Who is responsible for ceiling leak repairs after a storm?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for all structural repairs and maintenance of the property, including the main building envelope like the roof and ceilings. This is a core part of providing a habitable dwelling.

Your situation is a classic post-flood scenario. The key factor is the source of the leak. If the water ingress is from the building's roof or external structure due to storm damage, the repair obligation falls squarely on the landlord. The fact that it appeared after the historic rainfall strongly indicates this is the case. Internal AC condensate drain line leaks are typically a tenant responsibility, but a storm-induced ceiling leak is a structural issue.

However, the bubbling paint is a major red flag for hidden mold growth within the ceiling cavity. Mold remediation is a specialized process that goes far beyond a simple paint job and requires professional assessment and containment to prevent cross-contamination.

My urgent recommendation is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and the suspected mold, citing the storm as the cause. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For a definitive assessment of the leak source and the extent of potential mold contamination, a professional inspection is critical. We can provide a detailed moisture mapping and indoor air quality report to determine liability and the required scope of remedial works.

For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.