Who is responsible for recurring mold in my rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Your recurring mold issue is a classic Dubai problem, often stemming from a structural moisture source. Legally, responsibility depends on the cause, as outlined in Dubai Rental Law.

The landlord is responsible for fixing the root cause if it's a structural defect, like a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation causing condensation within the building envelope. The persistent dampness you describe, especially following a weather event, strongly suggests such an underlying issue. The tenant is typically responsible for mold caused by internal lifestyle factors, like not using the AC sufficiently to manage humidity or blocking ventilation. However, your case—occurring behind furniture against an external wall—points to a building-related condensation problem.

You should formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the recurring mold, detailing its location and persistence. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source; a surface wipe won't solve it. They may need to use a moisture meter to check the wall. For your health, consider a professional air or surface sample to identify the mold type, as some species common in damp buildings require more careful remediation. In Dubai's climate, maintaining your AC at 22-24°C can help manage indoor humidity as a temporary measure, but the landlord must address the structural cause to prevent its return.