Should I address ceiling leak or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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After the heavy rain we had last month, I noticed water seeping through the ceiling in my bedroom. It’s only a small area, but it’s causing some discoloration on the walls. My landlord hasn’t said anything about it yet, and I’m not sure if it's something I should address myself or if it falls under his maintenance responsibilities. Could anyone advise on what steps I should take?
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Absolutely, you should address the ceiling leak, but first, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Dubai. The UAE has strict regulations regarding maintenance issues such as this one.
In Dubai, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and any major repairs that are not caused by your actions or negligence. However, smaller issues like water seepage from a ceiling can sometimes be a result of minor faults in plumbing or sealing materials which might need attention. Therefore, it's wise to contact both your landlord and an independent professional for an assessment. Given the recent heavy rains we've had, such leaks are not uncommon, but they should still be taken seriously to prevent further damage. It’s recommended that you schedule a professional inspection from a company like Saniservice who can provide a detailed report on the extent of the damage and necessary remedial actions. This will also help in understanding if this issue is just a one-off case or part of a larger problem. To start, though, consider documenting any visible signs of damage with photos for your records. Keep an eye on whether the discoloration spreads or worsens over time and note down when you first noticed the leak. This documentation can be useful should negotiations with your landlord become necessary. If you find that your landlord is unresponsive, it may be prudent to contact a real estate agent or legal advisor familiar with tenant rights in Dubai for guidance on how to proceed. They might also recommend calling the relevant authorities like Dubai Municipality’s Tenant Helpline (800 MOLDS) for assistance if needed. In the meantime, to prevent further damage and keep your living environment healthy, make sure you don’t touch or clean the affected area until a professional can properly assess it. This is crucial because improper cleaning could spread mold spores around your home. Lastly, while addressing the leak with your landlord, consider discussing any future preventative measures that might be needed to prevent similar issues in the future. Regular maintenance checks by professionals can go a long way in ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment for you and your family. |
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