Who is responsible for shared wall leaks?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, responsibilities for maintenance and repairs can sometimes be ambiguous. When it comes to shared walls and water seepage issues such as yours, it's crucial to understand your rights and obligations under local laws.

The building code of Dubai (DLD) and the Property Law 20 of 1974 provide guidelines on property maintenance. According to these regulations, the landlord is generally responsible for exterior walls and common areas. However, in cases where a leak or water ingress occurs from a shared wall area, it's essential to first establish if the issue lies within the building's structure itself or is due to plumbing or other internal systems.

If you suspect that the water seepage is related to a pipe burst or similar internal issue, your landlord might be responsible. Nonetheless, if the problem seems to stem from the shared wall's structural integrity, it could fall under their maintenance responsibilities as well. It’s important to document any incidents and maintain communication with them regarding such issues.

For practical steps in addressing this situation:
1. Document everything: Take photos or videos of the leak area before attempting any temporary repairs.
2. Communicate formally: Send a formal notice to your landlord outlining the issue, including dates and times when you noticed it, as well as the extent of water damage if any.
3. Consider professional inspection: If no action is taken by your landlord, consider having an independent building inspector or environmental consultant examine the area for a detailed analysis. This can help in determining the root cause and who should cover the repair costs.

In Dubai, Saniservice.com (call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com) offers professional inspection services that could be helpful here. They specialize in identifying moisture intrusion issues which are common after rain events like yours.

If after all these steps your landlord does not respond satisfactorily, you might want to escalate the issue through local authorities or seek legal advice to protect your rights as a tenant.

Remember, proactive communication and documentation can help resolve such issues more effectively.