Ceiling leak in apartment: landlord or building responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the main building components—including the roof, ceilings, and external walls—falls squarely on the property owner (your landlord).

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue with photos and the date it appeared after the rain. They are legally obligated to address this. Simultaneously, inform the building management, as the source could be a common area like the roof or a leak from the apartment above; they need to coordinate the investigation.

The landlord is financially responsible for repairing the interior damage to your ceiling (plaster, painting). However, if the leak's source is a common area or failure of the building's infrastructure, the building management is responsible for fixing that root cause, often funded through the building's service charges.

Given the persistent water stain, this is not superficial. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and extent of damage. Hidden moisture can lead to structural compromise and significant mold growth within the ceiling cavity, a serious health hazard. Do not just patch over it.

For a certified assessment and remediation plan, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the detailed report you may need to escalate the issue with your landlord or building management.