Who is responsible for flood damage repairs, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and standard tenancy contract provisions, the responsibility for these repairs generally falls on the landlord.

The core principle is maintenance of the property's fundamental structure. Since the floodwater originated in the common area parking garage and infiltrated through the building's external walls and foundations, this constitutes a structural and external penetration issue. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure, including the integrity of walls, to ensure it is habitable. The damp patches and peeling paint you describe are a direct symptom of this structural moisture intrusion, not due to any internal leak or negligence on your part as a tenant.

Your first step should be to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, clearly stating the water ingress is from the external structure. They are typically responsible for remedying the source of the water and repairing the resultant damage to the building fabric.

However, it is critical to understand that the visible damage is likely just the surface issue. The saturated walls will harbor significant moisture, creating a high risk for mold (mildew) growth within the cavity, which poses a serious indoor air quality and health hazard. Simple repainting will only trap the moisture and mold, leading to a much bigger problem later.

For a situation of this magnitude, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and thermal imaging, to determine the full extent of the saturation and any hidden mold growth. This provides an authoritative report you can present to the landlord, outlining the necessary remediation steps. Don't delay, as mold can develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.