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

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord if the mold is due to a structural defect, like a hidden water leak from plumbing, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty waterproofing. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation issues from poor insulation are also a common building-related cause. However, the tenant is responsible if the cause is their own action (or inaction), such as failing to use the AC for humidity control, not reporting a leak immediately, or creating excessive indoor moisture without ventilation.

Your situation in Discovery Gardens points to a classic dispute. Simply wiping it is insufficient; the moisture source must be identified. Since the mold is behind a fixed wardrobe on an external wall, a hidden condensation or seepage issue is highly plausible. Document everything with dated photos showing the spread and your communication with the landlord.

Legally, you should formally request in writing that the landlord investigate the root cause. They are obligated to address issues affecting the property's habitability. If they refuse, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is key. An independent assessment can identify the moisture source and provide a report stating whether the cause is structural or behavioral, which is the evidence needed to determine liability for remediation costs.