Who pays when water leaks into my Sharjah apartment from the unit upstairs?
Water is dripping through my bathroom ceiling in Sharjah from the apartment above. My landlord says to talk to the neighbour, and the neighbour says it's not their problem. Who should pay?
1 Answer
2 Oct 2026
The source of the leak usually determines who pays — often the upstairs unit, not you
When water comes through your ceiling from the apartment above, responsibility normally follows the cause. If it comes from the upstairs unit's own fittings, such as a failed shower tray seal, leaking toilet connection, or broken waterproofing in their bathroom, the owner of that unit is generally responsible for repairing the source and, in many cases, the damage it caused below. If the leak comes from a shared pipe or riser inside the wall or ceiling void, it usually falls to the building owner or management. As a tenant, your own landlord remains your first point of contact for repairs inside your apartment, even when another party ultimately bears the cost. This is general information, not legal advice.
What to do straight away
Report the leak to your landlord and building management in writing the same day, with photos and a short video of the dripping or staining, and keep a record of every message. Move belongings out of the way and, if water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off that circuit at the breaker. Ask building management to inspect the upstairs unit, since tenants generally cannot enter a neighbour's apartment to investigate themselves. A non-invasive leak detection survey, typically AED 400-1,200 (indicative only — actual costs vary), can pinpoint the source without breaking tiles and gives everyone clear evidence of where the problem lies. Repairing your own ceiling usually waits until the source upstairs is fixed.
If nobody takes responsibility
Keep putting requests in writing to your landlord, since your tenancy is with them and they are best placed to pursue the upstairs owner or building management. Record any damage to your belongings with dated photos, and check whether you have contents insurance that might cover it. Avoid withholding rent or arranging major repairs yourself without legal guidance. If the matter cannot be resolved directly, rental disputes in Sharjah are handled through the rental disputes committee at Sharjah Municipality, and a lawyer familiar with Sharjah rental law can advise on the right steps for your circumstances. If the leak is heavy or ongoing, ask building management to shut off the upstairs unit's water supply until the source is repaired, as this limits further damage to your ceiling and belongings.
Finding a Reliable Leak Detection Specialist in Sharjah
An independent leak detection report is often the fastest way to settle who is responsible. Post the job free on BidMyJob.ae to get quotes from leak detection and plumbing professionals in Sharjah.
— BidMyJob Advice Team | support@bidmyjob.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my landlord responsible for a leak coming from the apartment above?+
Your landlord is usually your first point of contact for repairs in your unit, even if the upstairs owner or building management is ultimately responsible for the cause. This is general information, not legal advice.
How much does leak detection cost in Sharjah?+
Non-invasive leak detection typically costs AED 400-1,200 depending on the size of the area and methods used (indicative only — actual costs vary).
Can I claim for damaged belongings from an upstairs leak?+
Possibly, from the party responsible for the leak or through your own contents insurance. Keep dated photos and receipts as evidence. This is general information, not legal advice.