Should I clean water stains or remind landlord?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed water stains starting to appear on the ceiling of my bedroom, which is directly above a bathroom. The landlord mentioned he does regular cleaning but it’s been almost six months since his last visit and I’m not sure if I should remind him or clean it myself. Should I address this during my next meeting with the property manager, or is it something that falls under my responsibilities as a tenant?
Posted by Varun Joshi
Asked on December 22, 2025 12:58 am
0
Absolutely, it's wise to address the water stains. In Dubai and UAE generally, tenant responsibilities can vary depending on the lease agreement, but usually, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of your home, including fixing leaks or issues that could lead to water damage. However, as a tenant, you do have some oversight role in ensuring proper maintenance.

Firstly, it’s important to document what you're seeing by taking photos and noting down the date. This can be crucial if you need to refer back later on. If the landlord has already stated they perform regular cleaning but no action has been taken for nearly half a year, it might indeed be time to remind them.

Now, whether you should clean up yourself or wait for professional intervention depends on your situation and comfort level. For minor water stains, using a damp cloth with mild soap can often help remove the marks without causing further damage. Just ensure that the area is thoroughly dried afterward to prevent any mold growth. Remember, if the ceiling is visibly damaged, or if you suspect there might be a more serious issue like structural damage or extensive mold growth, it’s crucial to call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert inspection.

It's also wise to bring this matter up during your next meeting with the property manager. You could say something along these lines: "I noticed some water stains on my bedroom ceiling and wanted to check if you've had a chance to address it yet. If not, I can clean it myself as per your maintenance schedule but just wanted to make sure we're both on the same page."

Regular communication with landlords is key to maintaining a good relationship and ensuring issues are resolved in a timely manner. Just keep an open line of dialogue and remember that while you have responsibilities, they typically don’t extend to making major repairs unless specifically outlined in your lease agreement.

Lastly, if the landlord doesn't act or dismisses your concerns, it might be worth consulting with legal advice to understand your rights as a tenant in Dubai/UAE.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 24, 2025 8:31 am