Is landlord responsible for mold in rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for structural maintenance, which includes issues like a leaking roof or ceiling that lead to mold growth, falls squarely on the landlord. Since the mold in your Al Barsha villa closet is on the ceiling and has worsened with humidity, it's highly likely caused by an underlying moisture issue from a leak or inadequate insulation—both structural problems.

As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to reporting the issue in writing to the landlord or property management company immediately. Delaying this notification could potentially make you liable for exacerbated damages. Given your husband's allergy symptoms, this is a health and safety concern that requires urgent attention.

I strongly recommend you formally request a professional mold inspection. DIY assessments are insufficient as they miss hidden moisture sources and the true extent of contamination. A certified inspector will perform moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the root cause and scope, providing a report that can be used to ensure the landlord addresses it properly.

For a case like this, improper remediation can spread spores and worsen the problem. The landlord should hire a certified remediation company to safely contain the area, remove the mold, and rectify the moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.

For a professional inspection and a clear path forward, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.