Who fixes wall dampness: tenant or landlord in UAE?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for fixing wall dampness hinges entirely on the root cause.

If the dampness is due to your lifestyle as a tenant – such as insufficient ventilation leading to excessive condensation, internal water leaks from an appliance you installed, or damage you caused – then you are financially responsible for the repairs. Landlords often point to condensation in Dubai, especially during the cooler months when windows are kept closed and internal humidity from cooking/showers condenses on cold walls.

However, if the damp patch is a result of a structural defect, like a leaking pipe within the wall, a failure in the building's waterproofing membrane, or cracks in the exterior facade (a common issue here with thermal expansion), then the obligation falls squarely on the landlord to rectify it. The law mandates that the landlord must deliver and maintain the property in a habitable condition.

Given your description of a "slowly growing" patch behind furniture on an exterior wall in Jumeirah Village Triangle, a hidden leak is a strong possibility. You cannot determine this yourself. The only way to resolve this dispute and correctly assign liability is with a professional indoor environmental quality inspection. We use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes to definitively identify the source.

Don't let the issue worsen. For a certified assessment, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that are legally recognized for tenancy dispute cases.