, but you need the expert report to prove it.

For a definitive assessment of liability and to handle the hazardous hygienization process, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the damage and provide the technical report you may need for any dispute.