Does landlord handle kitchen ceiling dampness?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent dampness in the kitchen that doesn’t seem to go away, even with regular ventilation. The ceiling near the refrigerator has some discoloration, which I’m worried might be mold. Given that this is a rental and we’ve been here for two years now, should I be responsible for cleaning this area or does it fall under maintenance?
Posted by Tomasz Martin
Asked on January 8, 2026 9:57 am
0
Hi there,

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, landlords generally have the responsibility to maintain and ensure the proper functionality of rental properties. This includes addressing issues like dampness and mold growth that can arise due to various factors such as water leaks or poor ventilation.

The kitchen ceiling you're mentioning is a critical area where moisture can lead to significant problems if not properly managed. Persistent dampness could indeed indicate a more serious issue, possibly related to a leak from above, improper plumbing, or inadequate waterproofing materials used during construction.

Given that there's discoloration and the dampness persists despite regular ventilation, it would be prudent for you to inform your landlord about this situation immediately. It’s important to document any issues by taking photos and noting the exact date of observation. This will help establish a timeline which can be useful when making claims or requests.

In Dubai, according to Building and Construction Authority (BUA) regulations, landlords are obligated to ensure that the premises are in good condition at the time of tenancy agreement and must maintain them during the term. If you have reasonable cause to believe that this issue arose due to faulty workmanship or a defect in the property, your landlord should take care of it.

However, if the dampness is attributed to actions not under their control (like heavy rain or user negligence), then they might argue for a different course of action. In such cases, you can still request them to address the issue as part of routine maintenance.

If the situation escalates and you feel the landlord isn’t acting fast enough, you may consider seeking advice from a professional environmental inspector who can assess the condition of your property and provide recommendations. They could also help determine if there's a need for remediation work beyond what regular cleaning might accomplish.

For professional assistance in managing mold issues or other indoor air quality concerns, don't hesitate to contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email them at hello@saniservice.com. They can offer expert guidance and services tailored to the local climate and building conditions.

Remember, maintaining good communication with your landlord is key in such situations. Stay proactive and document all interactions for clarity and future reference.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 12, 2026 8:17 pm