Who is responsible for storm water damage repair, owner or building?« Back to Previous Page
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Our building in Jumeirah Village Circle got hit pretty bad during the storms last month. Water seeped in under the living room window and the wall behind it is still damp and the paint is starting to bubble and peel. I’ve reported it to the landlord, but they’re saying it's the building management's fault, and the building management isn't returning my calls. Who is actually responsible for repairing this water damage and making sure there’s no mold, me, the owner, or the building?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code and the strata laws common in Dubai, the responsibility for structural repairs like this typically falls on the building management or the Owners' Association. The external wall, window frame, and sealing are part of the building's common property, which the building management is legally obligated to maintain.
However, your landlord is still your primary point of contact. They have a responsibility to provide you with a habitable property and are the one who must formally liaise with and pressure the building management company to act. The fact that the wall is still damp is a major concern, as microbial growth (mold) can begin within 24-48 hours of water intrusion and is a significant health hazard. Given the delay and the visible damage, you need a professional indoor environmental quality inspection immediately. We can document the moisture levels within the wall cavity (using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters), assess the current microbial contamination, and provide a formal report. This report is crucial evidence for your landlord and building management, outlining the exact cause, extent of damage, and the required remediation protocol to prevent structural decay and protect your health. Do not wait for them to stop blaming each other. The longer the moisture remains, the more extensive and expensive the repairs will become. For a certified assessment and to get that official report, call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We deal with these post-flood jurisdictional disputes all the time here in Dubai. |
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