Who fixes a damp wall in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai's rental laws, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the responsibility for structural repairs, including those caused by external leaks, falls squarely on the landlord. This is a very common point of contention.

The key distinction is between minor maintenance, which is the tenant's responsibility, and major structural repairs. A persistent damp patch on an external wall strongly indicates a failure in the building's waterproofing or a leak from a central pipe, both of which are structural and the landlord's legal obligation to rectify. His claim that it's "your problem" is incorrect for this type of issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), citing the issue and referencing your right to a habitable property under Dubai's tenancy laws. If he remains uncooperative, you should escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They are the authoritative body for resolving such landlord-tenant disagreements and will enforce the municipal guidelines.

However, before you escalate, it is crucial to get a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. This provides documented evidence for your case. A damp patch can be from condensation (sometimes a tenant issue) or a major leak (always a landlord issue). Only a certified inspection can determine the cause and extent.

For a proper assessment and detailed report you can present to your landlord or the RDC, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can identify the exact source and provide the documentation you need to get this resolved correctly.