Is dampness and mold the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai's rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and essential services of the property. This includes addressing issues with the building envelope, faulty or inadequate AC systems, and leaks from internal plumbing or the exterior that lead to dampness and mold growth. The presence of mold on the wardrobe, a structural element, strongly suggests an underlying issue they are obligated to rectify.

However, the extreme humidity in the UAE, especially in coastal areas like Marina, can be exacerbated by tenant behavior. Activities like drying clothes indoors, insufficient use of the AC, or blocking airflow can contribute significantly to high relative humidity levels inside. If the AC is not running consistently or is set at a high temperature (e.g., above 23°C), it will not effectively dehumidify the space.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including photos of the mold. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the source—whether it's a leak, an underperforming AC unit, or insufficient ventilation. Simply buying a dehumidifier is a temporary mitigation measure that doesn't solve the root cause, which is their legal responsibility to fix.

For a comprehensive assessment to determine liability and the correct remediation protocol, it's best to get a professional opinion. Our certified experts can identify the moisture source and provide a detailed report.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.