Whose responsibility is a ceiling leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Good afternoon from Dubai. This is a very common issue we see, especially in buildings along the coast like Jumeirah. The brown, peeling patch is a classic sign of an active water leak, and your husband's suspicion about the upstairs AC unit is a strong possibility.

Here are the exact steps you need to take, based on UAE tenancy law:

1. Immediate Action: Your first contact must be your landlord or property management company. Under Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in Dubai, the landlord is legally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property, including the ceiling and roofing. You must notify them in writing (email is best for a paper trail) immediately. Delaying this could make you liable for further damage.

2. Professional Inspection: While you wait for the landlord's response, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. The brown colour indicates potential mould growth, which is a serious health hazard. A certified expert can use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source and extent of the leak and damage. This evidence is crucial.

3. Determining Responsibility: The landlord is responsible for fixing your ceiling. However, if the source is indeed the neighbour's AC drain pipe or condensation pan, the financial responsibility for the root cause may fall to them or their landlord. This is often negotiated between the two property owners, but your landlord must facilitate this. Do not approach the neighbour yourself.

For a definitive diagnosis and a detailed report you can present to your landlord, please call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537). We can document everything for you and even liaise with the property management on your behalf to get this resolved correctly.