Who is responsible for mold in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). Generally, the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable premises and is responsible for rectifying issues related to the structural integrity of the building, including defects in waterproofing, plumbing, and the external building envelope that lead to moisture intrusion.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle, with mold at the shower-ceiling junction, is a common consequence of the Dubai climate. Year-round AC use creates significant temperature differentials, and the high humidity, especially during summer months, leads to massive condensation issues if ventilation is inadequate. The landlord is typically responsible if the root cause is a lack of or faulty exhaust ventilation, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate waterproofing behind the tiles.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property through daily practices that mitigate moisture, such as running the bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers and wiping down wet surfaces. If the mold growth is deemed to be a result of tenant negligence (e.g., never using the ventilation), liability could shift.

Given the spread you've described, a professional inspection is critical to determine the exact moisture source and extent. Surface cleaning alone is insufficient if there is hidden moisture within the ceiling void or walls. We strongly recommend contacting our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the root cause and provide a legally defensible report, which is essential for discussions with your landlord. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.