Q: The building we live in has no water meter. The connection is direct from the underground water pipe which is unlawful. The tenants have requested that the landlord rectify it on many occassions but to no avail. The Metro is laying new water pipes and soon the old pipes will be disconnected.
1. Is the above unlawful?
2. Should the water be cut, what is the responsibility of the landlord towards the tenants?
A. It is the responsibility of the landlord to provide the tenants with water, so this demand should be made from the landlord. We suggest that all the tenants apply pressure on the landlord to rectify the situation before it gets worse. Should the water supply be cut, it will be the landlord’s duty to restore the connection. The current situation is not unlawful but will later on lead to serious complications, therefore the above advice.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Aadil Moosagie
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai