Is my landlord responsible for mold on my wall?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common issue we see, especially in Al Barsha apartments. The short answer is: it depends entirely on the root cause, and determining that is the critical first step.

According to Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for fixing issues related to the main construction, such as leaks from external walls, rising damp from the foundation, or faults in the central AC system that cause excess moisture. If the dampness on your wall is due to a leaking pipe inside the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty waterproofing on the exterior, the repair obligation falls squarely on the landlord.

However, tenant responsibilities (as per your tenancy contract) typically include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a huge problem here with our high humidity. If the mold is solely due to lifestyle factors—like drying clothes indoors, lack of AC use, or furniture placed tightly against walls preventing air circulation—then remediation and purchasing a dehumidifier would be your responsibility.

Given that it appeared suddenly with the humidity spike, a professional inspection is absolutely recommended to identify the source. It could be a combination of a minor leak and condensation. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause, which determines liability. Attempting to clean it without fixing the source is a temporary fix at best.

For a definitive diagnosis, I strongly advise you call in a specialist. Our team can provide a detailed assessment report you can present to your landlord if needed. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.