Is landlord responsible for mold removal cost as tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for remedying structural defects and issues related to the property's main systems, which includes problems with the building envelope that cause persistent dampness and mold. Your situation in Jumeirah, with mold growth on the wall, strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue like a hidden pipe leak, rising damp, or inadequate waterproofing. These are generally the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair.

As a tenant, your responsibility is typically to maintain the property's cleanliness and report issues promptly, which you have done. The persistent high humidity exacerbates the problem, but the root cause is likely structural. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the mold and a description of the health symptoms. Request a professional inspection to identify and fix the moisture source.

For immediate relief, improve ventilation in the room by running exhaust fans and a dehumidifier if possible. Do not attempt to remove extensive mold yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores. A professional assessment with lab testing can identify the mold species and confirm the moisture source, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.