Cancún, Quintana Roo — More than half of homes in Quintana Roo suffer from moisture or leaks, according to the National Housing Survey by INEGI, the national statistics agency. The survey found that 56.5% of households report dampness or filtration in foundations, walls, or roofs, while 10% have problems with drinking water or drainage pipes.
The figures place Quintana Roo among the five Mexican states with the highest incidence of moisture damage, behind Chiapas (58.3%), Campeche (64.1%), Yucatán (77.2%), and Tabasco (85%). Nationally, 44.2% of homes — 15.58 million — experience such damage, which deteriorates building structures and affects livability.
In Cancún, residents of neighborhoods including Villas Otoch Paraíso, Paseos del Mar, Los Héroes, Privadas Sacbé, Paraíso Maya, Corales, and parts of regions 251 and 107 said moisture, leaks, cracks, and water seepage are recurring problems, especially during the rainy season.
Clara Hernández, a resident of Villas Otoch Paraíso, said water runoff on walls, excessive humidity, and foul odors are common at this time of year, whether due to construction defects or internal leaks.
In Paraíso Maya, Eliseo Juárez said drinking water leaks from building pipes have persisted for at least a year. He said the issue has been reported to the city council and Aguakan, the local water utility, without resolution.
One of the most severe cases is in the Corales development in Region 77, where more than six buildings show structural deterioration. Francisco de Dios, a resident since 1998, said neighbors pool money to repair a damaged staircase that poses a risk, though not everyone contributes to maintenance. Alejo García attributed part of the problem to a lack of cooperation among residents in keeping common areas in good condition.
Regarding plumbing and sanitation, the INEGI survey found that 7.9% of homes nationwide have faulty drinking water or drainage pipes. In Quintana Roo, the rate is 10%, placing it among the five highest states, behind Tabasco (14%), Campeche (13.3%), Yucatán (11.8%), and Baja California (10.7%).
