Is landlord responsible for mold from unrepaired leak?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai's rental sector, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the cause of the moisture. Under the provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing the source of the moisture, which in your case is the unrepaired leak in the wall that you have already reported. The landlord is therefore responsible for repairing that leak, which is a structural defect.

However, the responsibility for the resulting mold growth can become more nuanced. While the landlord must fix the source, the cleanup of the mold itself may fall to the tenant if it is deemed a result of inadequate ventilation or tenant lifestyle. Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, which can lead to condensation if not managed properly, landlords often argue this point. Crucially, because you have documented the pre-existing leak and notified the landlord months ago, their failure to act strengthens your position that the mold is a direct result of their negligence.

For a case like this, with health symptoms (coughing children) and visible growth, a professional inspection is critical. We at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to definitively link the mold to the leak, creating a technical report that can be used to formally obligate the landlord to handle both the repair and the complete remediation. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate health issues.

For immediate assistance and a legally defensible inspection report, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.