Landlords neglect old Sharjah buildings

Sharjah: Tenants living in run-down buildings that are more than 20 years old have urged the municipality to conduct inspections and to take strict action against landlords who refuse to perform maintenance on the buildings.

"I'm scared to file a complaint with Sharjah Municipality because I'm afraid that the landlord will get upset with me and cause problems. I know that the landlord can get nasty and become prejudiced against me," said a worried tenant who wished to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions from his landlord.

Residents living in old buildings on King Faisal Street said the common problem they face is water leaking from the pipes, which then finds its way to the electrical switches of the neighbours living below.

"When we have a small problem we have to get the maintenance done through our own resources. But when something like a broken water pipe happens, it is the responsibility of the landlord to get it fixed," said Ali K, noting that the landlord is never willing to help them because of the building's age.

Y. A. has been living in a 20-year-old building for the past seven years and has to suffer every year when the rain leaks through his ceiling. "I live below the terrace and it is extremely annoying that every time it rains, the water leaks through the roof," he explained.

He said that he has informed the landlord about the issue on several occasions, but has not been provided with a solution. "The ceiling got painted and that was it. The problem has not been solved, and I do not want to suffer again when the rain comes again this year," he lamented.