Is landlord responsible for foul kitchen sink smell?« Back to Previous Page

The foul sewage smell from your kitchen sink is likely due to a dry or compromised P-trap, a blocked vent pipe, or a more serious breach in the building's waste line. Dubai's high humidity accelerates organic decay in pipes, and the year-round use of AC can create negative pressure that pulls sewer gases back into the apartment if the plumbing system isn't sealed properly.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and major systems, which includes the main plumbing infrastructure. Since this is a persistent issue that has developed over time and isn't resolved by simple drain cleaning, it falls under the landlord's obligation. You should formally notify them in writing, as they are required to address problems that affect the property's habitability.

For immediate action, ensure you run water into all floor drains and unused sinks weekly to keep their P-traps full. If the smell persists, a professional inspection with a borescope camera is needed to identify if the blockage or breakage is within your unit's pipes or the building's main stack. In many cases here, the issue is a blocked vent pipe on the roof, which is a building management responsibility. A diagnostic service can pinpoint the exact source, which is essential for determining who is financially responsible for the repair.