Is my Fujairah landlord responsible for cleaning up pigeon or bird mess on a rented villa's roof?
Pigeons have taken over my rented villa's roof in Fujairah and it's a mess — is cleaning this up my landlord's responsibility or mine?
1 Answer
23 Aug 2026
Pigeon-related roof maintenance in a Fujairah rental generally falls to the landlord as a structural upkeep matter
Roof and exterior maintenance of a rented property, including addressing pest or bird infestations that affect the building's condition, is typically the landlord's responsibility under standard UAE tenancy practice, since this relates to the structure itself rather than something within the tenant's day-to-day control. A bird infestation isn't something a tenant caused or can reasonably be expected to resolve on their own. Staying calm and factual in your written communication tends to get a more constructive response than an emotionally charged message.
What to do about it
Report the issue to your landlord in writing, describing the extent of the problem and any health or hygiene concerns it's creating, such as mess accumulating near AC units or entrances. If the issue affects the AC system's performance or creates a genuine hygiene concern, mention this specifically, since it strengthens the case for prompt landlord action. Photos documenting the extent of the mess and any affected areas support your request if follow-up is needed. If the mess has been building up for a long time without any landlord response, it's worth noting the duration clearly in your written report, since this strengthens your position if the matter needs to be escalated.
What to watch out for
If the landlord is slow to respond, follow up in writing with a reasonable timeline, and keep a record of all correspondence in case the matter needs to be escalated. This is general guidance, not legal advice — if the landlord disputes responsibility or the situation drags on, a tenancy advisor can clarify how this particular kind of maintenance issue is typically handled under your specific contract's terms. Avoid arranging and paying for pigeon-proofing yourself without first raising it with the landlord, since you may not be reimbursed. Comparing notes with neighbours facing a similar bird problem, if applicable, can also help establish whether this is a wider building or area issue rather than something isolated to your specific villa.
Finding a Reliable Pest Control Professional in Fujairah
Whether the cost ultimately falls to you or the landlord, getting a clear quote for pigeon-proofing work is a useful first step either way. Post the job free on BidMyJob.ae to get quotes from pest control professionals working in Fujairah. Most maintenance issues like this are resolved without major conflict once clearly documented and communicated.
— BidMyJob Advice Team | support@bidmyjob.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bird mess considered a maintenance issue or a cleaning issue?+
It's generally treated as a maintenance and pest control matter given the underlying cause, rather than routine cleaning, which is why it typically falls to the landlord rather than the tenant's normal upkeep responsibilities.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores the pigeon problem?+
This carries real risk without legal guidance first, since doing so incorrectly could be treated as a breach of your own tenancy terms — it's safer to document the issue and escalate formally if needed.
Does pigeon mess on the roof affect AC performance?+
Yes, if droppings and debris accumulate around outdoor AC condenser units, it can restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency, which is worth mentioning specifically when reporting the issue to your landlord.