Who is responsible for fixing mold after a leak?« Back to Previous Page

The ceiling in our spare bedroom in Jumeirah has these black splotches that have been spreading since the heavy rains in March. We run the AC constantly, but there's still a strong damp smell in there that's giving me headaches. I've told my landlord, but he says it's our fault for not ventilating properly. Who is legally responsible for getting this cleaned and fixed, the tenant or the owner?
Posted by David White
Asked on April 2, 2026 8:20 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions, the legal responsibility for repairing damage caused by a leak, including resultant mold growth, typically falls on the property owner or landlord. This is because the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity of the building. The leak itself is a failure of the building's envelope or plumbing systems, which are the landlord's responsibility to maintain.

However, the situation can become complicated if the landlord can prove the tenant's negligence directly caused the issue. For example, if the tenant failed to report a minor leak in a timely manner, leading to significant damage, liability could be shared. In your case, the link to the heavy rains strongly indicates an external water ingress issue, such as a compromised roof or window seal, which is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to address. Their claim about ventilation is a common deflection; while daily living generates moisture, it does not cause the structural water intrusion that leads to widespread ceiling staining.

The persistent damp smell and your physical symptoms (headaches) are significant red flags indicating active microbial growth, which requires professional attention. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, running AC constantly can sometimes exacerbate problems if the unit is not properly sized or maintained, as it may cool surfaces like ceilings to the dew point, causing condensation that feeds mold from the reverse side.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and extent of contamination. This provides an objective, technical report that can be presented to the landlord to substantiate your claim. For a definitive assessment and to understand your legal standing, please contact our certified specialists. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation and detailed report.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 1:32 am