Who is responsible for water damage repair in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common point of contention here in Dubai following the recent extreme weather event. As a specialist in post-flood remediation, I can provide some clarity on the typical division of responsibility.

In the UAE, the responsibility for repairs is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract, as per Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai (amended by Law No. 33 of 2008). The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property for the purpose of habitation. This includes the main structure of the building: the walls, foundations, roofing, and central AC systems. Water ingress due to structural failures, like a leaking roof or faulty main plumbing lines, is unequivocally the landlord's obligation to repair.

However, the grey area often lies with "acts of God" or force majeure events like unprecedented heavy rain. While the flood wasn't your fault, the landlord may argue that the damage is due to an external event beyond their control. The counter-argument is that the property's ability to withstand such events—its watertight integrity—is a structural issue and thus their responsibility. The visible stain creeping up the wall is a major red flag; this suggests capillary action, meaning moisture is wicking up through the concrete blockwork, which is a serious structural dampness issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord and the building management in writing, detailing the damage and requesting immediate action to prevent mold growth, which becomes a health hazard. Do not attempt to dry it yourself; improper drying seals moisture in, guaranteeing mold inside the walls.

Given the description of a damp carpet and rising damp on the wall, this requires professional assessment immediately. The landlord may be liable for the remediation costs if it's deemed a structural issue. We strongly recommend a certified inspection to determine the moisture content within the wall and subfloor to define the full extent and source of the damage.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your health from mold exposure, call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed technical report that can be used to formally demonstrate the landlord's responsibility to rectify the situation.