Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common question we get here in Dubai, especially in areas like JVC where humidity can be a real challenge. From a technical standpoint, the presence of mold, like the black spots you're describing behind the wardrobe, is a symptom of an underlying moisture issue. The landlord's responsibility hinges on the source of that moisture.

Under the UAE's landlord-tenant law, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property that is free from structural defects. If the moisture is a result of a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a construction defect (like a leaking AC condensation line), then the repair and resultant mold remediation are unequivocally the landlord's responsibility. The persistent damp feeling you mention strongly suggests such a latent defect.

However, if the moisture is solely due to tenant-related activities (like inadequate ventilation during showers or drying clothes indoors) and the building's structure is sound, the tenant may be liable for the cleanup.

Crucially, you should NOT attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing significant mold growth without proper containment can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. The first step is to formally notify your landlord/property management in writing, detailing the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the origin without destructive investigation.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your rights under the tenancy contract and Dubai's rental laws. For a definitive assessment and expert remediation to UAE standards, our team can provide a full report. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection.